Director of UX Design

Summary

Join Friends From The City, a design and tech company focused on creating user-centered digital experiences for federal agencies, as their Director of Design (UX). Lead and mentor a team of UX designers and writers, ensuring exceptional user experiences across multiple client projects. Drive design excellence, aligning work with client goals and strategic priorities. This 100% remote position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, 10+ years of design experience (5+ in leadership), and a strong portfolio. You will oversee design efforts, provide regular feedback, and champion user-centered design principles. The role also involves collaborating with the business development team and hiring new team members.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Visual Arts, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in design, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
• A strong portfolio showcasing your work in UX design, visual design, and/or service design across client-facing projects
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to inspire and collaborate with both internal teams and external clients
• Experience managing a team of designers and writers
• Expertise in user-centered design principles, accessibility standards, and design systems
• Proven experience mentoring and developing diverse design teams

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide design and content efforts across all client projects, ensuring consistent delivery and alignment with client goals
• Guide and mentor designers and writers on various projects, aligning their work with client goals and strategic priorities
• Review significant deliverables such as wireframes, prototypes, and final designs to ensure adherence to the design system and a consistent, high-quality user experience
• Provide regular feedback to designers and writers, promoting their professional development and helping them navigate challenges unique to client-driven work
• Ensure our content and design solutions exceed client needs and adhere to user-centered design principles
• Lead and mentor our designers and writers, ensuring they feel empowered and supported
• Facilitate monthly 1:1 meetings and provide general support and advisement
• Collaborate with our business development team to scope design work for potential clients
• Establish templates, design systems, and reusable components that can be adapted for different client needs
• Hire and onboard new designers and writers to support client demand
• Act as a champion for user-centered design, advocating for accessibility best practices with clients, partners, and stakeholders
• Measure the success of our design efforts on projects through user feedback, usability improvements, and client satisfaction metrics

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with organizations like 18F, U.S. Digital Service (USDS), or other federal agencies, particularly on human-centered design or technology modernization projects
• Direct experience working with federal agencies like the VA, IRS, CMS, GSA, or state/local governments
• Experience applying HCD methods in large-scale, bureaucratic environments like government or enterprise-level organizations
• Expertise with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Suite, and familiarity with design systems such as USWDS (U.S. Web Design System)
• A baseline understanding of front-end development, APIs, or enterprise tech stacks to enhance collaboration with technical teams

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k + 4% Match)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick and 11 Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Parental)
• Short Term Disability
• Training and Development Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Wellness Resources