Staff Design Program Manager, Design Systems

Etsy; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

Annual performance bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Etsy is hiring a Staff Design Program Manager in New York, NY to enhance the operations of the UX Foundations team. This full-time role involves managing the design system and driving organizational alignment with product teams.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of program/project management experience, preferably with hands-on experience in design systems and content design methodologies. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including equity and performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in program management, project management, or design operations within product development.
• Direct experience with design systems and component libraries.
• Experience working with content designers.

Responsibilities

• Drive the end‑to‑end lifecycle of the Design System and Content Design backlogs.
• Facilitate high‑level interactions between product teams and UX Foundations.
• Serve as the operational lead for design agencies or vendors.

Skills

Program management

Project management

Design operations

Content design

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

Jira

Figma

Notion

Google Workspace

Job description

Salary Range

$170,000.00 - $220,000.00

What’s the role?

We’re hiring a Staff Design Program Manager to drive the operations that power Etsy’s UX Foundations team. You’ll blend hands‑on program and project management with strategic operational impact to help the team plan, build, review, and drive adoption of our design system and content strategy across product teams. The role primarily supports the Design Systems and Content Design teams, with flexibility to take on org‑wide initiatives.

This is a full‑time position reporting to the Director of Design Program Management. In addition to salary, you will also be eligible for an equity package, an annual performance bonus, and our competitive benefits that support you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Etsy.

For this role, we are considering candidates based in the United States. Candidates living within commutable distance of Etsy’s Brooklyn Office Hub may be the first to be considered. For candidates within commutable distance, Etsy requires in‑office attendance once or twice per week depending on your proximity to the office. Etsy offers different work modes to meet the variety of needs and preferences of our team. Learn more details about our work modes and workplace safety policies here.

What does the day‑to‑day look like?

• Architect Team Stability: Design and maintain the operational infrastructure that allows the UX Foundations team to work with deep focus. You will “shield” the team by streamlining intake and ensuring the roadmap is realistic and well‑protected.
• Master the Backlog: Drive the end‑to‑end lifecycle of the Design System and Content Design backlogs. You’ll ensure work is granular, actionable, and aligned with quarterly goals.
• Define Prioritization Logic: Establish and socialize clear, observable principles for how the team prioritizes work—balancing urgent “bug fixes” with long‑term “foundational builds.”
• Optimize Team Rhythms: Create high‑signal, low‑friction cadences (standups, retros, crits) that improve team flow, decision quality, and craft standards.
• Org Wide Scope: Lead occasional org‑wide programs with the Director of Design Program Management to extend practices beyond the Design Systems team.

• Orchestrate Design Org Integration: Facilitate the high‑level framework for how product teams interact with UX Foundations. You will focus on the interplay between core standards and local team needs, ensuring product designers have the structure to stay consistent and move fast without creating bottlenecks.
• Drive Organizational Alignment: Act as the primary link between UX Foundations and the broader Product Design organization. You’ll ensure that system updates are synchronized with product release cycles.
• Strategic Visibility: Develop streamlined, audience‑appropriate reporting (dashboards, newsletters, executive summaries) that makes the team’s impact and progress observable to collaborators and leadership.

• Content Design Scaffolding: Build the operational framework for Content Design. This includes running their backlog, developing capacity deployment strategies, and ensuring their work is integrated into broader design reviews.
• Technical & Brand Liaison: Partner with Engineering Ops and Brand Design to ensure the design system remains technically viable and brand‑aligned. You’ll participate in (but not necessarily lead) technical discussions regarding the design‑to‑code pipeline.
• External Partner Management: Serve as the operational lead for design agencies or vendors as needed, ensuring external work meets Etsy’s standards and is integrated seamlessly into the team’s workflow.

Qualities that will help you thrive in this role

• 8+ years in program management, project management, or design operations within product development.
• Direct experience with design systems and component libraries.
• Experience working with content designers.
• Ability to context‑switch smoothly between tactical execution and strategic planning, delivering at a high bar on both.
• Clear, succinct communication that adapts depth and detail to the audience and moment.
• A focus on improving team flow, decision quality, and craft standards, not just velocity.
• Strength in planning and negotiation with leaders while building trust through ownership and follow‑through with ICs.
• A generous collaborative spirit with a passion for leveling up the operational skills of those around you.
• Familiarity with Jira, Figma, Notion, and Google Workspace.

At Etsy, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace furthers relevance, resilience, and longevity. We encourage people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences to apply. Etsy is proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please let your recruiter know. While Etsy supports visa sponsorship, sponsorship opportunities may be limited to certain roles and skills.