OCTO UX Project Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: OCTO UX Project Lead

Company: Collaboredge Inc.

Location: Washington, DC

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/UI Design & Project Management (Government Sector)

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end digital transformation initiatives focused on enhancing the government's hiring experience for both internal staff and external applicants.

• Drive the strategic design and implementation of user-centered improvements, leveraging data-driven insights and collaborative co-creation methodologies.

• Manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects within a government environment, ensuring alignment with city-wide innovation goals and technology capabilities.

• Utilize expertise in UX/UI design, project management, and visual communication to translate user research and business needs into seamless digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the District Government's Innovation Team, suggesting a focus on strategic, impactful projects that aim to modernize public services. The emphasis on "digital-era tools and approaches" indicates a forward-thinking environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design and implementation of improvements to the District Government's digital hiring processes and associated technology.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, PeopleSoft experts, IT staff, the Department of Human Resources, and various city departments, to co-create solutions.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to identify pain points for job applicants and hiring staff, translating findings into actionable design improvements.

• Develop comprehensive UX/UI deliverables such as site maps, flow diagrams, storyboards, wireframes, and visual designs aligned with a UI style guide.

• Facilitate workshops and meetings with senior stakeholders to map business processes and align them with user research and city technology capabilities.

• Oversee the implementation of UX/UI changes within the PeopleSoft system, ensuring a seamless and efficient hiring experience for all users.

• Monitor project performance against defined targets, course-correcting as needed to achieve measurable results on time and within budget.

• Champion a critical thinking approach, challenging the status quo and encouraging creative problem-solving to overcome implementation roadblocks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a blend of strategic UX leadership and hands-on project management, with a strong emphasis on managing complex government initiatives and stakeholder engagement. The mention of PeopleSoft indicates a need for understanding legacy HR systems within a modern UX framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in User Experience, Human-Centered Design, related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 10+ years of professional experience in user experience, human-centered design, collaborative solution creation, visual communication, and implementation. Demonstrated experience managing complex digital design and implementation projects, preferably within a government environment.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in human-centered design innovation, UX design, and visual design, encompassing design research, data synthesis, co-creation, prototyping, testing, iteration, and implementation.

• Proven ability to manage complex digital design and implementation projects in a government environment.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct user research and translate raw data into actionable insights.

• Proficiency in displaying large amounts of information in simple, easy-to-understand formats.

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively within a team, leveraging collective strengths.

• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with teammates, city staff, and diverse community stakeholders.

• Experience facilitating workshops and meetings with senior-level stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to summarize and explain complex situations effectively, both in writing and verbally.

• Strong project management background with proven ability to establish targets and deliver measurable results on time and within budget.

• Superior organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and respond quickly to changing needs.

• Familiarity with HTML.

• Proficiency in Figma, Miro, Adobe Sketch (or equivalent), MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with PeopleSoft.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior-level expertise (10+ years) with a strong foundation in human-centered design principles and practical application in complex environments. The specific mention of PeopleSoft as preferred highlights a potential advantage for candidates with experience in HRIS systems. The "Candidate Skills Matrix" provides a structured way for applicants to demonstrate their experience against key requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A digital portfolio or visual sample of work is mandatory for all interested candidates.

• Portfolios should clearly demonstrate professional and/or conceptual project/thinking processes.

• Showcase examples of informational graphics, displays, and user journey maps that illustrate problem-solving approaches.

• Projects should highlight the candidate's ability to translate user research and data into intuitive design solutions.

• Include case studies that detail the end-to-end design process, from initial research and ideation through to prototyping, testing, and implementation. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in mapping business processes and relating them to user research and technology capabilities.

• Provide examples of creating site maps, flow diagrams, and storyboards to visualize interaction flows and information architecture.

• Showcase wireframes that effectively communicate design concepts and user journeys.

• Evidence of conducting usability testing and iterating on designs based on feedback.

• Examples of applying UI style guides to create cohesive visual designs for web interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role, requiring candidates to visually represent their design thinking, process, and project outcomes. The emphasis on "thinking processes" suggests a need to articulate the "why" behind design decisions, not just the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $59.00 - $65.00 per hour. Based on an estimated 40-hour work week, this translates to an annual salary range of approximately $122,720 to $135,200.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits (specific details not provided, but typically include health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, etc.).

• Opportunity to work on impactful government projects that directly improve public services.

• Exposure to innovative digital transformation initiatives within the District Government.

• Collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and problem-solving.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM. Occasional before/after-hours work may be required for research opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate suggests a senior-level position. While specific benefits are not detailed, the role offers significant professional development and impact within the public sector. The hybrid work arrangement is standard for many government-adjacent roles, balancing in-office collaboration with flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector Technology, Digital Transformation, Human Resources Technology.

Company Size: Collaboredge Inc. is likely a consulting or staffing firm that supports government entities, rather than a direct government employer. The project is with the District Government's Innovation Team.

Founded: Information on Collaboredge Inc.'s founding date is not provided, but the project context implies a focus on modernizing public services.

Team Structure:

• The UX Project Lead will report to the District Government's Innovation Team, which acts as in-house consultants.

• This team collaborates with various City departments, including the Office of Chief Technology (OCTO) and the Department of Human Resources.

• The role requires close collaboration with developers, PeopleSoft experts, and IT staff. Methodology:

• Focus on human-centered design, data synthesis, co-creation, and iterative development.

• Application of digital-era tools and approaches to tackle city challenges.

• Emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration and solution co-creation.

• Data-driven decision-making for service delivery improvements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The organizational context is crucial: Collaboredge Inc. is providing services to the District Government. This means the culture will likely blend consulting firm agility with government project requirements. The "Innovation Team" is positioned as a driver of change, implying a dynamic and forward-thinking internal culture within the government project.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Project Lead role, demanding significant autonomy and expertise. It's positioned as a key individual contributor responsible for driving a major digital transformation project.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Innovation Team, likely a dedicated unit focused on strategic technology and process improvements within the District Government. This structure suggests access to senior leadership and a direct line of influence on policy and operational changes.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of government hiring processes, affecting both internal HR operations and the applicant experience. Successful implementation can lead to cost savings, improved recruitment times, and enhanced public perception of government services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in government technology, UX for public services, and large-scale digital transformation projects.

• Leadership: Potential to lead further innovation initiatives or manage larger project portfolios within the District Government or through Collaboredge Inc.

• Skill Development: Gain extensive experience with PeopleSoft, advanced UX methodologies, and navigating complex public sector stakeholder landscapes.

• Networking: Build strong relationships with key decision-makers across various District departments and technology leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape public services through design and technology. Growth potential lies in becoming a recognized expert in government digital transformation, with pathways to more senior strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring 4 days per week in the office. This suggests a blend of collaborative in-person work and potential for focused remote work.

Office Location(s): 200 I St. SE, Washington, DC 20003. This location is accessible and situated within the District.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely foster collaboration, with opportunities for in-person workshops, brainstorming sessions, and team meetings.

• Access to necessary technology and tools (Figma, Miro, etc.) will be provided to facilitate design and project management tasks.

• Interaction with diverse stakeholders, including government staff, IT professionals, and potentially external users, will be a daily aspect of the work.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (8 AM - 5 PM) with occasional flexibility for research or critical project needs. This schedule supports accessibility and integration into government operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is designed to maximize both collaborative synergy and individual productivity. The physical office location is a key detail for candidates considering commute and local amenities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and portfolio review to assess qualifications and relevant experience.

• Skills Assessment: Likely includes technical questions on UX/UI principles, project management methodologies, and specific tool proficiency.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, detailing their process, problem-solving approach, and project outcomes. This is a critical step to evaluate design thinking and communication skills.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess critical thinking, stakeholder management, collaboration, resilience, and motivation for public service.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership from the Innovation Team or Collaboredge Inc. to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking process, from initial research and problem definition to ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify results wherever possible. Demonstrate how your design solutions improved user experience, efficiency, or achieved specific project goals.

• Tailor to Government: If possible, include examples of projects with government or public sector clients, or highlight transferable skills relevant to public service.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and high-quality visuals.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives. Explain the challenge, your role, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes achieved.

• Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate which tools you used for each project (Figma, Miro, etc.).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a complex government digital service redesign.

• Anticipate questions about managing diverse stakeholder expectations and navigating bureaucratic processes.

• Practice explaining technical UX/UI concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Review common government HR processes and identify potential areas for UX improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application and demonstrated capability through the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to "walk through" their work and defend their design decisions with data and user-centric reasoning.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Miro, Adobe Sketch (or equivalent). Proficiency in these is a core requirement.

• Collaboration & Communication: MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook. Essential for documentation, data analysis, and stakeholder communication.

• Project Management: While not explicitly listed, strong project management skills imply familiarity with associated tools for planning, tracking, and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Expect to utilize data from user research and usability testing.

• Ability to synthesize and present raw data into insights is crucial.

• Familiarity with PeopleSoft reporting features may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• The role focuses on the hiring system within PeopleSoft, which acts as a CRM for applicant data and HR processes.

• Understanding of how to optimize workflows within such systems is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is heavily skewed towards design and collaboration tools. The critical PeopleSoft system is mentioned as preferred, suggesting that candidates with HRIS experience will have a significant advantage in understanding the platform's constraints and capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of both internal users (hiring staff) and external users (job applicants).

• Innovation: A drive to explore and implement new digital tools and approaches to improve public services.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork and cross-departmental cooperation to achieve complex goals.

• Results-Oriented: A focus on delivering measurable outcomes and demonstrating tangible improvements.

• Service-Mindedness: A genuine desire to enhance local government services and contribute to the public good.

• Resilience & Patience: The ability to navigate complex organizational structures and work effectively with individuals of varying levels of digital adoption.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, requiring active engagement with multiple departments and stakeholders.

• Emphasis on facilitating workshops and co-creation sessions.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design based on input from team members and users.

• Knowledge-sharing is encouraged, particularly within the Innovation Team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of modern design thinking and the realities of government operations. Candidates must be adaptable, empathetic, and driven by a mission to improve public services.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Bureaucracy: Implementing change within a large, established government structure can be slow and complex, requiring strong stakeholder management and patience.

• Legacy Systems: Working with systems like PeopleSoft, which may have limitations, requires creative problem-solving to achieve modern UX goals.

• Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements and expectations of various departments, agencies, and user groups can be challenging.

• Resistance to Change: Overcoming potential resistance from individuals accustomed to traditional processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX in Government: Gain deep expertise in applying UX principles to public sector services.

• Digital Transformation Leadership: Develop skills in leading large-scale technology and process change initiatives.

• PeopleSoft Integration: Enhance understanding of HRIS systems and their UX implications.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Hone skills in managing projects with diverse technical and non-technical teams.

• Networking: Build a robust professional network within the District Government and the broader civic tech community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to tackle significant challenges in public service modernization, with substantial rewards in terms of professional growth and societal impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach redesigning the hiring process for the District Government, given the current constraints and goals?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder engagement, and data utilization.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities or demands from multiple stakeholders on a complex project. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight project management and negotiation skills.)

• "Imagine we've identified that applicants struggle with a specific part of the online application. What steps would you take to diagnose and solve this problem?" (Demonstrate your UX problem-solving framework.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on digital services for a government entity like the District of Columbia?" (Showcase your motivation for public service and impact.)

• "How do you ensure that your design solutions are inclusive and accessible to all users, regardless of technical proficiency or background?" (Discuss your approach to accessibility and diverse user needs.)

• "How do you measure the success of a UX/UI project, especially within a government context where traditional ROI metrics might differ?" (Prepare to discuss relevant KPIs for public services.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, following the lifecycle of your projects. Start with the problem, your approach, key decisions, solutions, and finally, the outcomes.

• Quantify: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to support your claims about project success and impact.

• Process Over Polish: While visuals are important, emphasize your thought process, decision-making, and how you adapted to challenges.

• Engage: Make your presentation interactive. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your work and rationale.

• Relevance: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects, work with diverse users, and deliver tangible results, especially if any are in the public sector or large organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of technical UX expertise, strong project management capabilities, and a genuine understanding of and passion for improving public services.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this OCTO UX Project Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on career.careerplug.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in user experience design, project management, government projects (if any), and proficiency with specified tools. Use keywords from the job description, such as "human-centered design," "digital transformation," "stakeholder management," and "Figma."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your digital portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work, and clearly articulates your process for at least 2-3 key projects. Make sure any links are functional and accessible.

• Research the District Government's Innovation Team: Understand their mission, recent projects, and any public-facing digital initiatives to demonstrate your interest and understanding.

• Practice Your Portfolio Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design decisions, project challenges, and outcomes clearly and concisely. Be ready for technical and behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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.