HCD Lead and Product Owner

Summary

Join Skyward, a company dedicated to human advancement through information technology, as a Human-Centered Design (HCD) Lead and Product Owner. You will be the human-centered voice of the product, bridging the gap between government innovation and user-centered solutions. You will translate user research and design insights into product roadmaps, lead cross-functional collaboration, and coach team members in HCD practices. You will work closely with government partners to manage expectations, shape product vision, and respond to evolving priorities. This role requires strong communication, facilitation, and leadership skills, with a focus on empathy and strategic clarity. You will be part of a collaborative team focused on modernizing government services with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in product ownership, service design, or UX leadership, ideally in complex or government environments
• A strong understanding of Agile and DevSecOps practices, with the ability to bring design-thinking into technical conversations
• Familiarity with front-end development and implementation, especially in environments using React, with the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills — you know how to read a (virtual) room, speak up when needed, and bring people along for the ride
• A track record of leading with empathy, diplomacy, and strategic clarity, especially when bridging silos
• Comfort navigating ambiguous or fast-changing product landscapes, including vendor comparisons or client shifts toward AI tools

Responsibilities

• Serve as the human-centered voice of the product, facilitating alignment between developers, designers, and client stakeholders
• Translate user research and service design insights into clear product roadmaps, stories, and priorities
• Lead cross-functional collaboration, bringing empathy into sprints, backlogs, and stand-ups
• Coach and mentor team members in HCD practices, especially in environments where design maturity is still growing
• Work closely with our government partners to manage expectations, shape product vision, and respond to evolving priorities without losing sight of the user
• Represent Skyward’s values in every interaction (authenticity, compassion, inquisitiveness and passion)

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with generative AI and civic tech is a huge plus — but not required
• You have experience supporting CMS, HHS, or other federal healthcare agencies
• You have an uncanny ability to help teams balance the urgency of fast delivery with intentional, user-focused delivery (or, building things the right way)

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance (fully paid for employees)
• 15 days of paid leave
• 7 days of sick leave
• 2 days bereavement leave
• 11 paid Federal holidays
• Up to 40 hours for jury duty
• 401K with 4% employer contribution (and no vesting period)
• Up to 4 weeks of paid paternity and maternity leave
• Company provided laptop
• 5,000 per year for professional development
• 600 per year for technical supplies and equipment
• 2,000 referral bonus
• Life and disability insurance
• HSA and FSA
• Legal Shield and ID Shield Voluntary Benefits
• Opportunity to work in a collaborative, motivated team focused on modernizing government services with cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. Who says government work can't be exciting!
• 121,000 - 170,000 a year
• We support flexible working hours and remote opportunities to help maintain a healthy work-life balance for all employees, including caregivers and those with unique needs