Strategic Communications Lead

LIGHTFEATHER IO LLC•Alexandria, VA

4h•Remote

About The Position

LightFeather is seeking an experienced Communications, UX, and AI-Enabled Design Team Lead to drive the delivery of strategic communications, visual storytelling, user-centered design artifacts, and AI-augmented communications products supporting senior federal stakeholders. This role requires strong leadership, executive presence, and the ability to operationalize modern, compliant AI-enabled workflows while maintaining rigorous human oversight, accessibility standards, and consulting-grade delivery quality. The ideal candidate has deep experience leading multidisciplinary teams across communications, UX, and design in high-visibility environments and can confidently advise government executives as agencies modernize and adopt AI technologies aligned with emerging federal guidance.

Requirements

Active Secret Clearance
7+ years of experience in strategic communications, UX, human-centered design, digital strategy, or related fields.
3+ years of experience leading high-performing teams in consulting, government, or mission-driven environments.
Demonstrated experience implementing generative AI within communications or design workflows.
Knowledge of federal AI guidance and responsible-use considerations.
Experience mentoring teams in adopting AI-enabled tools and modern workflows.
Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and presenting to senior executives.
Proficiency with collaboration and design tools such as Figma, Miro, and similar platforms.
Experience using Jira or equivalent workflow management systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to operate effectively in high-visibility, high-accountability environments.
Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and upskill a multidisciplinary communications, design, and UX team to ensure delivery excellence and professional growth.
Coach team members on the effective, safe, and compliant use of AI-enabled tools in communications and design workflows.
Promote adoption of federal AI competency frameworks and skills-based development practices.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, accessibility, and continuous improvement.
Align team delivery practices with top-tier consulting delivery models.
Serve as a primary client-facing lead supporting senior government stakeholders.
Facilitate strategic discussions and guide decision-making with executive leadership.
Translate complex or ambiguous requirements into structured action plans and deliverables.
Present executive-ready recommendations with clarity and authority.
Lead change management initiatives that modernize communications and integrate emerging technologies.
Integrate generative AI tools into communications and design workflows to improve efficiency and quality.
Ensure human review and quality assurance of AI-assisted content and design outputs.
Address compliance, bias, and accuracy considerations in AI-assisted environments.
Direct development of high-impact deliverables, including: Executive presentations and briefings Strategic roadmaps and messaging frameworks Operating models and communications strategies UX artifacts such as journey maps and service blueprints Design prototypes and visualization products
Ensure deliverables meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and federal AI governance expectations.
Manage multiple high-visibility deliverables simultaneously across complex workstreams.
Balance competing priorities and aggressive timelines typical of federal consulting engagements.
Establish structured workflows, reporting mechanisms, and hybrid/agile processes.
Implement best practices in design operations, content governance, accessibility, and AI-enabled service delivery.
Mitigate risks and maintain transparency across project execution.