Job Title: Senior Human-Centered Design (HCD) Strategist
Location: Hybrid – Baltimore, Maryland
Duration: Long-Term Opportunity
Job Overview
The Client is seeking a Senior Human-Centered Design (HCD) Strategist to support an outcome-focused pilot team. This role will drive human-centered design practices across eligibility, enrollment, and renewal processes while collaborating with cross-functional teams including policy, operations, and IT.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead human-centered design initiatives across eligibility, enrollment, and renewal lifecycle
- Analyze current user journeys and design improved service experiences
- Conduct qualitative research with beneficiaries and frontline staff to identify pain points
- Translate insights into journey maps, service blueprints, prototypes, and design recommendations
- Ensure usability, accessibility (Section 508 & WCAG), inclusion, and equity across all solutions
- Contribute to and apply design system standards for consistent user experience
- Facilitate collaboration across program teams, IT, leadership, and stakeholders
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership in clear, actionable formats
- Ensure compliance with federal/state policies while improving user and staff experiences
- Support adoption of HCD practices through training, mentorship, and documentation
- Collaborate with technical teams to translate design into requirements and user stories
- Follow all security, change management, and PMO processes
Note: Flexibility required for overtime, including weekends and holidays
Minimum Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in Human-Centered Design, UX, Service Design, or similar roles
- 3+ years working in complex or regulated environments (e.g., government, healthcare, financial services)
- Strong experience designing digital/technology solutions using HCD principles
- Proven ability to collaborate across policy, operations, and technical teams
- Expertise in qualitative research (user interviews, usability testing, insight synthesis)
- Experience with service design methods (journey mapping, blueprinting, prototyping)
- Knowledge of accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG) and inclusive design
- Strong communication skills with ability to present to diverse audiences
- Ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder, regulated environments
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of government benefit programs (e.g., Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF)
- Experience with public sector or similar organizations
- Familiarity with federal/state compliance and policy frameworks
- Experience with agile delivery or modernization projects
- Background in enterprise design systems
- Experience with AI-driven or self-service solutions in regulated environments
- Exposure to content design, plain language, and accessibility initiatives
- Experience mentoring teams in HCD practices
- Relevant certifications (e.g., UX, usability, design thinking)
About Cyquent
Cyquent is a CMMI & ISO Certified Technology Enabler providing end-to-end IT solutions and services to organizations in both the public and private sectors since 2001. We are known for delivering high-quality, scalable solutions across complex enterprise environments.
Why Join Cyquent?
This is an opportunity to work alongside a high-performing technology team supporting a wide range of enterprise and public sector clients. You''ll gain hands-on experience working on impactful projects in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
We offer:
- Competitive salary and 401(k)
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, and vision) starting on Day 1
- Paid time off annually, plus state holidays
- Support for professional growth, including certification assistance and continued learning opportunities
Harish Kumar
Senior Technical Recruiter
Cyquent, Inc.
CMMI Level 3 and ISO 9001, 20000, 27000 Certified Company
2007-2011 Inc. 5000 company - ranked in top 5000 fastest growing companies for 5 years
2010-2014 DiversityBusiness – ranked in top 100 privately-held businesses in Maryland for 5 years
1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20854 | Phone: | Fax:
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