Remote Lead UX Research & Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Research & Design (REMOTE)

Company: Jobgether (Partner Company)

Location: New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research & Design Leadership

Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years (with 2+ years in leadership)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a UX Research & Design team, fostering professional development and performance.

• Drive the evolution of UX practices to enhance digital experiences for public services.

• Implement and refine practical UX processes aligned with company culture and product lifecycles.

• Establish and maintain high standards for UX quality, emphasizing usability and accessibility.

• Champion the creation of a centralized design system for consistent UI component application.

• Explore and integrate innovative AI-assisted tools within the UX workflow.

• Collaborate with product and technology leaders to embed accessibility into all stages of development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company, indicating a potential need for candidates to understand the nuances of working with a third-party recruiter or platform. The focus on "public services" and "B2G" (Business-to-Government) suggests a domain where user experience is critical for citizen engagement and operational efficiency. The emphasis on shifting "from reactive to strategic UX improvements" highlights a mature organization looking to elevate its UX function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development:

  • Manage, guide, and grow the UX Research & Design team, including performance reviews and career pathing.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment that encourages continuous learning and skill development.
  • Provide mentorship and coaching to team members to enhance their research and design capabilities.

• Process Design & Optimization:

  • Design, implement, and iterate on practical UX processes and workflows that fit the company's culture and product development cycles.
  • Streamline existing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and consistency in UX deliverables.
  • Champion the adoption of agile methodologies within the UX team and in collaboration with other departments.

• Quality & Standards Enforcement:

  • Define, communicate, and uphold high standards for UX quality, focusing on user-centricity, usability, and accessibility.
  • Conduct regular design critiques and usability reviews to ensure adherence to established standards.
  • Ensure all UX outputs meet WCAG accessibility standards for public service applications.

• Design System & UI Consistency:

  • Partner with product management, engineering, and other stakeholders to develop and maintain a centralized design system.
  • Drive the adoption and consistent use of UI components and patterns across all digital products.
  • Ensure a cohesive and intuitive user interface across the entire product suite.

• Innovation & Technology Integration:

  • Actively research and promote the innovative application of AI-assisted tools within UX research and design practices.
  • Evaluate and recommend new tools and technologies that can enhance team productivity and product quality.
  • Stay abreast of emerging trends in UX, accessibility, and AI to inform strategic decisions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Work closely with product managers, engineers, and other department leaders to ensure UX is integrated early and often in the product development lifecycle.

  • Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between UX, product, and engineering teams.

  • Advocate for user needs and UX best practices across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hybrid role requiring both strategic leadership and hands-on execution. The focus on "public services" and "B2G" implies a need for understanding government procurement processes, citizen needs, and regulatory compliance in addition to standard UX practices. The mention of "AI-assisted tools" and "WCAG accessibility standards" are key technological and compliance requirements that candidates must address.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX Research and UX Design.

• At least 2 years of experience in a leadership role with direct people management responsibilities.

• Proven track record of successfully leading UX initiatives from concept to launch.

Required Skills:

• UX Research Expertise: Proficiency in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing, heuristic evaluations, persona development, journey mapping).

• UX Design Proficiency: Strong skills in wireframing, prototyping, interaction design, and visual design. Ability to translate research insights into intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Leadership & People Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, coach, and develop a team of UX professionals. Experience with performance management and career development.

• Design Tools Proficiency: Hands-on experience with modern UX design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma. Familiarity with various research platforms and collaboration tools.

• Accessibility Standards: Solid understanding and practical application of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for ensuring digital inclusivity.

• Strategic Thinking & Prioritization: Ability to define a UX vision, prioritize competing demands, and manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Process Improvement Mindset: Aptitude for designing, refining, and implementing efficient UX processes and workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-assisted tools in UX research and design.

• Familiarity with design system creation and management.

• Experience in the public sector or government technology.

• Knowledge of agile development methodologies and their application to UX.

• Experience with data analytics tools to inform UX decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience with a minimum of 2 years in leadership underscores the seniority of this position. The specific mention of Figma as a primary tool, alongside broader research platforms, is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with WCAG standards in practical terms, not just theoretical knowledge. The preference for B2G/SaaS experience is a strong indicator of the company's operational domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end UX leadership experience. Each case study should highlight your role in research, design, strategy, and team leadership.

• Process Innovation: Include examples of UX processes you have designed, implemented, or significantly improved, detailing the challenges, your approach, and the resulting impact on efficiency or quality.

• System Implementation/Adoption: Present evidence of your involvement in creating or adopting design systems, style guides, or component libraries. Detail how you drove adoption and ensured consistency.

• Impact & ROI Demonstration: Quantify the impact of your UX work and leadership where possible. This could include metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion rates, conversion improvements, accessibility compliance, or team productivity gains.

• Team Leadership Examples: Illustrate your people management skills through examples of how you've mentored, coached, or developed UX team members, leading to improved team performance or individual growth.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach designing and optimizing UX workflows, from initial problem definition to final delivery, highlighting methodologies for efficiency and quality assurance.

• System Implementation & Automation: Discuss your experience with implementing and managing UX tools and systems, including any efforts to automate repetitive tasks or streamline collaboration.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you measure the success of UX initiatives and team performance, including the metrics you track and how you use data to inform future strategies and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead UX role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase individual contributions but also demonstrate strategic thinking, process-oriented improvements, and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be ready to articulate the "why" and "how" behind their process choices and demonstrate measurable outcomes, especially in the context of public services where accessibility and usability are critical for broad adoption.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 – $170,000 per year

Benefits:

• Fully Remote Work Environment: Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working from anywhere within the United States, eliminating commute times and enhancing work-life balance.

• Time Zone Flexibility: The remote setup allows for flexibility across different time zones, promoting asynchronous work and better integration with a distributed team.

• Coaching and Mentoring Opportunities: Access to professional coaching and mentorship programs designed to support your career growth and leadership development.

• Continuous Learning & Professional Growth: Support for ongoing education, training, conferences, and certifications to keep your skills sharp and advance your career in UX.

• Occasional Travel: Up to 10% travel is expected for team gatherings, client meetings, or industry events, providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking.

• Competitive Health & Wellness Programs: (Inferred based on typical tech benefits) Access to comprehensive health insurance, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.

• Paid Time Off: (Inferred based on typical tech benefits) Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Working Hours:

• While the role is fully remote and offers time zone flexibility, the core working hours are expected to align with standard business needs, likely around 40 hours per week. This flexibility allows for strategic planning and deep work sessions outside of peak collaboration times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Lead UX role in the US, particularly for a fully remote position. The benefits package highlights work-life balance and professional development, which are key attractors for senior talent. The inferred benefits are standard for reputable tech companies and should be confirmed during the interview process. The 10% travel is a moderate requirement, balancing remote work with essential in-person interaction.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, focused on Public Services / Government Technology (B2G)

Company Size: (Not specified, but typically roles like this are in mid-sized to larger organizations or well-funded startups aiming for significant impact.)

Founded: (Not specified)

Team Structure:

• The UX team is likely structured to support specific product lines or functional areas within the partner company. As a Lead, you would oversee a group of UX Researchers and Designers, reporting to a Director of Product, VP of Product, or Head of Design.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with Product Managers, Software Engineers, Data Analysts, and potentially Policy or Compliance officers, given the public service domain. The goal is to integrate UX strategically across the entire product development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using research data, user feedback, and analytics to inform design decisions and product strategy.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Likely follows agile methodologies, requiring the UX team to be adaptable and integrate seamlessly with iterative development cycles.

• User-Centric Design: A strong commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of diverse user groups, particularly citizens interacting with public services.

• Process Modernization: A clear initiative to move from reactive to strategic UX improvements, suggesting an ongoing effort to refine and formalize UX processes.

Company Website: jobgether.com (for Jobgether platform), partner company website (to be disclosed during application process)

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of "public services" and "B2G" is critical. This implies a mission-driven environment where impact on citizens and operational efficiency for government agencies are key motivators. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach user research and design challenges specific to government applications, which often involve diverse user demographics, complex regulatory environments, and a focus on accessibility and equity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead UX Research & Design indicates a senior individual contributor and first-level management role. This position bridges deep individual expertise with team leadership responsibilities, focusing on strategic impact and operational excellence within the UX function.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Director-level executive (e.g., Director of Product, VP of Product, or Head of Design). You will manage a team of UX researchers and designers.

Operations Impact: Your leadership will directly influence the quality, usability, and accessibility of digital products used by citizens and government employees. This impact translates into improved public service delivery, increased citizen satisfaction, and enhanced operational efficiency for government agencies. You will be instrumental in shifting the organization's approach to UX from tactical execution to strategic foresight, driving product innovation and consistency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Senior Lead, Director of UX, or Head of Design role, managing larger teams and influencing broader product strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, AI in UX, or user research for complex government systems.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Potential to lead UX initiatives across multiple product verticals or drive organizational change in how UX is perceived and integrated.

• Industry Influence: Contributing to the advancement of UX practices within the public sector through thought leadership and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career progression, particularly for individuals passionate about the impact of technology on public services. The combination of people management and strategic UX direction at a lead level provides a strong foundation for future leadership roles. The emphasis on process modernization suggests opportunities to shape the future of UX within the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This means there is no central physical office for day-to-day work. Team collaboration and company events may utilize virtual platforms extensively.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the job posting specifies "New Jersey, United States" as a location. This could indicate a preference or requirement for candidates to be based within this region for tax, legal, or potential future hybrid opportunities, or it could be a general location associated with the partner company's headquarters. The "Fully remote work environment with flexibility across time zones" suggests that while a US-based location is preferred, the day-to-day work can be performed asynchronously.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration Hub: Expect a highly digital work environment leveraging tools like Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and project management software for communication and collaboration.

• UX Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard UX tools such as Figma, along with various research platforms, will be essential for daily tasks. The company may also provide access to specific AI tools for research or design assistance.

• Team Interaction: While remote, opportunities for team interaction will be facilitated through regular virtual stand-ups, design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and dedicated social channels. Occasional travel for team gatherings (up to 10%) will provide in-person interaction.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, likely around 40 hours per week. However, the "flexibility across time zones" offers a degree of autonomy in structuring the workday, allowing for focused deep work sessions and better integration with personal commitments, provided core collaboration and meeting needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fully remote" nature paired with a specific US location (New Jersey) warrants clarification. Candidates should inquire about any residency requirements or time zone expectations during the interview process. The emphasis on digital collaboration tools indicates a need for strong virtual communication and self-management skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (Jobgether/Recruiter): An AI-powered matching process by Jobgether, followed by a human review to assess basic fit against core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on leadership experience, team management philosophy, and strategic approach to UX. Be prepared to discuss your management style and how you develop talent.

• Portfolio Review & Deep Dive: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio. Focus on 2-3 key case studies that best represent your leadership, strategic thinking, process improvement, and impact, especially in B2G/SaaS contexts.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential peers (e.g., Product Managers, Engineering Leads) to assess collaboration skills, strategic alignment, and cultural fit.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to evaluate overall fit, vision alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading teams, mentoring individuals, and driving strategic UX initiatives.

• Showcase Process: Detail the processes you've implemented or improved. Explain the rationale, challenges, and outcomes. Use flowcharts or diagrams if helpful.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the tangible results of your work (e.g., increased user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times, improved accessibility compliance).

• Tailor to B2G/Public Services: If you have relevant experience, emphasize how you've addressed the unique challenges of designing for public services (e.g., diverse user needs, accessibility mandates, complex workflows).

• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives, outlining the problem, your approach, your team's execution, and the ultimate impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Challenge: You might be asked to outline a process for a specific UX task (e.g., establishing a new usability testing protocol, integrating AI into research, or onboarding a new designer).

• Strategic UX Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical challenge, such as improving the UX of a critical public service portal or leading UX through a major product pivot.

• Team Management Scenario: Prepare for questions about how you handle underperforming team members, resolve conflicts, or foster a culture of continuous feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Jobgether AI matching is a key first step, emphasizing the need for a well-optimized resume and portfolio that explicitly addresses the job requirements. The interview process is multi-stage, requiring preparation for behavioral, technical, and strategic discussions, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation and leadership capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned), Sketch, Adobe XD (familiarity beneficial).

• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, etc. (demonstrate breadth of experience).

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace.

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com (experience with agile tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (understanding of how to interpret data).

• Product Analytics: Mixpanel, Amplitude, Pendo (for understanding user behavior within applications).

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (ability to understand and communicate data insights).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX data integrates with CRM or customer success platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for understanding the broader customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with a variety of research and analytics tools, showcasing their ability to leverage data throughout the UX lifecycle. The mention of "AI-assisted tools" suggests an openness to exploring and integrating emerging technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the needs of users, especially citizens interacting with public services.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across product, engineering, and other departments to ensure cohesive product development.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high standards in research, design, and accessibility, with a focus on delivering impactful and reliable digital experiences.

• Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of new tools and methodologies, including AI, to enhance UX practices and product outcomes.

• Transparency & Openness: Promoting clear communication and feedback within the team and across the organization, particularly regarding process improvements and strategic decisions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The UX team is expected to be deeply embedded within product development squads, working alongside Product Managers and Engineers.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Collaboration is driven by insights from user research, analytics, and design critiques, fostering constructive dialogue based on evidence.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of both the product and the UX processes.

• Shared Ownership: Encouraging a sense of collective responsibility for product success, where UX leadership plays a key role in guiding and aligning efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the public service domain, values related to impact, accessibility, and ethical design are likely paramount. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of how these values translate into day-to-day work and decision-making within a government-focused technology context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical/Policy Constraints: Public service applications often involve complex regulatory environments and legacy systems, requiring creative problem-solving to meet user needs effectively.

• Diverse User Base: Designing for a broad spectrum of users with varying levels of digital literacy, accessibility needs, and technical capabilities.

• Shifting from Reactive to Strategic UX: Leading organizational change to embed UX strategically rather than treating it as a final polish step. This requires strong advocacy and cross-functional alignment.

• Integrating AI Tools Effectively: Navigating the ethical considerations and practical implementation of AI tools to augment, not replace, human expertise in UX.

• Managing a Remote Team: Ensuring cohesive team dynamics, effective communication, and consistent performance across a distributed workforce.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Deepen expertise in WCAG standards and inclusive design principles for complex B2G applications.

• AI in UX Workshops: Participate in training focused on leveraging AI for research synthesis, content generation, or design assistance.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to enhance management, coaching, and strategic planning skills through company-sponsored programs or external courses.

• Industry Conferences: Attendance at leading UX and government technology conferences to stay abreast of best practices and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Receive guidance from senior leaders within the organization or through external mentorship programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they have tackled challenges related to complex stakeholder environments and diverse user needs, common in the B2G space. The growth opportunities highlight the company's investment in employee development, particularly in cutting-edge areas like AI and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach establishing a new UX process for feature development within a government agency's technology department, considering potential resistance to change?"

• "Describe your strategy for building and scaling a UX team in a remote-first environment, focusing on fostering collaboration and maintaining quality."

• "Imagine we need to redesign a critical citizen-facing service portal. What would be your strategic approach, from initial research to final rollout, ensuring accessibility and usability for all citizens?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of public services and government technology, what do you see as the biggest UX challenges and opportunities in this sector?"

• "How would you foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within a remote UX team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation around 2-3 compelling case studies. For each, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Strategy -> Process & Execution (research, design, collaboration) -> Outcomes & Impact (quantified where possible) -> Key Learnings.

• Focus on Leadership: Emphasize your leadership decisions, team management, and strategic contributions, not just individual design execution.

• Process Walkthrough: Be ready to detail the specific processes you used, why you chose them, and how they led to success. Use visuals like flowcharts or diagrams.

• Metrics & ROI: Clearly present any metrics that demonstrate the value of your work. If direct ROI is hard to quantify, focus on qualitative impact and user satisfaction improvements.

• Accessibility & B2G Context: If applicable, explicitly connect your work to accessibility standards and the unique demands of the government/public service sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples for each question, drawing from your experience. For portfolio presentation, practice articulating your process and impact concisely. Quantifying results is crucial, so have your key metrics ready.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Research & Design position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply directly through the Jobgether platform. Ensure your profile and resume are up-to-date and clearly highlight your leadership experience and relevant skills.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of UX experience, 2+ years of leadership, experience with Figma, research/design methodologies, accessibility (WCAG), and any B2G/SaaS background. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio (PDF or link to a website) that showcases 2-3 detailed case studies. Focus on demonstrating your leadership, strategic thinking, process improvements, and measurable impact. Ensure it's easy to navigate and highlights your contributions clearly.

• Prepare for Screening: Be ready to discuss your experience and fit for the role during the initial screening stages with Jobgether, especially if contacted directly.

• Research the Domain: Understand the challenges and opportunities within public services and government technology. Familiarize yourself with common government digital initiatives or known UX issues in this sector.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.