Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer Company: Guidehouse Location: San Antonio, TX (On-site) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Digital Design & Development Operations Date Posted: July 23, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the operational execution of digital design for client platforms, specifically the ACF CWIG platform, involving the implementation of responsive web pages and digital assets.
• The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including UX researchers, content strategists, and developers, to translate user needs into effective and intuitive web designs, emphasizing seamless workflow integration.
• A key operational aspect is ensuring strict adherence to Section 508 and WCAG accessibility standards, which are critical for government-related digital projects and impact user adoption and compliance.
• The role involves the creation of design artifacts such as wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to clearly communicate design concepts and facilitate efficient development cycles.
• Continuous improvement of the user experience through iterative design based on user feedback and analytics is a core operational function, driving platform effectiveness and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the responsibilities and context (government contract, accessibility standards) suggest a role within a broader Digital Operations or GTM support function, focusing on the practical implementation and maintenance of digital assets that support business objectives. The emphasis on collaboration with UX, content, and development teams highlights a cross-functional operational alignment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement responsive web pages and digital assets for the ACF CWIG platform, ensuring optimal user experience across various devices and browsers.
• Collaborate with UX researchers, content strategists, and developers to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective web designs, facilitating a smooth handoff for development.
• Ensure all digital assets and web pages comply with Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, performing audits and implementing necessary design adjustments.
• Create detailed wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts, user flows, and interaction models to stakeholders and development teams.
• Support iterative design improvements by analyzing user feedback, website analytics, and performance metrics to identify areas for optimization and enhance user engagement.
• Maintain design consistency and brand integrity across the CWIG website and all related digital properties through the development and application of style guides and design systems.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and collaboration within the digital development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed to emphasize the operational execution of design tasks, highlighting the practical application of design principles within a project lifecycle. Terms like "implement," "collaborate," "ensure compliance," and "support iterative improvements" underscore the operational nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Web Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.
• Alternatively, an additional four (4) years of directly relevant professional experience in web design can be substituted for a Bachelor's degree, demonstrating a strong practical foundation.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in web design, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful projects.
• Experience in a government or non-profit sector setting is highly preferred, indicating an understanding of specific operational and compliance requirements.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Design Tools: Expert-level skill in industry-standard design and prototyping software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, or Sketch for creating high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes.
• HTML & CSS Expertise: Strong understanding and practical application of HTML5 and CSS3, including semantic markup and modern CSS techniques for building responsive and accessible web interfaces.
• Responsive Design Principles: Demonstrated ability to design and implement layouts that adapt seamlessly across various screen sizes and devices (desktops, tablets, mobile phones), ensuring a consistent user experience.
• Accessibility Standards: Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in designing for web accessibility, specifically Section 508 and WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) compliance, including understanding ARIA roles and attributes.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, content strategists, and project managers, to achieve project goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS platforms such as Drupal or WordPress, understanding their design and theming capabilities for implementing web designs.
• Front-End Frameworks: Knowledge of front-end development frameworks like Bootstrap or React, enabling better collaboration with development teams and understanding of implementation constraints.
• User Research & Usability Testing: Experience participating in or supporting user research activities and usability testing sessions to gather feedback and inform design decisions.
• Government/Child Welfare Context: Prior experience working on federal government contracts or with child welfare programs, providing domain-specific context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills are presented with an emphasis on practical application and operational relevance. For example, "Proficiency in Design Tools" is framed as "Expert-level skill" with specific examples, and "HTML & CSS Expertise" highlights "practical application" and "modern CSS techniques" to align with operational needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Project Showcase: A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of web design projects, highlighting the entire design process from concept to final implementation.
• Responsive Design Examples: Specific examples within the portfolio that clearly illustrate the application of responsive design principles across different breakpoints and devices.
• Accessibility Compliance: Projects that explicitly showcase adherence to Section 508 and WCAG accessibility standards, with explanations of how these were integrated into the design process.
• User-Centric Design: Case studies detailing how user needs and feedback were incorporated into the design process, including wireframes, user flows, and final mockups.
• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Evidence of expertise in design tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Suite, showcased through the quality and complexity of the design artifacts presented.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document and communicate design workflows, including stages of ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and handoff to development.
• Style Guide Development: Experience in creating and maintaining style guides or design systems to ensure brand consistency and streamline the design and development process.
• Accessibility Audits: Processes for conducting and documenting accessibility audits on web designs and implemented pages.
• Feedback Integration: Documented processes for gathering, analyzing, and integrating user feedback and analytics into iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the operational aspects of a design portfolio, focusing on the process, documentation, and demonstrable skills that are critical for a designer working within a structured environment. The requirements are geared towards showcasing an understanding of efficient design operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The annual salary range for this position is $61,000.00 - $101,000.00 USD.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is provided by the employer and is competitive for a mid-level Web Designer role in the San Antonio, TX area, considering the required experience and the nature of the work, which often involves government-related projects with specific compliance needs. Compensation decisions will be influenced by factors such as specific skill sets, depth of experience, security clearance status, and overall business requirements.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.
• Paid Time Off: Personal and Family Sick Time, along with Company Paid Holidays.
• Family Support: Parental Leave.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) Retirement Plan with potential company match.
• Life & Travel Insurance: Group Term Life Insurance and Travel Assistance.
• Voluntary Insurance: Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Care FSA, and Dependent Care FSA for pre-tax savings.
• Commuter Benefits: Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits to assist with work-related travel costs.
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Professional Development: Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development opportunities, Certifications, and ongoing Learning Opportunities to support career growth.
• Employee Referral Program: Incentives for referring qualified candidates.
• Community & Events: Corporate Sponsored Events and Community Outreach programs.
• Work-Life Balance Support: Care.com annual membership and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Supplemental Benefits: Various options via Corestream, including Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance, and ID Theft Protection.
• Performance Incentives: Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus, tied to individual and company performance.

Working Hours:

• The standard full-time work schedule is 40 hours per week.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is on-site, Guidehouse typically offers a supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance, which may include some flexibility in daily start/end times, provided operational needs and project deadlines are met.

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Guidehouse operates within the professional services and consulting sector, with a significant focus on government and public sector clients, as well as commercial industries. This sector requires a strong emphasis on process, compliance, and delivering tangible results for clients.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The company's involvement in government contracts implies a culture that values adherence to regulations, security protocols, and client-specific requirements, which directly impacts design operations and project execution.

Company Size:

• Guidehouse is a large, global company, indicating a structured environment with established processes, diverse teams, and opportunities for career advancement. This size suggests robust internal support systems and a wide array of resources available to employees.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, a large company size often means more defined roles, specialized teams, and opportunities to contribute to large-scale projects, but also requires adaptability to established procedures.

Founded:

• Guidehouse was founded in 2018, emerging from the acquisition of PwC's U.S. public sector practice. This relatively recent establishment within its current structure suggests a dynamic and evolving organizational culture, blending established expertise with a forward-looking approach.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The company's foundation as a spin-off from a major consulting firm implies a strong heritage of professional services, client-centricity, and operational excellence.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will likely be part of a Digital Design team or a broader Digital Transformation or IT Services group within Guidehouse.
• This team will likely include other designers, developers, project managers, and potentially UX researchers and content strategists.
• Reporting structure will typically be to a Design Lead, Project Manager, or a Digital Services Manager, with collaboration across various client-focused project teams.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The operational structure of such teams emphasizes project-based work, agile methodologies, and close collaboration to meet client deliverables, requiring designers to be adaptable and responsive to team needs.

Methodology:

• Guidehouse often employs project management methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid approaches, depending on client and project requirements.
• Data analysis and insights are critical for informing design decisions, user experience improvements, and demonstrating project ROI.
• Workflow planning and optimization are key to ensuring efficient project delivery and resource allocation.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely implemented where feasible to streamline design and development processes.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The application of these methodologies directly influences how design work is planned, executed, and measured, requiring designers to integrate their work seamlessly into broader operational frameworks.

Company Website: https://www.guidehouse.com/

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned at a mid-level (2-5 years of experience), indicating responsibility for executing design tasks with a degree of autonomy, contributing to project success, and potentially mentoring junior designers. The focus is on operational contribution within defined project parameters.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: As a Web Designer, the operational growth path often involves specializing in UI/UX, front-end development integration, or moving into design leadership and team management roles within digital operations.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically, a Web Designer reports to a Senior Designer, Design Manager, Project Manager, or a Digital Operations Lead.
• They will collaborate closely with developers, UX researchers, content strategists, and client stakeholders.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The operational dynamic involves clear communication channels and collaborative workflows to ensure design outputs align with project objectives and client expectations, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Operations Impact:

• The Web Designer's work directly impacts the user experience and engagement with client platforms, influencing client satisfaction and the effectiveness of digital solutions.
• By ensuring accessible and user-friendly designs, the role contributes to compliance, broader audience reach, and the overall success of client projects.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Effective design operations translate directly into improved client outcomes, operational efficiency for development teams, and enhanced brand perception for clients, making this role crucial for service delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UI/UX design, accessibility, front-end development integration, or specific design software.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Gaining exposure to different project types, client sectors, and collaborating with diverse teams to broaden skill sets and understanding of digital operations.
• Leadership Potential: Progression into roles such as Senior Web Designer, UI/UX Lead, or Design Manager, involving team leadership, project oversight, and strategic design planning.
• Learning & Development: Access to Guidehouse's extensive learning resources, including training programs, certifications, and workshops focused on digital design, technology, and consulting skills.
• Industry Exposure: Working on a variety of projects for different government agencies and commercial clients provides broad industry exposure and experience.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path focuses on enhancing operational design capabilities, leading to increased project responsibility and potential for specialization or management within Guidehouse's digital service offerings.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• Guidehouse typically operates within professional office environments, often in dedicated office spaces or co-working facilities that support client engagements. These environments are designed to foster collaboration and productivity.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a workspace equipped with standard office amenities, robust IT infrastructure, and a professional atmosphere conducive to focused design work and team interaction.

Office Location(s):

• The primary location for this role is in San Antonio, TX, with an on-site work arrangement. Guidehouse may also have other office locations or opportunities for hybrid work in certain circumstances, but this specific posting emphasizes the San Antonio office.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: For an on-site role, accessibility to the San Antonio office and local amenities is a practical consideration for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a collaborative open-plan office or a dedicated desk within a team area, fostering interaction with colleagues.
• Designers will have access to necessary hardware (computers, monitors) and software, including design tools and communication platforms.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members, project leads, and potentially clients (during specific meetings) are integral to the work environment.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The environment is expected to support efficient design operations through readily available tools, resources, and opportunities for knowledge sharing and problem-solving within the team.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, aligning with business hours.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While the schedule is generally standard, project deadlines and client needs may occasionally require flexibility or extended hours, which is common in consulting environments. The focus remains on delivering high-quality work within project timelines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: This stage typically involves a more in-depth discussion about your experience, design philosophy, and a review of your portfolio. Expect questions about specific projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle challenges.
• Skills-Based Assessment (Optional): You might be asked to complete a design exercise or take-home assignment to evaluate your practical skills in areas like wireframing, UI design, or accessibility implementation.
• Team/Manager Interview: Interviews with potential team members and the hiring manager to assess collaboration skills, cultural alignment, and suitability for the team dynamics.
• Final Interview (If applicable): Potentially with a senior leader or client representative, focusing on strategic thinking and overall fit.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role, interviewers will likely probe into your process, how you manage workflows, your approach to documentation, and your ability to collaborate effectively within a structured project environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your best projects that are most relevant to the role and Guidehouse's work (government sector, digital platforms, responsive design, accessibility).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role, the design process you followed (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), the tools you used, and the outcome or impact of your work.
• Highlight Process & Collaboration: Emphasize your design workflow, how you collaborated with developers and other stakeholders, and how you incorporated feedback to refine designs.
• Demonstrate Accessibility: Explicitly point out how you addressed Section 508 and WCAG standards in your projects.
• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss specific design choices, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented.
• Use a Professional Format: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a website or a PDF.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Guidehouse: Research Guidehouse's services, client base (especially government sector), and recent projects to understand their operational context.
• Review Design Principles: Brush up on core web design principles, UI/UX best practices, responsive design techniques, and accessibility guidelines (Section 508, WCAG).
• Practice Design Exercises: If a take-home assignment is expected, practice designing a user flow or a specific web page element under timed conditions. Focus on clarity, usability, and accessibility.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare for common behavioral questions about teamwork, problem-solving, handling feedback, and managing priorities, framing your answers with specific examples from your experience.
• Operations Focus: Be ready to discuss how you manage your design workload, prioritize tasks, communicate with cross-functional teams, and contribute to efficient project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The advice focuses on showcasing operational proficiency, process adherence, and the ability to deliver results in a consulting environment, aligning with Guidehouse's business model.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Proficiency in at least one of these is critical for creating mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence for team communication, project tracking, and documentation.
• Version Control (for design assets): Familiarity with systems like Abstract or built-in features in Figma/Sketch for managing design versions and collaboration.
• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for task management and workflow tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand user behavior, track website performance, and inform design decisions.
• Reporting Tools: Ability to use or interpret data from reporting dashboards to assess the effectiveness of designs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a primary tool for designers, understanding CRM principles (e.g., Salesforce) can be beneficial for context on user data and customer journeys.
• Automation Tools: Awareness of front-end automation tools or build processes that might impact design implementation.
• Integration Tools: Understanding how design assets integrate with content management systems (CMS) or other platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on tools that facilitate efficient design operations, collaboration, and the integration of design work into broader project lifecycles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering high-quality solutions that drive client success. This translates to meticulous attention to detail in design and adherence to project requirements.
• Collaboration: An emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among team members across different disciplines (design, development, strategy).
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating professionalism in all interactions.
• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality outcomes, continuous improvement, and embracing new ideas and technologies to provide cutting-edge solutions.
• Efficiency & Effectiveness: A drive to optimize processes, deliver work efficiently, and ensure that design solutions are both effective in meeting objectives and practical to implement.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: These values shape the daily operational approach, influencing how team members interact, prioritize tasks, and approach problem-solving to ensure client satisfaction and project success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with developers, project managers, and subject matter experts, requiring a collaborative and communicative approach.
• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is encouraged and valued as a means to improve designs and team processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of best practices, design techniques, and project learnings among team members to foster collective growth.
• Iterative Design Process: Working in an iterative manner, incorporating feedback and data to continuously refine designs and improve user experience.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The collaboration style is geared towards efficient project execution, emphasizing clear communication, shared understanding of goals, and a collective effort to achieve successful project outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs and Design Best Practices: Navigating client-specific requirements that may sometimes conflict with optimal design or accessibility standards, requiring negotiation and creative problem-solving.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling design responsibilities for several projects simultaneously, each with different deadlines, stakeholders, and requirements, demanding strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Adhering to Strict Compliance Standards: Consistently meeting rigorous accessibility (Section 508, WCAG) and security requirements inherent in government projects, which can add complexity to the design process.
• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying current with the latest design tools, web technologies, and best practices in a fast-paced digital landscape.
• Adapting to Client Feedback: Effectively incorporating feedback from diverse stakeholders who may have varying levels of design understanding or differing opinions.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges present opportunities for skill development in areas like negotiation, project management, advanced accessibility implementation, and continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training Programs: Access to Guidehouse's internal training and development programs covering technical skills, project management, leadership, and industry-specific knowledge.
• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant certifications in design, UX, accessibility, or project management.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior designers or leaders within Guidehouse, providing guidance on career progression and skill development.
• Conferences and Workshops: Potential for attending industry conferences or workshops to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.
• On-the-Job Learning: Gaining practical experience through diverse projects and collaborative team environments.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: Guidehouse's commitment to professional development supports the continuous enhancement of operational design capabilities and career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations & Efficiency: "Describe your process for managing multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How do you prioritize your tasks to ensure efficiency and timely delivery?" (Focus on workflow, task management, and prioritization techniques.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you collaborate with developers to ensure your designs are implemented accurately? Describe a time you had to communicate a complex design decision to a non-technical stakeholder." (Highlight communication skills, empathy, and process for handoff and feedback.)
• Problem-Solving & Design Thinking: "Walk me through a challenging web design project you worked on. What was the problem, what was your approach, and what was the outcome? How did you ensure accessibility in this project?" (Prepare a case study that demonstrates your problem-solving methodology, design process, and attention to detail, particularly regarding accessibility.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Guidehouse Values: "How do Guidehouse's core values (e.g., Client Focus, Integrity, Excellence) align with your own professional values and work approach?" (Research the company's values and prepare examples of how you embody them.)
• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team culture?" (Focus on collaborative behaviors, communication style, and support for colleagues.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work? What metrics do you consider important for evaluating user experience and design effectiveness?" (Think about UX metrics, engagement rates, conversion optimization, and accessibility compliance.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each portfolio piece, follow a clear structure: Problem/Objective -> Your Role -> Process/Solution -> Tools Used -> Outcome/Impact.
• Quantify Results: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., "increased user engagement by X%," "improved task completion rate by Y%," "ensured 100% WCAG compliance").
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design process, including wireframing, prototyping, user feedback incorporation, and collaboration with developers.
• Accessibility Focus: Explicitly call out how you addressed accessibility requirements in each relevant project.
• Concise and Clear: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects. Practice your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within time limits.
• Interactive Elements: If your portfolio includes interactive prototypes, be ready to demonstrate them and explain the user flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preparation advice is tailored to showcase not just design skills but also operational competence, process adherence, and the ability to contribute effectively within a consulting firm's structured environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Guidehouse careers portal.
• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight web design experience, focusing on responsibilities and achievements that demonstrate proficiency in responsive design, accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG), and collaboration with development teams. Use keywords relevant to digital operations and design execution.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant projects (especially those demonstrating accessibility and responsive design), and is easily accessible. Be ready to walk through your process and outcomes for key projects.
• Research Guidehouse: Gain a solid understanding of Guidehouse's services, client base (particularly in the government sector), and company culture to tailor your responses and demonstrate your fit.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, collaboration experience, and how you contribute to efficient project delivery. Practice articulating your contributions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ 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.