UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: American Psychological Association

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: March 13, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive, accessible, and engaging user experiences for digital products, translating business requirements and technical constraints into user-centered solutions.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to inform design decisions and iterate on product functionality.

• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of a robust Pattern Library and Persona Library, ensuring design consistency and reusability across APA's web applications.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Designers, and Product Owners, to define, manage, and prioritize design initiatives within an agile framework.

• Leverage analytics and user feedback to drive design iterations, optimize user journeys, and ensure alignment with WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 1-year, time-certain position, which is crucial for candidates to understand regarding career planning and contract expectations. The emphasis on both user research and front-end code delivery (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) indicates a hybrid role that bridges pure UX design with front-end development responsibilities. The inclusion of maintaining Pattern and Persona Libraries suggests a focus on establishing design systems and foundational UX assets for the organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate abstract concepts into concrete user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes that enhance user experience across digital platforms.

• Conceive and execute user research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather actionable insights and validate design hypotheses.

• Design and deliver user journeys, sitemaps, and mockups optimized for a diverse range of devices and interfaces, adhering to mobile-first and responsive design principles.

• Actively maintain and contribute to the organization's Pattern Library and Persona Library, ensuring design consistency, accessibility, and efficient reuse of components across web applications.

• Collaborate effectively with the Web Team on designs within Figma and integrate with their Content Management System (CMS), Tridion.

• Develop and implement A/B testing experiments and usability tests to identify areas for improvement and validate design changes.

• Work cross-functionally with Marketing, Designers, and Product Owners to define project scope, manage workflows, and prioritize design tasks within an agile development environment.

• Identify and address design problems by devising elegant, user-centered solutions that meet both user needs and business objectives.

• Make strategic design and user experience decisions for core and new functionalities, ensuring a cohesive and effective digital product suite.

• Employ a user-centered design approach, utilizing rapid prototyping and iteration based on user feedback and testing results.

• Contribute to search engine optimization (SEO) and analytics tasks for all web applications, ensuring discoverability and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on UX role requiring a blend of strategic thinking and practical execution. The mention of Tridion CMS and Figma suggests specific tools and workflows candidates should be familiar with. The dual responsibility for Pattern and Persona Libraries points to a need for someone who can contribute to building and maintaining design system components and user archetypes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree with a focus in user-centered design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of progressive experience in UX/Interaction Design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating complex digital solutions.

• Proven experience in applying UX design best practices to deliver effective digital products.

• Demonstrated experience with mobile-first and responsive design principles.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in designing user flows, customer journey maps, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Strong understanding of user research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing.

• Expertise in front-end code, specifically HTML and CSS.

• Basic programming skills in JavaScript.

• Proficiency with wireframing and prototyping software, such as Figma.

• Knowledge of web accessibility standards, with a goal of WCAG 2.2 AA compliance.

• Ability to effectively communicate complex interaction concepts to diverse audiences and stakeholders.

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.

• Excellent time management skills to meet project deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools for UX design, such as Figma Make.

• Familiarity with Bitbucket/Git for version control.

• Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS.

• Experience with Salesforce Lightning Design System (SLDS).

• Proficiency in Google Suite, including Google Analytics 4 and Google Search Console.

• Experience with Content Management Systems (CMS), specifically Tridion.

• Knowledge of heuristic analysis and usability testing tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both UX design and basic front-end coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) is a key differentiator. Candidates should highlight projects where they've contributed to code implementation or worked very closely with front-end developers. The preference for Agile/Scrum, AI tools, and specific platforms like AWS and SLDS indicates the organization's technology adoption and project management approaches.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating your ability to translate user needs and business goals into effective digital solutions.

• Include case studies that detail the problem, your process, design decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your work.

• Showcase examples of user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes, with clear explanations of their purpose and functionality.

• Demonstrate your understanding of responsive and mobile-first design principles through visual examples.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of your user research process, including how you conduct interviews, surveys, and usability testing, and how you synthesize findings.

• Illustrate your approach to creating and utilizing sitemaps, user flows, and customer journey maps.

• Detail your experience in maintaining and contributing to design systems, Pattern Libraries, or style guides.

• Show examples of how you have used analytics data (e.g., Google Analytics 4) to inform and iterate on design solutions.

• If applicable, include examples of how you've worked within an Agile/Scrum framework, detailing your role in sprints and backlog grooming.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that not only showcase visual design but also the strategic thinking, research methodology, and iterative process behind each project. Emphasizing projects that demonstrate collaboration, problem-solving, and a strong understanding of accessibility will be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The American Psychological Association (APA) sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA. Based on industry standards for a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a competitive salary range is estimated between $76,500 and $118,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Options: Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling opportunities.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) savings plan with an employer match of up to 4%.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options.

• Mental Health Support: Outpatient mental health benefit and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid personal/vacation time, plus 12 paid holidays per year.

• Family Support: Family/Medical Leave provisions.

• Professional Development: Tuition assistance for continued learning.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage.

Working Hours:

APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week, which includes one-hour lunch breaks each day. This translates to approximately 7.5 working hours per day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimation based on typical market rates for UX Designers with the specified experience level in Washington D.C. The final salary will be determined by the APA based on the candidate's specific qualifications and experience. The note about the 37.5-hour work week is important for candidates to understand the standard daily and weekly commitment. The specific states excluded from remote work eligibility should be carefully reviewed by candidates seeking remote opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Professional Association / Scientific Research & Publishing

Company Size: Approximately 500 employees. This size suggests a stable, established organization with structured processes, yet potentially agile enough for cross-functional collaboration. For operations professionals, this means a good balance between established procedures and opportunities for process improvement.

Founded: The American Psychological Association (APA) is a long-standing organization, providing a stable and reputable environment. While the exact founding date isn't critical to the UX role, it speaks to the enduring mission and established presence of the organization.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a broader Product Development, Digital Strategy, or Marketing Technology team.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Director of Digital Products.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Strong emphasis on using analytics (Google Analytics 4, Google Search Console) and user feedback to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Agile Development: Preference for Agile methodology and Scrum, indicating iterative development cycles and collaborative teamwork.

• User-Centered Design (UCD): A core philosophy, driving research, testing, and design iterations to meet user needs.

• Accessibility Focus: Commitment to WCAG 2.2 AA compliance, integrating accessibility into the design process from the outset.

Company Website: https://www.apa.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The APA's mission as a scientific and professional organization for psychologists implies a culture that values research, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to public good. For a UX Designer, this translates to designing for diverse audiences (psychologists, students, researchers, the public) and ensuring content and functionality are accurate, accessible, and professionally presented.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX Designer, requiring independent work, contribution to design systems, and collaboration with various stakeholders. It's a position that allows for significant individual contribution and hands-on design execution.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a manager or lead within a digital product or design team. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance while allowing for autonomy in design tasks and research.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer plays a critical role in enhancing the user experience of APA's digital platforms, directly impacting user engagement, satisfaction, and the ability of users to access valuable resources. By improving usability and accessibility, the role contributes to the APA's mission of advancing psychology and serving society.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, accessibility, or design systems.

• Leadership Potential: As a time-certain role, successful candidates might transition into more permanent positions with increased responsibility, potentially leading design initiatives or mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working across various departments provides a broad understanding of the organization's operations and digital strategy, opening doors to other roles within APA or the broader non-profit/tech sector.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to research industry trends, explore new tools (like AI in UX), and contribute to process improvements fosters ongoing professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a UX role and not strictly "operations" in the RevOps/SalesOps sense, the emphasis on process, efficiency (through Pattern Libraries), and data-driven decision-making aligns with operational principles. Growth here would involve mastering UX craft, contributing to design system maturity, and potentially moving into lead or specialized roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The APA offers flexible work arrangements, including the possibility of remote work for eligible employees. When working on-site, the environment is likely professional and collaborative, typical of a large non-profit organization.

Office Location(s): While the primary location is Washington, D.C., the role is eligible for remote work within specific approved states in the U.S. Candidates should verify eligibility based on their location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with designers, product managers, developers, and marketing professionals. Open communication and feedback are key.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), collaboration tools, and potentially internal platforms for pattern libraries and CMS integration.

• Team Interaction: Regular participation in team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional project discussions, whether in person or virtually.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 37.5 hours, with a focus on delivering high-quality design work within project timelines. Flexibility in scheduling may be available, subject to team needs and management approval, aligning with the "Flexible Scheduling" benefit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work aspect is a significant factor. Candidates should be aware of the specific state restrictions for remote work outlined by APA. The collaborative nature of UX design means that even in a remote setting, strong communication and engagement with the team are essential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume, cover letter, and salary expectations. Applications without both are considered incomplete.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where candidates present their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate problem-solving, research, design process, and outcomes.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for practical exercises or case studies to evaluate UX thinking, problem-solving abilities, and design execution skills.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interviews: Discussions with hiring managers and team members to assess communication skills, collaboration style, learning mentality, and alignment with APA's values.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or key stakeholders to finalize the selection.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as narratives – clearly define the problem, your role, the user research conducted, design decisions made (and why), iterations, and the final impact or learnings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final mockups; include sketches, wireframes, user flows, and research findings to illustrate your thought process and iterative approach.

• Accessibility Focus: Highlight any projects where you prioritized and implemented accessibility standards, explaining your approach and the benefits.

• Tailor to APA: Research APA's mission and existing digital products. Consider how your skills and experience can specifically benefit their user base and goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem-Solving: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges or case studies that require you to think on your feet, articulate your process, and justify your design choices.

• User-Centricity: Emphasize how you would approach understanding the user and their needs before jumping to solutions.

• Communication: Practice explaining your design rationale clearly and concisely, as you'll need to communicate complex ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Figma and how you use them for prototyping and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of requiring salary expectations in the cover letter, alongside the resume, is a crucial application instruction. Candidates must adhere to this. The portfolio review is the most significant hurdle; preparation should focus on crafting compelling case studies that align with APA's mission and user types.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (required), including potential use of AI extensions like Figma Make (desired). Proficiency in creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes is essential.

• Front-End Technologies: HTML and CSS (required for implementation/collaboration), basic JavaScript (required for front-end functionality).

• Content Management System (CMS): Tridion (direct collaboration with the Web Team).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics 4 (desired), Google Search Console (desired) for tracking user behavior, performance, and SEO.

• Usability Testing Tools: Knowledge of various tools for conducting user research and testing.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control: Bitbucket/Git (desired) for managing code changes and collaboration.

• Cloud Platforms: AWS (desired) for understanding potential deployment environments.

• Design Systems: Experience with or ability to contribute to design systems, Pattern Libraries, and Persona Libraries.

• Salesforce: Salesforce Lightning Design System (SLDS) (desired) may be relevant if APA utilizes Salesforce products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are Figma, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Desired skills in analytics tools (GA4), version control (Git), and specific platforms (AWS, SLDS) will give candidates a competitive edge. Familiarity with Tridion CMS is important for understanding the development workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental principle, ensuring that all design decisions are made with the user's needs and experience at the forefront.

• Accessibility: A commitment to building inclusive products that are usable by everyone, adhering to WCAG 2.2 AA standards.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics and user research to inform and validate design choices, measuring impact and iterating based on evidence.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across departments (Marketing, Product, Engineering) to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of constantly seeking to enhance processes, designs, and personal skills, embracing a strong learning mentality.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with product owners, developers, marketers, and other designers. Active participation in team meetings and design reviews is crucial.

• Agile & Iterative: Working within an agile framework means embracing iterative design, providing and receiving feedback constructively, and adapting to changing requirements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to and leveraging shared resources like Pattern and Persona Libraries, and actively participating in discussions to share insights and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a user-first approach, inclusivity, and a commitment to evidence-based design. For a UX Designer, this means advocating for the user, ensuring designs are accessible, and using data to support design decisions. The collaborative aspect is key, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating user desires into feasible solutions within the technical limitations of APA's platforms (e.g., CMS, existing architecture).

• Designing for Diverse Audiences: Catering to the varied needs and technical proficiencies of APA's user base, from psychologists to students and the general public.

• Time-Certain Role: Navigating a 1-year contract requires adaptability and a focus on delivering impactful work within the defined timeframe, while potentially seeking opportunities for extension or permanent placement.

• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive user experience across multiple web applications, especially while contributing to and leveraging Pattern and Persona Libraries.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen UX Expertise: Further hone skills in user research, interaction design, usability testing, and accessibility standards.

• Contribute to Design Systems: Play a key role in building and refining APA's design system components and user archetypes, gaining experience in scalable design solutions.

• Explore AI in UX: Experiment with and integrate AI tools for UX design processes, staying at the forefront of industry innovation.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Gain insights into the broader operational and strategic goals of a major professional association, enhancing business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The time-certain nature of the role presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Candidates should view it as a chance to make a significant impact quickly and potentially secure a longer-term role. The challenge of designing for diverse audiences is inherent to an organization like APA and offers rich learning potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced and how you approached it." Prepare a detailed case study highlighting your problem-solving process, research methods, design iterations, and the eventual outcome. Emphasize your user-centered approach and how you navigated technical constraints.

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible to all users?" Be ready to discuss your understanding of WCAG guidelines (specifically 2.2 AA), your process for incorporating accessibility from the start, and examples of how you've tested for it.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the American Psychological Association and this role?" Research APA's mission, its impact on psychology, and its user base. Connect your passion for UX, accessibility, and potentially your interest in the field of psychology.

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" Discuss your openness to feedback, your process for evaluating critique, and how you use it to improve your work. Highlight your collaborative spirit.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable results or learnings. Use data and metrics where possible.

• Walk Through Your Process: Don't just show final screens. Explain your research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases. Show how you iterated based on feedback.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation demonstrates your proficiency in Figma, your understanding of user research, your commitment to accessibility, and your ability to translate complex ideas into simple, intuitive designs.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, alternatives considered, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to APA's products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their portfolio, demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, research methodology, and an understanding of business objectives. The emphasis on accessibility and data-driven design should be prominent.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application online through APA's applicant system via the provided link.

• Crucially, attach both a resume and a cover letter that clearly specifies your salary expectations. Applications lacking either document will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

• Prepare a portfolio that showcases 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your UX process, research, design solutions, and measurable outcomes. Tailor your portfolio to highlight experience with accessibility, responsive design, and collaborative projects.

• Research APA's mission, target audiences, and existing digital products. Understand their goals and consider how your UX expertise can contribute to their success.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale for key projects in your portfolio, preparing to discuss your approach to user research, wireframing, prototyping, and accessibility.

⚠️ 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. The time-certain nature of the role and the requirement for salary expectations in the cover letter are critical details.