Director, Design Systems (Remote Eligible)

12+ years of proven experience leading and scaling design system teams in a large organization. 6+ years leading & mentoring UX teams, manager of managers a plus. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Experience working directly with Design Technologists, Engineers and creatives in an Enterprise environment. Demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels. Deep understanding of design principles and practices, combined with knowledge of technology frameworks. Expertise in developing compelling business cases, leveraging data and insights to demonstrate impact. Strong people management skills and a passion for developing talent. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively influence senior leadership.

Define and champion a compelling vision for the Smartsheet Design System, driving adoption and demonstrating its value to stakeholders. Develop and execute the SDS strategy, addressing enterprise needs and empowering partner teams to contribute. Lead cross-functional programs from ideation to launch, collaborating with designers, engineers, product managers, and business leaders. Work closely with Engineering to ensure SDS accelerates delivery velocity and provides unique value. Maintain the highest standards for design quality, encompassing visual design, interaction design, and systems thinking. Champion Accessibility & Localization: Advocate for inclusive design practices, ensuring accessibility and localization are core to SDS. Cultivate a Culture of Design Systems: Promote and evangelize the importance of design systems, raising awareness and building the reputation of SDS. Define the "north star" for the design system, addressing foundational challenges and ensuring scalability. Partner with the Design Systems Manager to align SDS with company goals. Lead cross-functional initiatives, championing systems thinking and fostering alignment across teams. Stay abreast of design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to ensure SDS remains cutting-edge. Oversee the migration of existing capabilities to SDS, ensuring a seamless transition and optimizing adoption. Build and empower a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and ownership. Lead with humility, compassion, and authenticity.