Conservation International
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.
Position Summary Conservation International's Center for Oceans is seeking a Design Lead to join our Blue Horizons Team—an incubator for game‑changing ideas that push the boundaries of ocean conservation. This position is based in Arlington‑VA, Seattle‑WA, or Hawaii.
Blue Nature (Protect): Securing critical marine and coastal ecosystems through strong legal frameworks, marine protected areas, and community‑driven conservation.
Blue Communities (Manage): Ensuring protections are effective by supporting governance, sustainable fisheries, and locally led, equitable stewardship.
Blue Climate (Restore): Bringing degraded ecosystems back to health through blue carbon projects, habitat restoration, and innovative financial mechanisms.
Blue Horizons (Innovate/Scale): Incubating new ideas, unlocking new funding sources, forging unexpected partnerships, and driving systemic change for people and nature on a global scale.
Role Overview The Design Lead plays a key role in championing design thinking and human‑centered design across the Center for Oceans and the broader organization. This role intersects design, science, and storytelling—requiring creative vision and methodical execution to strengthen our programs through innovative design approaches.
Mindset & Approach
A human‑centered design leader comfortable navigating complex subjects and guiding others with little to no design experience.
Critical thinker who challenges assumptions and values uncovering the right questions before solutions.
Balancing big‑picture thinking with hands‑on execution.
Willingness to prototype rapidly, test assumptions, and iterate based on new findings.
Ability to balance creative exploration with pragmatic implementation.
Comfortable working independently or in deep collaboration with diverse teams.
A natural mediator in facilitation, hearing different perspectives and navigating difficult conversations.
A storyteller able to adapt complex scientific information into compelling narratives for a wider audience across media.
Responsibilities
Lead creative design processes—including research, ideation, synthesis, and rapid prototyping—to enhance collaboration, innovation, and problem‑solving.
Shape and craft compelling narratives that articulate the vision, impact, and urgency of initiatives for diverse audiences.
Serve as a thought partner to the Director of Blue Horizons, uncovering new ways to apply design thinking and human‑centered design methodologies.
Facilitate design‑based strategy workshops that bring together stakeholders for strategic alignment.
Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, and innovation within the Center for Oceans and the organization at large.
Draw analogies from other sectors—such as emerging technology, private‑sector practices, and creative marketing—to benefit conservation outcomes.
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate time differences with HQ; field program travel may be necessary.
Occasional travel to meet donors or program staff.
Hybrid work structure—some days from office, some remote. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
Qualifications Required
4–6 years of experience applying human‑centered design to complex challenges.
Demonstrated expertise in facilitating design workshops with diverse stakeholders.
Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to analyze complex problems, identify opportunities, and develop creative solutions.
Exceptional ability to connect and build relationships across diverse backgrounds, inspiring application of human‑centered design.
Experience distilling complex information into compelling narratives for wide audiences.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead teams through iterative design processes.
Proficiency in design & communication tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, Figma, or similar).
Strong design sensibility and experience developing visually engaging materials across media (print, digital, video, audio).
Highly collaborative problem solver, self‑motivated, and capable of delivering high‑quality results independently.
Preferred
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of ocean conservation is welcome but not required; enthusiasm to learn about ocean complexity is valued.
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.
Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Summary Conservation International's Center for Oceans is seeking a Design Lead to join our Blue Horizons Team—an incubator for game‑changing ideas that push the boundaries of ocean conservation. This position is based in Arlington‑VA, Seattle‑WA, or Hawaii.
Blue Nature (Protect): Securing critical marine and coastal ecosystems through strong legal frameworks, marine protected areas, and community‑driven conservation.
Blue Communities (Manage): Ensuring protections are effective by supporting governance, sustainable fisheries, and locally led, equitable stewardship.
Blue Climate (Restore): Bringing degraded ecosystems back to health through blue carbon projects, habitat restoration, and innovative financial mechanisms.
Blue Horizons (Innovate/Scale): Incubating new ideas, unlocking new funding sources, forging unexpected partnerships, and driving systemic change for people and nature on a global scale.
Role Overview The Design Lead plays a key role in championing design thinking and human‑centered design across the Center for Oceans and the broader organization. This role intersects design, science, and storytelling—requiring creative vision and methodical execution to strengthen our programs through innovative design approaches.
Mindset & Approach
A human‑centered design leader comfortable navigating complex subjects and guiding others with little to no design experience.
Critical thinker who challenges assumptions and values uncovering the right questions before solutions.
Balancing big‑picture thinking with hands‑on execution.
Willingness to prototype rapidly, test assumptions, and iterate based on new findings.
Ability to balance creative exploration with pragmatic implementation.
Comfortable working independently or in deep collaboration with diverse teams.
A natural mediator in facilitation, hearing different perspectives and navigating difficult conversations.
A storyteller able to adapt complex scientific information into compelling narratives for a wider audience across media.
Responsibilities
Lead creative design processes—including research, ideation, synthesis, and rapid prototyping—to enhance collaboration, innovation, and problem‑solving.
Shape and craft compelling narratives that articulate the vision, impact, and urgency of initiatives for diverse audiences.
Serve as a thought partner to the Director of Blue Horizons, uncovering new ways to apply design thinking and human‑centered design methodologies.
Facilitate design‑based strategy workshops that bring together stakeholders for strategic alignment.
Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, and innovation within the Center for Oceans and the organization at large.
Draw analogies from other sectors—such as emerging technology, private‑sector practices, and creative marketing—to benefit conservation outcomes.
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate time differences with HQ; field program travel may be necessary.
Occasional travel to meet donors or program staff.
Hybrid work structure—some days from office, some remote. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
Qualifications Required
4–6 years of experience applying human‑centered design to complex challenges.
Demonstrated expertise in facilitating design workshops with diverse stakeholders.
Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to analyze complex problems, identify opportunities, and develop creative solutions.
Exceptional ability to connect and build relationships across diverse backgrounds, inspiring application of human‑centered design.
Experience distilling complex information into compelling narratives for wide audiences.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead teams through iterative design processes.
Proficiency in design & communication tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Miro, Figma, or similar).
Strong design sensibility and experience developing visually engaging materials across media (print, digital, video, audio).
Highly collaborative problem solver, self‑motivated, and capable of delivering high‑quality results independently.
Preferred
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of ocean conservation is welcome but not required; enthusiasm to learn about ocean complexity is valued.
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.
Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.
#J-18808-Ljbffr