UX Designer (Remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer Company: Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) Location: Arlington, VA (Remote with required travel) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Digital Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: August 19, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years) Remote Status: Remote (with two annual in-person team gatherings in Arlington, VA)

🚀 Role Summary

• User-Centered Design Execution: Focus on translating user needs and product strategy into intuitive and engaging digital experiences, particularly for the ScholarsEdge platform.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, product management, and AI specialists to ensure design feasibility and seamless integration into development cycles.
• Figma Workflow Mastery: Drive the design process using Figma, leveraging its advanced features for component management, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.
• AI-Enhanced User Interfaces: Explore and implement innovative design solutions for complex, data-rich systems, incorporating AI-driven features to simplify data interpretation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Designer," the core responsibilities and emphasis on translating requirements, executing designs, and collaborating with technical teams suggest a strong UI design component. The role is execution-focused, implying a need for designers who can deliver production-ready assets efficiently. The "mid-level" designation, combined with the 3+ years of experience, indicates a need for demonstrated proficiency and autonomy in design tasks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Creation & Iteration: Develop user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes based on requirements and user feedback gathered by product leadership.
• Figma-Driven Design Process: Manage and execute the design workflow within Figma, ensuring consistency, efficient collaboration, and adherence to the established design system.
• Technical & Design Alignment: Collaborate closely with engineering leads to ensure design decisions are technically feasible and to minimize potential rework during development.
• Brand & Tone Consistency: Ensure all digital products, including ScholarsEdge, accurately reflect IHS branding guidelines and maintain a consistent tone of voice.
• Innovative Interface Solutions: Design novel interface solutions for complex, data-intensive applications, focusing on areas like interactive visualizations and advanced data exploration tools.
• Usability & Accessibility: Support and conduct usability testing to validate design choices and continuously improve the user experience for scholars and internal users, adhering to accessibility best practices.
• AI & Emerging Tech Integration: Design user experiences that effectively integrate AI-powered features, making complex data accessible and actionable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate within a defined product strategy ("priorities set by product leadership") while also being proactive in exploring innovative solutions. The emphasis on "reducing rework" and "aligning design decisions with technical realities" points to a need for pragmatic design thinking and strong communication skills with development teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Equivalent practical experience demonstrating proficiency in UX/UI design will be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in UX/UI design for digital products or web applications.
• Demonstrated experience in designing data-heavy interfaces, AI-integrated tools, or interactive visualizations is highly preferred.
• Experience collaborating within Agile/Scrum development environments is preferred.
• Prior experience designing tools for academic or research communities is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Figma Proficiency: Expertise in using Figma for component-based design, variants, auto layout, and interactive prototyping.
• User-Centered Design: Strong understanding and application of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Web Technology Fundamentals: Basic understanding of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, facilitating effective collaboration with engineers.
• Design Best Practices: Familiarity with established design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Collaboration & Communication: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers and engineers, and to articulate design decisions clearly.
• Prototyping: Skill in creating interactive prototypes to demonstrate user flows and test design concepts.

Preferred Skills:

• Data Visualization Design: Experience in designing effective data visualizations and interactive dashboards.
• AI/ML Interface Design: Familiarity or experience designing user interfaces for AI-powered tools or machine learning applications.
• Usability Testing: Experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing usability testing sessions.
• Design Systems: Experience contributing to or working within established design systems.
• Research Tools: Experience designing tools or platforms used by academic or research communities.
• Classical-Liberal Values: Knowledge of and appreciation for the mission and values of the Institute for Humane Studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "basic understanding of web technologies" is crucial for effective collaboration with developers, enabling designers to propose feasible solutions and understand technical constraints. The preference for experience with "data-heavy interfaces" and "AI-integrated tools" directly aligns with the role's focus on complex systems and emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate UX Process: Showcase a clear and repeatable design process, from research and ideation through to final design and testing.
• Figma Workflow Examples: Include case studies that highlight your proficiency in Figma, demonstrating the use of components, variants, auto layout, and prototyping.
• Problem/Solution Presentation: Clearly articulate the user problems addressed, the design solutions implemented, and the rationale behind key design decisions.
• Collaboration Evidence: Provide examples of successful collaboration with developers and product managers, illustrating how you translated feedback into design improvements.
• Data-Rich Interface Design: Feature projects that demonstrate experience in designing complex, data-intensive applications or visualizations, if available.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you document user flows, wireframes, and interaction specifications to ensure clarity for development teams.
• Include examples of how you incorporate user feedback and usability testing results into iterative design refinements.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how design systems contribute to consistency and efficiency in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of design skills and process. The emphasis on Figma and the specific types of interfaces (data-heavy, AI-integrated) means the portfolio should directly address these areas. Demonstrating an understanding of how design integrates with development workflows (collaboration, documentation) is also key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimate: Based on industry standards for a mid-level UX Designer with 3+ years of experience in a remote capacity in the US, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $115,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the mid-level experience, the specialized skills required (Figma, data interfaces), and the remote work arrangement, with potential adjustments based on the cost of living if the role were location-specific.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% of health and dental insurance premiums covered for individuals.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Support for managing healthcare expenses.
• Income Protection: Long-term disability and life insurance policies provided.
• Retirement Savings: Participation in a 403(b) retirement savings program.
• Commuter Benefits: A parking permit provided.
• Educational Support: 12 free tuition credit hours annually at George Mason University.
• Professional Growth: Substantial opportunity for professional development and career advancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While remote, the role requires active participation in team activities and timely delivery of design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is notably generous, particularly the 100% health and dental premium coverage. The tuition credit hours are a unique perk that could appeal to individuals interested in further education. The salary estimate is based on typical market rates for similar roles in the US tech and non-profit sectors, adjusted for experience and the remote nature of the position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Think Tank / Academic Support Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size. However, the description of "Cultivating a pool of intellectual talent for partners in policy, civil society, philanthropy, and the academy through $1.5 million in fellowship and career development programs" suggests a well-established organization with significant reach and program management capabilities, likely implying a medium to large-sized organization or a network of affiliated entities. Founded: 1961. IHS has a long history of supporting intellectual development and promoting classical-liberal principles.

Team Structure:

• Reporting Line: The UX Designer reports directly to the Senior Application Development Engineer, indicating a close working relationship with the technical development team.
• Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with product leads, developers, and AI specialists. The role also involves gathering feedback from external users (scholars, partners) and internal stakeholders.
• Organizational Focus: The team's work directly supports IHS's mission to advance principles of freedom, impacting scholars, policy, and civil society.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding and designing for user needs across digital platforms.
• Agile Principles: Experience in Agile/Scrum environments is preferred, suggesting iterative development and collaborative teamwork.
• Data-Driven Insights: The goal is to empower scholars and leaders with insights derived from data, implying that the digital tools will be central to data access and analysis.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and focus on "classical-liberal values" are important cultural elements. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their alignment with this mission, especially in their cover letter and interviews. The "think network" model suggests a collaborative and intellectually driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX/UI Designer. This role is execution-focused, meaning the primary responsibility is delivering high-quality designs within defined project scopes. Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Application Development Engineer, suggesting a direct line of communication and collaboration with the technical leadership for digital products. Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of IHS's digital ecosystem, including critical platforms like ScholarsEdge. By simplifying complex data and enhancing user interactions, the role contributes to the organization's ability to support scholars, disseminate ideas, and drive meaningful change.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanded Ownership: The role includes an openness to expand into broader ownership of UX strategy as the platform grows, offering a path toward more strategic design leadership.
• Skill Development: Exposure to AI-enhanced experiences and complex data systems provides opportunities to deepen expertise in emerging design challenges.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Working closely with engineering and product teams can foster a broader understanding of product development lifecycles and technical considerations.
• Mission Alignment: Contributing to an organization with a clear mission offers intrinsic growth and fulfillment for those aligned with its values.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "execution-focused" nature of the role, coupled with the "openness to expand into broader ownership of UX strategy," presents a clear growth trajectory. Candidates showing initiative and strategic thinking within their execution tasks could position themselves for more senior or strategic roles within IHS's digital product team as it evolves.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote with required in-person gatherings. Office Location(s): The remote positions require travel to the IHS office in Arlington, VA, for two in-person team gatherings each year.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: Offers the autonomy and flexibility of a remote work environment.
• Collaborative Hub: The in-person gatherings in Arlington, VA, provide opportunities for direct team building, strategic alignment, and fostering strong working relationships.
• Tech-Enabled: As a digital-focused role, access to standard design software and collaboration tools is expected.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. While remote, maintaining consistent availability during core business hours and meeting project deadlines is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid-like requirement of two annual in-person meetings means candidates must be willing and able to travel to Arlington, VA, for team events. This structure balances remote flexibility with essential face-to-face collaboration for team cohesion and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, including resume, cover letter, and portfolio.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Likely a session where candidates present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially tackle a design-related problem. This is where demonstrated Figma skills and approach to complex data/AI interfaces will be assessed.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Senior Application Development Engineer, product leads, and potentially other team members to assess technical skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.
• Mission Alignment Discussion: An opportunity to gauge understanding and resonance with the IHS mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (emphasizing Figma usage), your solutions, and the outcomes or impact.
• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Showcase specific examples of using advanced Figma features like components, variants, auto layout, and complex prototyping.
• Focus on Data & AI: If possible, include projects that demonstrate experience with data visualization, complex data systems, or AI-integrated interfaces. Explain your approach to making these complex areas user-friendly.
• Showcase Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you collaborated with developers and product managers, including how you handled feedback and technical constraints.
• Tailor to IHS: Briefly explain why your skills and experience are a good fit for IHS's mission and the specific challenges of this role during your presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand IHS Mission: Research the Institute for Humane Studies, its mission, and its target audience (scholars, researchers).
• Figma Practice: Ensure you are comfortable with advanced Figma features and can articulate your workflow efficiently.
• Data Visualization Concepts: Refresh your understanding of best practices for data visualization and how to make complex data accessible.
• AI in UX: Prepare to discuss your thoughts on the role of AI in UX design and how you might approach designing for AI-enhanced features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application. Candidates should curate their best work, specifically highlighting projects that align with the requirements for data-heavy interfaces and Figma proficiency. The cover letter should also explicitly address the candidate's interest in IHS's mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative workflows. Expertise is a must.
• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are key; other tools might be secondary or integrated.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a direct responsibility of the UX Designer, familiarity with how user behavior is tracked and analyzed (e.g., via analytics platforms) can inform design decisions. Understanding how to translate data insights into design improvements is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX Designer's core responsibilities, but understanding the broader digital ecosystem of the organization is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the central tool. While other tools might be used within the organization (e.g., for project management, analytics), the job description heavily emphasizes proficiency in Figma. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their mastery of this platform.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to advancing freedom and human flourishing through intellectual work.
• Intellectual Rigor: Emphasis on thoughtful analysis, research, and the dissemination of ideas.
• Collaboration & Community: Fostering a supportive network for scholars and collaborators.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Encouraging new approaches and continuous improvement in supporting intellectual endeavors.
• Efficiency & Impact: Focused on maximizing the impact of their programs and research support.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships expected between design, development, and product management.
• Feedback-Oriented: Encourages feedback from users and stakeholders to refine designs and product strategy.
• Agile & Iterative: A willingness to adapt and iterate based on insights and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work style aligns with these values, particularly their ability to collaborate effectively and their passion for the IHS mission. The "entrepreneurship" aspect suggests an environment where initiative is valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Translating complex, data-rich requirements and potentially AI-driven functionalities into intuitive user interfaces.
• Balancing Execution and Strategy: Operating within a defined product strategy while also being encouraged to explore innovative solutions.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a primarily remote environment, punctuated by key in-person meetings.
• AI Integration Uncertainty: Navigating the evolving landscape of AI in UX design and applying it effectively to IHS's platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Emerging Technologies: Gaining hands-on experience with AI in UX design and advanced data visualization techniques.
• Strategic Design Input: Opportunity to grow into a more strategic role in shaping the UX direction of key platforms.
• Industry Exposure: Working within a think network that supports a wide range of academic and policy initiatives.
• Educational Benefits: Leveraging the provided tuition credits for personal or professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the innovative aspects of the role, particularly AI integration and complex data design. Successfully navigating these challenges will be key to growth and impact within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process Explanation: Be ready to walk through your design process for a complex project, highlighting your use of Figma, problem-solving approaches, and how you incorporated user feedback.
• Data Visualization Approach: Discuss how you would approach designing an interface for complex data exploration or visualization, focusing on clarity and usability.
• AI in UX Discussion: Share your perspective on how AI can enhance user experiences and how you would approach designing for AI-powered features.
• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with engineers and product managers, especially when facing technical constraints or conflicting feedback.
• Mission Resonance: Be prepared to articulate why the IHS mission appeals to you and how your skills can contribute to its goals.

Company & Culture Questions:

• IHS Research: Thoroughly research the Institute for Humane Studies, its mission, its "think network" model, and its core values.
• Team Dynamics: Understand the reporting structure and the collaborative environment described. Be ready to discuss how you thrive in such settings.
• Remote Work Adaptation: Discuss your strategies for effective communication and productivity in a remote role, especially regarding the required in-person meetings.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Projects: Choose 3-4 strong projects that showcase your Figma skills, UX process, and experience with relevant interface types (data-heavy, complex systems).
• Tell a Story: For each project, present it as a narrative – the challenge, your approach, the solutions, and the impact.
• Highlight Figma Features: Demonstrate specific Figma techniques you used (components, variants, auto layout, prototyping) and explain why they were effective.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user satisfaction, increased efficiency).
• Concise & Engaging: Keep your presentation focused and engaging, allocating time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and rationale. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the company's mission and values, alongside technical skills, is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Dayforce.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating advanced Figma skills, a clear UX process, and experience with complex data interfaces or AI-integrated tools. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link).
• Resume & Cover Letter Tailoring: Customize your resume to highlight relevant UX/UI experience, Figma proficiency, and any experience with academic/research tools. Craft a compelling cover letter that articulates your interest in IHS's mission and explains why you are a strong fit for this specific role.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, articulate your design process, and answer questions about your approach to collaboration, data design, and AI in UX. Practice presenting your work concisely and effectively.
• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of the Institute for Humane Studies, its mission, and its values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.

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