Program Lead - Design Ecosystem & Strategic Marketing Initiatives

Location:

We are seeking a senior professional to lead strategic initiatives focused on strengthening collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the design and manufacturing ecosystem.

This role blends strategic ecosystem leadership with the operational capacity to plan and deliver large-scale programs and convenings that engage designers, industry leaders, and institutions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Ecosystem Leadership

• Define and implement a roadmap to deepen engagement across the design and manufacturing community.
• Connect diverse stakeholders — designers, manufacturers, educators, and institutions — around shared goals for design advancement.
• Develop and nurture a robust network of partners who contribute to a thriving ecosystem of innovation.

Partnership Development

• Forge collaborations with design schools, industry bodies, trade associations, and corporate partners.
• Lead discussions to identify shared objectives, secure participation, and ensure lasting engagement.

Program Design & Delivery

• Conceptualize and manage large-scale, high-visibility initiatives such as summits, forums, or curated showcases.
• Ensure alignment of design intent, logistics, communication, and participant experience.
• Supervise planning, budgeting, and cross-functional coordination to deliver world-class outcomes.

Advisory & Thought Leadership

• Assemble and coordinate panels or advisory groups of renowned experts and thought leaders.
• Shape program content and themes that reflect the evolving priorities of the design and manufacturing industries.

Communications & Representation

• Oversee strategic communication with internal and ecosystem stakeholders, maintaining discretion about project details.
• Represent the organization with credibility and professionalism at select industry forums and meetings.

Impact & Measurement

• Establish metrics for engagement, collaboration, and ecosystem growth.
• Report on qualitative and quantitative outcomes to leadership and partners.

Required Skills & Experience

• 4-9 years of experience in 

  design strategy, creative industry partnerships, or program leadership

  .
• Demonstrated success in leading 

  multi-stakeholder programs

   and 

  large-scale events

  .
• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing 

  sensitive or confidential initiatives

   with discretion.

Preferred Attributes

• Ability to build trust and alignment across senior-level stakeholders.
• Skilled in storytelling, facilitation, and ecosystem-building.
• Proactive, adaptable, and comfortable with evolving program structures.

Reporting To:

• Managing Director / Founder