Staff Design Program Manager (Design Systems)

Etsy, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

Annual performance bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Etsy, Inc. is seeking a Staff Design Program Manager to oversee operations for the UX Foundations team in New York, NY. This full-time role involves a blend of program management and strategic operations to enhance design systems and content strategies.

The ideal candidate has over 8 years of program or project management experience, particularly with design systems. Additionally, the role includes the opportunity for equity, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. Candidates based in the United States are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in program management, project management, or design operations.
• Direct experience with design systems and component libraries.
• Ability to context switch between tactical execution and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Drive operations for the UX Foundations team.
• Manage the design systems and content design backlogs.
• Facilitate integration between product teams and UX Foundations.

Skills

Program management

Project management

Design systems

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

Jira

Figma

Notion

Google Suite

Job description

Company Description

Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. We build, power, and evolve the tools and technologies that connect millions of entrepreneurs with millions of buyers around the world. As an Etsy Inc. employee, whether a team member of Etsy or Depop, you will tackle unique, meaningful, and large‑scale problems alongside passionate coworkers, all while making a rewarding impact and Keeping Commerce Human.

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’s this team like at Etsy?

The UX Foundations team is a core part of our design organization – empowering a team of exceptional designers who create the systems, components, and patterns that power both Buyer and Seller experiences on Etsy. You will partner daily with product designers, content designers, PMs, and Engineers. You’ll also collaborate with the Brand Design organization to align product and brand systems and standards. Your work will directly contribute to Etsy’s mission of Keeping Commerce Human by enabling product teams to focus on solving customer problems while maintaining the unique, human‑centered experience that defines Etsy.

What does the day‑to‑day look like?

Operational Excellence & Stability

• 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.

Governance & Organizational Relationships

• 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 & Cross‑Functional Ops

• 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.
• Of course, this is just a sample of the kinds of work this role will require! You should assume that your role will encompass other tasks, too, and that your job duties and responsibilities may change from time to time at Etsy’s discretion, or otherwise applicable with local law.

Qualities that will help you thrive in this role are:

• 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.

Additional Information

What’s Next

If you’re interested in joining the team at Etsy, please share your resume with us and feel free to include a cover letter if you’d like. As we hope you’ve seen already, Etsy is a place that values individuality and variety. We don’t want you to be like everyone else -- we want you to be like you! So tell us what you’re all about.

Our Promise

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.