Director of Design - PropelAuth

About Propel

Propel builds technology that strengthens the social safety net in America. We exist to dramatically improve how government benefits are delivered, making services like SNAP and Medicare as seamless as modern consumer apps. Over 5 million Americans trust Propel, and we are growing rapidly as a sustainable, impact-driven company.

The Role

We are looking for a Director of Design to lead our design organization, tie design decisions to business outcomes, and define our strategy as an AI-native company. You will report to the Head of Product and serve as a core member of EPD leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Design Team: Manage a team of seven designers (including Staff/Principal levels) across product, content, and research. Own coaching, performance, and hiring.
• Drive Design Strategy: Make the case for design debt, prioritize improvements, and ensure design work ladders to revenue and retention metrics.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with product and engineering leadership to refine decision-making frameworks and organizational roadmaps.
• AI-Native Innovation: Define what the design process looks like in an AI-native environment, from prototyping to consistent, high-quality shipping.
• Elevate Product Experience: Ensure visual design, copy, and information architecture create a fast, dignified experience for our users.

Requirements

• Experience managing a product design team at a consumer or pro-sumer software startup.
• Recent experience (within the last 3 years) at the Staff or Principal IC product designer level.
• Proven track record managing a team of at least five designers.
• Fluency in consumer software patterns: growth loops, churn, retention, and A/B testing.
• Demonstrated, active development of an AI-native design practice (LLMs, code generation, generative tools).
• Ability to align design work with company strategy and finite resources.
• Exceptional communication skills and composure during shifting priorities.

Why Join Us

• High Leverage: Your work directly simplifies complex bureaucracy for millions of Americans.
• Pedigreed Team: Inherit a highly autonomous, senior-leaning, and mission-motivated team.
• Stability & Growth: We combine 12 years of tenure and profitability with a startup's appetite for reinvention.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ($240k–$280k) and strong equity package.
• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision options.
• 4% 401K match.
• 20 Days of PTO.
• $10k lifetime spend towards Carrot Fertility.
• Remote-friendly environment with optional in-person retreats.