Job Title: Director of Design (UX)

Salary: $170,000/ year + Benefits

Location: 100% Remote - anywhere in the Continental U.S.

Note: This is a full-time position with salaried (W2) compensation.

About Friends

We are Friends From The City, a design and tech company focused on impact. Our mission is to make digital interactions with the government easy, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. We create user-centered, inclusive, and accessible digital experiences for federal agencies. Picture this: A loved one is trying to access information on a government website, but they experience frustrating navigational challenges. Perhaps a relative seeking citizenship needs help to understand the application process because of a language barrier. At Friends, we work to eliminate obstacles like these.

We envision a future where everyone has equal access to the benefits of technology and where the use of technology is guided by ethical principles, plain language, a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility. We're a minority, woman-owned, LGBT+., and service-disabled veteran-owned small business. That being said, diversity and inclusion aren't trendy bylines for us. Everyone we hire is celebrated for their unique background, experience, and talent.

Our approach to human-centered design and software development is pretty straightforward. Guided by user research, we design and develop functional platforms using clean code and intuitive design, and then we make those platforms accessible to everyone.

About the Role

We are hiring a Director of Design to lead our team of user experience (UX) designers and writers working across multiple client projects. In this role, you'll drive design excellence, mentor a diverse team, and ensure we're delivering exceptional user experiences. This position requires that you lead with respect, integrity, and empathy while making smart decisions that uphold the values and vision of Friends. We're looking for someone with a teaching and collaborative spirit who is motivated to support the growth and direction of a great organization. If you're passionate about design, collaboration, and making an impact, we'd love to hear from you!

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.