Web Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Web Designer Company: Govini Location: Arlington, Virginia, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Web Design & Development Operations Date Posted: July 29, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- This role is pivotal in enhancing Govini's digital presence by designing and developing sophisticated, responsive, and secure web experiences for Govini.com and Ark.ai.
- The Web Designer will leverage advanced technical skills in modern web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, alongside exceptional graphic design capabilities to translate complex requirements into visually stunning and highly functional websites.
- A key focus will be on ensuring a seamless user experience, optimizing website performance across all devices and browsers, and adhering to modern security standards and web accessibility best practices.
- This position requires a blend of creative design sensibilities and practical development expertise to deliver professional web solutions tailored for the Defense and Intelligence communities, demonstrating a strong understanding of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the inclusion of responsibilities like "develop and implement responsive websites using modern web technologies" and "ensure seamless user experience by optimizing website performance" indicates a hybrid front-end development and design role. The emphasis on "security best practices" and "client presentations" suggests a need for operational diligence and stakeholder management beyond typical design tasks.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Translate diverse technical and business requirements into visually compelling and highly functional website designs that align with Govini's brand identity and resonate with a professional audience in the Defense and Intelligence sectors.
- Develop, implement, and maintain responsive and secure websites using modern front-end technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, while also utilizing Content Management Systems (CMS).
- Ensure a seamless and engaging user experience (UX) by optimizing website performance, cross-browser compatibility, and cross-device responsiveness, conducting thorough testing to identify and resolve design and functionality issues.
- Create and maintain comprehensive website project documentation, including design assets, style guides, technical specifications, and user flow diagrams to ensure consistency and facilitate future development.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams, including marketing, product, and engineering, as well as external stakeholders, to gather requirements, provide design recommendations, and ensure successful project delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.
- Design and develop engaging graphics and digital assets for websites and additional digital platforms, ensuring visual consistency and brand adherence across all touchpoints.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems and component libraries to ensure consistent and scalable web experiences across Govini's digital properties.
- Implement and uphold web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles to maximize reach and usability.
- Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in web design, front-end development, graphic design, and digital security to continuously improve website quality and functionality.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to both design and front-end development, requiring proficiency in translating complex requirements into functional, visually appealing web solutions. The mention of "client presentations" and "technical consultations" suggests that this role may involve direct interaction with external stakeholders, requiring strong communication and presentation skills beyond standard design tasks.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Web Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related field. A strong portfolio can sometimes substitute for specific degree requirements, but a foundational understanding of design principles and development methodologies is essential.
Experience:
- A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in web design and front-end development, with a demonstrable track record of creating sophisticated, responsive, and secure web experiences.
- Proven experience in translating complex requirements into visually appealing and highly functional website designs, showcasing a strong understanding of UI/UX principles and best practices.
- Experience working with Content Management Systems (CMS) and a solid understanding of how to leverage them for efficient website development and management.
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in Modern Web Technologies: Advanced skills in HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like Sass/LESS), and JavaScript (ES6+).
- Graphic Design Expertise: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe XD for creating high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and digital assets.
- Responsive Design: Deep understanding and practical application of responsive design principles to ensure seamless website functionality and aesthetic across all devices (desktops, tablets, mobile).
- UI/UX Design Principles: Strong grasp of user interface and user experience design concepts, including user flow, wireframing, prototyping, and information architecture.
- CMS Proficiency: Experience working with Content Management Systems, demonstrating the ability to develop, customize, and manage content effectively.
- Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail, critical for debugging and optimizing web experiences.
- Communication & Collaboration: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
- SEO & Accessibility: Familiarity with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles and web accessibility standards (WCAG), ensuring websites are discoverable and usable by all.
Preferred Skills:
- Startup/Entrepreneurial Environment Experience: Exposure to or experience within a startup or fast-paced entrepreneurial setting, demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach.
- Webflow Proficiency: Experience utilizing Webflow for rapid website development, design iteration, and deployment, highlighting efficiency and agility.
- JavaScript Frameworks: Knowledge of or experience with popular JavaScript frameworks and libraries such as React, Angular, or jQuery to enhance interactivity and dynamic content.
- Database Integration: Familiarity with database concepts and experience integrating dynamic content management systems with backend databases.
- Prototyping Tools: Experience with advanced wireframing and prototyping tools like Figma or Sketch, in addition to Adobe XD, for creating interactive user journeys.
- Web Analytics: Understanding of web analytics tools and implementation (e.g., Google Analytics) for performance tracking and optimization.
- Version Control: Experience with version control systems, particularly Git, and collaborative development workflows to manage code effectively.
π Enhancement Note: The required skills suggest a strong emphasis on both the creative and technical aspects of web design, with a clear need for practical application of front-end development languages and design software. The preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates who are not only proficient but also adaptable and forward-thinking, particularly in a startup environment.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrable Web Design & Development Projects: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 significant web design and development projects, highlighting your role, process, and outcomes.
- Responsive Design Examples: Specific examples within your portfolio that clearly illustrate your ability to implement responsive design principles effectively across various devices and screen sizes.
- UI/UX Case Studies: Detailed case studies that outline your approach to UI/UX design, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and the resulting impact on user engagement or task completion.
- Graphic Design Work: A section dedicated to your graphic design capabilities, featuring examples of digital assets, branding elements, or visual content created for web or digital platforms.
- Technical Proficiency Showcase: Projects that clearly demonstrate your command of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and any experience with CMS platforms or JavaScript frameworks.
Process Documentation:
- Design Process Documentation: Examples of how you document your design process, including user flow diagrams, wireframes, style guides, and design system components, to ensure clarity and consistency.
- Development Workflow: Insights into your development workflow, including how you manage code, collaborate with teams, and ensure code quality, potentially through examples of Git usage or project management tool integration.
- Problem-Solving & Optimization: Case studies detailing how you identified and solved complex design or functionality challenges, including any optimization efforts for performance, security, or user experience.
- Client Collaboration & Requirements Translation: Examples of how you have effectively translated client or stakeholder requirements into successful website designs and features, demonstrating communication and project management skills.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with specific examples of responsive design, UI/UX case studies, and graphic design work suggests that Govini values a candidate who can not only design but also articulate their design and development process and its tangible results. Demonstrating proficiency in documentation and workflow management will be crucial for showcasing operational excellence.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Given the experience level (2-5 years), location (Arlington, VA), and the specialized skills required (web design, front-end development, graphic design, security awareness), a competitive salary range can be estimated. For a Web Designer with these qualifications in the Arlington, VA area, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $75,000 to $105,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, considering the cost of living and demand for skilled tech professionals, especially those with experience relevant to government contractors and defense sector clients.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.
- Retirement Savings Plan: Opportunities for 401(k) or similar retirement plans, potentially with employer matching contributions.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.
- Professional Development: Support for continuous learning through training, certifications, conferences, and access to educational resources relevant to web design and development.
- Stock Options/Equity: Potential for equity participation in a growing tech company, aligning employee success with company growth.
- Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for employees and their families.
- Commuter Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs for on-site employees.
Working Hours:
- This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While standard business hours are expected, there may be flexibility based on project deadlines and team needs, with potential for occasional extended hours to meet critical project milestones.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for the specified location and experience level. Benefits are typical for a full-time role in the tech sector and government contracting environment. The mention of "client presentations and technical consultations" requiring up to 5% travel suggests that the role may involve some time away from the primary office location.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Govini operates within the Technology and National Security sector, specifically focusing on transforming defense acquisition processes through AI-driven software solutions. This industry context implies a need for precision, security, and a deep understanding of the unique requirements of government clients. Company Size: Govini is described as a company that has gained significant traction, supporting "every branch of the military." While exact employee numbers are not provided in the raw data, this scale suggests a growing organization with established processes but likely retaining an agile, innovative spirit characteristic of tech companies. This size often means opportunities for direct impact and visibility. Founded: Govini was founded with a mission to modernize defense acquisition. This foundational purpose likely shapes a culture focused on impact, problem-solving, and leveraging technology for strategic advantage. The company's focus on AI and data suggests a data-driven and forward-thinking operational approach.
Team Structure:
- The Web Designer will likely be part of a marketing, product, or engineering team, depending on where design functions are centralized within Govini.
- Reporting structures are typically hierarchical in such organizations, with the Web Designer reporting to a Design Lead, Marketing Manager, or a Director of Product/Engineering.
- Cross-functional collaboration is expected, particularly with product managers, software engineers, content strategists, and potentially client-facing teams for presentations.
Methodology:
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Given Govini's core product, a data-driven approach to design and development is highly probable, using analytics to inform design choices and optimize user journeys.
- Agile Development Principles: Many tech companies, especially those serving government clients, adopt agile methodologies for project management, ensuring flexibility and iterative improvement.
- Security-First Mindset: Given the sensitive nature of their clients, security best practices will be integrated into all aspects of web development and design operations.
Company Website: https://www.govini.com/
π Enhancement Note: The company's mission and industry focus suggest a culture that values innovation, precision, and a commitment to national security. The operational environment likely emphasizes data-driven insights and adherence to stringent security protocols, impacting how web design and development processes are managed.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This position is categorized as a mid-level role, requiring 3+ years of professional experience. It sits between an entry-level Junior Web Designer and a senior or lead role. The scope involves independent execution of design and development tasks, as well as collaboration and contribution to broader digital strategy. Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Marketing, or a Director of Engineering/Product, depending on the organizational structure. This reporting line will influence the level of autonomy and the types of projects assigned. Operations Impact: The Web Designer's work directly impacts Govini's brand perception, user engagement with its flagship products (Govini.com and Ark.ai), and the overall effectiveness of its digital communication channels. By creating professional, secure, and user-friendly web experiences, the role contributes to customer acquisition, retention, and the company's reputation within the Defense and Intelligence communities.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like UI/UX specialization, front-end framework development (React, Angular), or advanced graphic design for digital media.
- Leadership Development: Transitioning into a Senior Web Designer or Lead Designer role, overseeing projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design system architecture.
- Cross-Functional Movement: Potential to move into related roles such as Product Design, UX Research, or even front-end engineering if technical skills are further developed and aligned with business needs.
- Project Management: Taking on project management responsibilities for web initiatives, coordinating with stakeholders and managing timelines and resources.
π Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a career in digital design and front-end development within a specialized, high-impact sector. The growth trajectory suggests opportunities for both technical and leadership advancement, driven by performance and a willingness to take on increasing responsibility.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Govini maintains an on-site work environment in Arlington, VA. This likely means a professional office setting designed to foster collaboration and productivity. Office Location(s): The primary office is in Arlington, VA, a hub for government contractors and technology companies, offering good accessibility. Specific building details would require direct inquiry. Workspace Context:
- The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with design, marketing, and product teams to foster innovation and efficient problem-solving.
- Access to necessary design and development tools, software licenses (Adobe Creative Suite, potentially Webflow, prototyping tools), and high-performance workstations will be provided to facilitate effective work.
- Opportunities for team engagement, design critiques, and knowledge-sharing sessions are likely part of the daily operational rhythm.
Work Schedule:
- The standard work schedule is full-time, aligning with typical business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday). However, flexibility may be offered to accommodate project deadlines, with the understanding that work output and client needs are prioritized.
π Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Arlington, VA, suggests a traditional office environment. The emphasis on collaboration indicates that teamwork and in-person communication are valued operational components of the role.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct a brief phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and company.
- Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and technical skills. This may include specific questions about HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX principles, and graphic design techniques.
- Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or a take-home challenge may be assigned to evaluate real-world problem-solving abilities, design execution, and adherence to requirements. This could involve creating a specific UI element, redesigning a webpage, or proposing a solution to a given design problem.
- Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential team members and key stakeholders (e.g., marketing lead, product manager) to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and alignment with the team's operational workflow.
- Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with a senior leader, to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm details before an offer is extended.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Selectively: Choose your strongest, most relevant projects that clearly demonstrate the required skills (responsive design, UI/UX, graphic design, front-end development). Aim for 3-5 impactful projects.
- Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design and development process you followed, the tools you used, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
- Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If possible, include links to live sites or code repositories (e.g., GitHub).
- Showcase Graphic Design: Include examples of digital assets, branding elements, or visual content that demonstrate your aesthetic sensibility and ability to create engaging visuals for web platforms.
- Explain Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design thinking, wireframing, prototyping, and iterative refinement stages. Explain why you made certain design decisions.
- Address Security & Accessibility: If any projects specifically addressed security best practices or web accessibility standards, highlight these contributions.
Challenge Preparation:
- Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand all instructions and constraints for any design challenges.
- Prioritize Key Requirements: Focus on addressing the core objectives of the challenge, ensuring functionality and adherence to design principles.
- Time Management: Allocate your time effectively to complete the challenge within the given timeframe, balancing design, development, and documentation.
- Presentation Ready: Prepare to present your solution clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale and design choices, similar to how you would present your portfolio.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate both creative talent and technical capability, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio as a primary assessment tool. Preparing to articulate your process and demonstrate tangible results will be key to success.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD) is a core requirement. Proficiency in Figma or Sketch for wireframing and prototyping is highly desirable.
- Front-End Development: Mastery of HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like Sass/LESS), and modern JavaScript (ES6+).
- CMS Platforms: Experience with Content Management Systems is essential. Specific platforms are not mentioned, but common ones like WordPress, Drupal, or headless CMS solutions are likely.
- Rapid Development Tools: Experience with Webflow is a significant plus for efficient website development and deployment.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics for tracking website performance, user behavior, and conversion rates.
- SEO Tools: Basic understanding of how to use SEO principles and potentially tools for keyword research and site auditing.
CRM & Automation:
- While not directly specified for this role, awareness of how web properties integrate with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms might be beneficial for understanding the broader digital ecosystem.
π Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a blend of industry-standard design tools and essential front-end development technologies. Proficiency in Webflow is noted as a desirable skill, indicating a potential for modern, agile web development practices within the company.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Impact-Driven: A strong focus on making a tangible impact on national security through innovative technology solutions, requiring dedication and a results-oriented mindset.
- Integrity & Precision: Upholding high standards of accuracy, reliability, and ethical conduct, particularly given the sensitive nature of the Defense and Intelligence sectors.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving is encouraged to achieve complex goals.
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to continuously enhance products and processes, encouraging a learning and adaptable culture.
- Security Consciousness: A deep commitment to security protocols and data protection as a fundamental aspect of all operations.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with marketing, product management, engineering, and potentially client-facing teams to ensure cohesive digital experiences and successful project outcomes.
- Feedback-Oriented: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback during design reviews and project iterations to refine solutions and maintain high quality.
- Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and design trends among team members to foster collective growth and operational efficiency.
π Enhancement Note: Govini's culture appears to be driven by its mission, emphasizing precision, innovation, and collaboration within a secure operational framework. Understanding and aligning with these values will be crucial for success in this role.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Translating Complex Requirements: Effectively translating nuanced requirements from the Defense and Intelligence sectors into intuitive and visually appealing web designs can be challenging, requiring strong communication and analytical skills.
- Balancing Aesthetics with Security & Performance: Synthesizing creative design goals with stringent security requirements and optimal website performance across diverse platforms demands a sophisticated approach to web development.
- Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying current with the fast-paced advancements in web design, development technologies, and security protocols requires continuous learning and adaptation.
- Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (internal teams, potential clients) are aligned on design vision and functionality, especially in a sector with diverse needs and expectations.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Advanced Design/Development Skills: Opportunities to gain expertise in emerging front-end frameworks (React, Angular), advanced UI/UX methodologies, or specialized graphic design techniques for digital media.
- Industry Exposure: Working within the national security technology sector provides unique insights into government contracting, data analytics, and AI applications in defense.
- Professional Certifications: Potential support for certifications in UI/UX, specific design tools, or front-end development technologies.
- Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals within Govini who are experts in design, development, and the defense acquisition landscape.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a role that bridges creative design with technical execution in a specialized industry. The growth opportunities are robust, offering pathways for specialization and advancement within a mission-driven organization.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- Design Process & Problem Solving: "Walk me through a complex web design project from conception to launch. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the impact?" Focus on articulating your systematic approach, decision-making rationale, and how you handled feedback or constraints.
- Technical Proficiency: "How do you ensure your websites are responsive and performant across different devices and browsers? Can you describe your experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in optimizing web experiences?" Be ready to discuss specific code examples or techniques.
- UI/UX Philosophy: "What are your core principles for creating effective user interfaces and seamless user experiences? How do you balance aesthetic appeal with usability and accessibility?" Prepare examples that illustrate your understanding of user-centered design.
- Graphic Design for Web: "How do you approach creating digital assets that align with brand identity and enhance user engagement on a website?" Be ready to discuss your process for visual hierarchy, color theory, and typography in a digital context.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Mission Alignment: "What interests you about Govini's mission to transform defense acquisition, and how do you see your role contributing to that?" Research Goviniβs work and articulate your connection to their goals.
- Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you collaborated with a cross-functional team on a web project. What was your role, and how did you ensure effective communication and integration?" Prepare to discuss your collaborative style and how you handle differing opinions.
- Adaptability: "How do you stay current with emerging trends in web design and development, and how do you incorporate new techniques into your work?" Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, starting with a brief overview of your experience, then diving into 3-4 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, the solution, and the results.
- Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how each project demonstrates your proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, graphic design, UI/UX principles, and responsive design.
- Engage Your Audience: Treat your presentation as a conversation. Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and problem-solving approaches.
- Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: While polished final designs are important, demonstrating your thought process, iterations, and how you overcame challenges often reveals more about your capabilities as an operations-minded designer.
- Technical Demonstration (Optional but Recommended): If applicable, be ready to briefly demonstrate interactive elements or specific code implementations from your portfolio projects.
π Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing not just design talent but also a structured, process-oriented approach to web development and problem-solving, aligning with the operational demands of the role.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Web Designer position at Govini:
- Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.lever.co.
- Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in web design, front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), graphic design ( Adobe Creative Suite), and UI/UX principles, specifically mentioning any projects relevant to government clients or complex technical requirements.
- Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3+ years of professional experience, emphasizing achievements and quantifiable results related to website development, design implementation, and performance optimization. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
- Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and problem-solving methodologies. Prepare to walk through your portfolio confidently, explaining your contributions and the impact of your work.
- Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Govini's mission, products (Ark), and the Defense Acquisition landscape. Understand how your role contributes to their strategic goals and be ready to discuss your interest in their specific mission.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a minimum of three years of professional experience in web design and development, with a strong focus on front-end development. A Bachelor's degree in a related field and proficiency in modern web technologies and graphic design tools are also required.