Who We AreUrban Insight is a leading digital agency creating innovative websites and web applications for organizations that make a difference. We specialize in solving complex problems through website and web app strategy, design, and development using open-source content management systems (primarily Drupal and WordPress, and headless or composable architectures). Our clients include some of the most well-known museums, nonprofits, universities, and cultural institutions. Urban Insight has been in business for nearly 25 years and continues to expand each year. We thrive on having a professionally rewarding environment where team members are encouraged to grow, collaborate and focus on meaningful work.The OpportunityThe Technical Strategist (TS) is a client-facing technical leader who partners closely with Project Managers and Development teams to deliver well-scoped, well-communicated, and successful digital projects. The TS also plays a key role in pre-sales and proposal efforts, helping define technical approaches, shape scope, and ensure estimates are grounded in delivery reality.This role operates through collaboration and shared ownership. The TS brings clarity to complex problems, aligns technical decisions with project goals and constraints, and ensures that teams have the information they need to execute effectively. The Technical Strategist is also a contributor to Urban Insight’s Innovation Lab, helping explore new technologies, prototype solutions, and shape future service offerings.Key ResponsibilitiesClient Strategy & Technical LeadershipPartner with clients to understand goals, constraints, and opportunitiesTranslate client needs into clear, actionable technical approachesAlign technical solutions with timeline, budget, and delivery realitiesIdentify risks early and contribute to mitigation strategiesCollaboration with Project ManagersMaintain alignment with Project Managers on scope, priorities, and project directionContribute to defining scope, assumptions, and delivery approachParticipate in project ceremonies including kickoffs, planning, and retrospectivesSupport consistent communication and visibility across the project lifecycleTechnical Planning & DocumentationProduce clear technical plans, Jira tickets, and specificationsEnsure plans, decisions, and updates are documented in shared systems (Jira, Notion, etc.)Collaborate with Tech Leads and engineers to validate feasibility and refine approachesEvolve documentation as projects progress and new information emergesEngineering EnablementProvide developers with clear context, requirements, and directionHelp remove blockers and reduce ambiguity during implementationAlign with Tech Leads on technical direction and implementation strategyGuide teams toward pragmatic, efficient solutionsPre-Sales & Proposal SupportPartner with Sales and the pursuit team to scope projects and define technical approachesDevelop realistic level-of-effort estimates grounded in delivery experienceCollaborate with Development and Delivery leadership to ensure proposed solutions are realistic and aligned with team capacityClearly articulate assumptions, risks, and constraintsSupport proposal development and client conversationsQuality & DeliveryValidate work against acceptance criteria and technical expectationsParticipate in QA and alpha testing as neededSupport successful, on-time, in-scope project deliveryInnovation LabContribute to discovery engagements, prototypes, and pilot initiativesExplore emerging technologies (AI, APIs, composable architectures)Help translate innovation into practical, repeatable solutionsShare learnings through internal demos, documentation, or working sessionsProcess & Continuous ImprovementPartner with CTO, Dev, PM, QA, and SysAdmin teams to improve workflows and toolsContribute to a culture of transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvementQualificationsTechnical Skills7–8+ years of experience in technical strategy, web development, or technical project leadership, preferably in an agency environmentStrong understanding of modern web architectures specifically Drupal, WordPress, and headless / composableExperience working with agile methodologies such as Scrum or KanbanFamiliarity with CMS-driven websites, APIs, and system integrationsCollaboration & CommunicationStrong ability to work in close partnership with Project Managers and cross-functional teamsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible languageExperience leading discovery, requirements gathering, and technical planning sessionsOrganizational & Self-ManagementAbility to break down complex ideas into actionable workStrong prioritization and time management skillsComfortable managing multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneouslyProactive, detail-oriented, and accountableSuccess MetricsIn the First 90 DaysEstablish strong working relationships with PMs and Development teamsContribute to at least one project with clear, actionable technical planningMaintain ~70% billable utilizationDemonstrate clear and consistent documentation practicesIn the First YearDeliver on quarterly Rocks (≥80%) tied to strategic and technical prioritiesSuccessfully support multiple projects from planning through deliveryImprove clarity and alignment across project teams through strong documentation and communicationContribute to accurate scoping and reduced rework in pre-salesDrive shared clarity across PM, Design, and Development on scope, priorities, and decisionsContribute to Innovation Lab efforts through prototypes, pilots, or new approachesSupport ongoing improvements to process, tools, and team effectivenessLocation & AvailabilityWork from any location in the United States, available 9am - 6pm in any U.S. time zone.Our office is located in sunny Los Angeles, CA. This position is available for fully remote (U.S. and Canada ONLY), partially remote (a few days in the office), or in-person in our L.A. Office.About Urban InsightUrban Insight is a Los Angeles-based digital agency with over 30 team members. Visit our website.We work with some of the best-known museums, nonprofits and other institutions, such as LACMA, The Broad, University of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, and the Japanese American National Museum.We’re the top-ranked Web development and Drupal agency in Los Angeles, according to Clutch, an independent analyst. Read what our clients say about us.We’ve won numerous design awards including for our work for Stay Housed Los Angeles and the National World War 1 Museum & Memorial.We take on cutting edge, challenging projects for appreciative clients, and have a supportive and team-based approach to projects.We plan, design, and create innovative websites, and we often use open source web content management systems like Drupal and WordPress.We design and develop custom applications using tools like Angular, React, Next.js, node.js, PHP, Javascript, Bootstrap, Tailwind, and MySQL.We have a clearly-defined project management methodology and case management system.We run on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).Why Work at Urban InsightWe take on interesting, meaningful projects for appreciative clientsWe offer a flexible working environment - work from anywhere in the United StatesWe work with you to create a career path that works for youThe average employee tenure is 6.5 yearsWe're stable and growing. We've been in business for ~25 years and continue to grow each yearWe offer a casual and flexible working environment with plenty of opportunities for growth for the right candidateWe believe in a reasonable life/work balance and enjoy 40-hour work weeksWe allocate resources and time for training and professional developmentWe have weekly events to keep the team connected: Lunch & Learns, Lightning Demos, Game BreaksThere are many more reasons: Explore careers at Urban InsightTotal RewardsWe offer a competitive salary based on experience.Total annual compensation range: $120,000 – $145,000Medical, Dental and Vision insurance (95% employer-paid)Paid time off (15 days, increasing to 20 after four years)Holidays (~10 days per year)401(k) with employer matchAnnual training plan and dedicated learning timeAnnual performance and compensation reviews
