UX Design Lead

📋 Description

• Take charge of developing and implementing the overall UX vision and design strategy for OHS digital platforms

• Ensure consistent utilization of design patterns and research methodologies across the contractor team

• Work closely with content strategy, development, and product teams to align digital solutions with requirements and user needs

• Conduct or supervise user research activities like interviews, surveys, usability testing, and competitor analysis

• Translate user insights and research findings into design recommendations to drive continuous improvement

• Assist in annual UX audits and integrate audit findings into system updates

• Improve usability, navigation, search functionality, and overall user experience across HeadStart.gov and related platforms

• Ensure all designs adhere to Section 508 accessibility requirements, the U.S. Web Design System, and federal digital standards

• Maintain structured documentation of research, design patterns, standards, and decision-making processes

• Assist in enhancing tools like the Head Start Locator, Job Center, Events Calendar, and Grant Application Toolkit

• Provide guidance on integrating complex digital resources from external vendors

• Engage in agile development cycles, planning activities, and collaborative design discussions

• Perform any additional tasks assigned by leadership

⛳️ Requirements

• Prior experience leading UX and design for large-scale digital platforms

• Familiarity with conducting and applying user research and usability testing

• Strong understanding of accessibility and federal digital requirements

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional technical and content teams

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Experience in designing for federal programs or public-sector systems is preferred

• Experience working within Drupal or USWDS design environments is preferred

• Experience supporting agile development processes is preferred

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate (commensurate with experience)

• Flexible, remote work arrangement

• Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact, federally mandated modernization initiative

• Collaborative environment with direct visibility on a nationally recognized federal program