Staff Design Program Manager, Design Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

Annual performance bonus

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Etsy, Inc. is looking for a Staff Design Program Manager to drive operations for the UX Foundations team. This full-time role involves overseeing design systems and ensuring the team's operational excellence. You will collaborate with product designers and content creators and participate in strategy formulation.

The ideal candidate should have 8+ years of experience in program management, a deep understanding of design systems, and a proactive approach to team collaboration. The position supports a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in program management, project management, or design operations.
• Direct experience with design systems and component libraries.
• Familiarity with content design.

Responsibilities

• Drive operations for UX Foundations team.
• Maintain operational infrastructure to improve team flow.
• Lead org-wide programs in design systems.

Skills

Program management

Project management

Design operations

Communication

Content design

Jira

Figma

Notion

Google Tools

Tools

Jira

Figma

Notion

Google Tools

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.

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.

How the team works 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.

Day‑to‑day responsibilities

Operational Excellence & Stability

Design and maintain operational infrastructure that allows the UX Foundations team to work with deep focus. Shield the team by streamlining intake and ensuring the roadmap is realistic and well‑protected.

Drive the end‑to‑end lifecycle of the Design System and Content Design backlogs. Ensure work is granular, actionable, and aligned with quarterly goals.

Establish and socialize clear, observable principles for how the team prioritizes work—balancing urgent bug fixes with long‑term foundational builds.

Create high‑signal, low‑friction cadences (stand‑ups, retros, critiques) that improve team flow, decision quality, and craft standards.

Lead occasional org‑wide programs with the Director of Design Program Management to extend practices beyond the Design Systems team.

Governance & Organizational Relationships

Facilitate the high‑level framework for how product teams interact with UX Foundations, ensuring product designers have the structure to stay consistent and move fast without bottlenecks.

Act as the primary link between UX Foundations and the broader Product Design organization. Ensure system updates are synchronized with product release cycles.

Develop streamlined, audience‑appropriate reporting (dashboards, newsletters, executive summaries) that makes the team’s impact and progress observable.

Content Design & Cross‑Functional Ops

Build the operational framework for Content Design, run their backlog, develop capacity deployment strategies, and ensure their work is integrated into broader design reviews.

Partner with Engineering Ops and Brand Design to keep the design system technically viable and brand‑aligned. Participate in technical discussions on the design‑to‑code pipeline.

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 workflow.

Qualities that will help you thrive

• 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 on both.
• Clear, succinct communication that adapts depth and detail to the audience and moment.
• 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.
• An 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

This role may encompass additional responsibilities and may evolve over time at Etsy’s discretion, or otherwise in accordance with applicable local law.

EEO Statement

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.