Lead UI/UX Designer

Job Title: Lead UI/UX Designer

Location: Albany, NY (Hybrid)

Job Type: 2 years Contract

• Need Government EXP. and should be local to Albany, NY
• Should be local within 30-40 miles to the client location

Job Details:

Position Description or Summary:

• We are seeking a Senior UX/UI and HCD (Human Centered Design) Designer to join our mission of transforming the Integrated Eligibility System (IES) that enables millions of individuals and families to access critical services like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Child Support, and other human services programs.
• This hands-on role will focus on creating seamless, user-friendly, and impactful digital experiences that make it easier for people to apply for and manage benefits. You will work at the intersection of design, technology, and public service, shaping solutions that simplify complex systems and improve lives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design process from research and ideation to implementation, creating solutions that are both user-centric and business-oriented.Conduct user research (interviews, usability tests, surveys) and translate insights into actionable personas, user flows, and journey maps.
• Design high-fidelity UI and prototypes that are visually compelling, intuitive, and scalable across platforms.Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to create experiences that balance user needs with operational goals, including eligibility determination, application processes, and benefit management.
• Define and maintain scalable design systems to ensure consistency across all digital touchpoints.Advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that designs comply with WCAG standards and are usable by diverse populations.
• Stay at the forefront of design and technology trends, bringing innovative ideas to enhance the user experience for public service platforms.
• Measure and iterate on designs based on user feedback, A/B testing, and data analytics.

Tools & Technologies:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (XD, Photoshop, Illustrator), Axure, InVision.
• Research & Testing: Maze, Optimal Workshop, UserTesting, Lookback.
• Collaboration: Miro, Mural, Whimsical, FigJam.Motion
• Design: Principle, ProtoPie, Adobe After
• Collaboration: Zeplin, Storybook.

What We Offer: Opportunity to design solutions that simplify access to essential programs like SNAP, Child Support, and others, improving the lives of millions of people.Collaborative, high-impact environment where your work directly contributes to public service transformation.Access to cutting-edge tools, technologies, and industry trends to support your professional growth.

Mandatory Qualifications:

1. Level III- More than seven (7) years of experience working on complex projects with 2 or more years in a leadership role as a Specialist
2. Eight (8) years of hands-on experience in UX/UI design, with a portfolio showcasing innovative, user-friendly digital product designs.
3. Four (4) years of experience using modern design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and InVision.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Three 3 years of experience designing for government systems, public services, or highly regulated industries (preferred).
2. Three (3) years of experience building and maintaining design systems.

3.Two (2) years experience working with AI, machine learning, or automation-driven products (preferred).

4.Experience in creating user-centered designs that balance organizational goals with user needs.

5.Strong knowledge of visual design principles, including typography, color theory, and layout.

6.Experience in designing for scalability, creating systems that grow with the product.

1. Knowledge of metrics-driven design, with a focus on improving KPIs like task completion and application success rates.

8.Proficiency in accessibility standards and inclusive design practices.

9.Collaboration skills with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

10.Proficiency with at least one (1) of the following additional programs: Maze, Optimal Workshop, UserTesting, Lookback, Miro, Mural, Whimsical, FigJam, Principle, ProtoPie, Adobe After Effects, Zeplin, Storybook.