UX/UI Design Manager (Top Secret)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Design Manager (Top Secret)

Company: ICF

Location: Washington, DC Area

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Management Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-30T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of UX/UI design initiatives for complex digital products and user interfaces, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives and user needs.

• Drive user-centered design principles through comprehensive user research, usability evaluations, and the creation of detailed design artifacts like information architecture, wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• Define and manage the UX strategy, product backlog, and roadmap, fostering collaboration with cross-functional development teams, product managers, and client stakeholders throughout the entire product lifecycle.

• Develop and implement robust analytics strategies and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of digital communications and user experience efforts, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of usability test plans, supporting both internal and external testing phases to validate design decisions and identify opportunities for optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for managing the user experience of digital products within a highly secure government environment. The emphasis on "Top Secret" clearance, specific government experience (FBI preferred), and the structured approach to UX strategy, roadmap, and KPIs indicates a need for a candidate who can navigate complex requirements and deliver impactful, user-centric solutions within stringent operational constraints. The integration of analytics and KPIs points towards a strong Revenue Operations or GTM alignment, where user experience directly impacts conversion, engagement, and mission success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end UX/UI design process, from initial concept and user research to final implementation and post-launch analysis, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience.

• Conduct in-depth user research, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points within the specific context of government operations.

• Develop comprehensive UX deliverables such as information architecture, detailed user flows, process maps, site maps, wireframes, storyboards, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and solutions.

• Establish and champion the UX design direction, working closely with engineering and development teams to ensure faithful and efficient implementation of design specifications.

• Design, execute, and analyze usability testing sessions to gather critical feedback, validate design hypotheses, and identify areas for iterative improvement in product design and functionality.

• Define, articulate, and maintain the overarching UX strategy, product backlog, and development roadmap, aligning design efforts with business goals and project timelines.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with client stakeholders, product managers, developers, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and successful product delivery.

• Develop and refine analytics strategies and define key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor user engagement, task completion rates, satisfaction, and overall digital experience effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic UX leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "user research," "usability evaluations," "information architecture," "wireframes," "prototypes," and "analytics strategies" are core components of effective UX operations and GTM strategy, directly influencing user adoption and mission effectiveness. The requirement to collaborate with "development teams," "client stakeholders," and "cross-functional teams" underscores the need for strong communication and project management skills, essential for operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred. Relevant professional certifications (e.g., from General Assembly, Human Factors International, Nielsen Norman Group) are highly valued.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, with at least 1 year specifically applying formal usability and user-centered design methods. A minimum of 1 year of experience in each of the following is also required: conducting user research and usability testing, creating wireframes, storyboards, user flows, process flows, site maps, and prototypes, providing UX/UI direction within multidisciplinary development teams, and utilizing wireframing and design tools.

Required Skills:

• Active Top Secret security clearance.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant UX/UI design experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting user research and usability testing.

• Proven ability to create detailed UX artifacts including wireframes, user flows, process flows, site maps, and prototypes.

• Experience providing UX/UI design direction to multidisciplinary development teams.

• Proficiency with wireframing and design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript prototyping.

• Familiarity with MS Teams, SharePoint, and form design.

• A strong UX/UI portfolio showcasing relevant work and design process.

• U.S. citizenship. Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience supporting the FBI or other federal government agencies.

• Strong understanding of information architecture and interaction design principles.

• Experience working within federal government or other complex, regulated environments.

• Proven experience in developing UX strategies, roadmaps, and product backlogs.

• Experience utilizing analytics platforms and KPIs to evaluate and optimize digital experiences.

• Excellent systems-thinking and user-centered design skills.

• Ability to translate complex requirements and research findings into intuitive digital experiences.

• Strong communication skills for presenting design rationale to diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to balance user needs with technical constraints and organizational objectives.

• Strong organizational and project management skills for managing multiple UX activities concurrently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a Top Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship, coupled with preferred FBI experience, strongly suggests a role within a government contracting environment focused on national security or intelligence. The required skills in wireframing, prototyping, and user research are fundamental to operationalizing user needs into functional interfaces, directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of government systems. The preference for specific certifications and a Bachelor's degree aligns with industry standards for senior UX roles, particularly in regulated sectors requiring formal validation of expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive UX/UI portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and a proven ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive digital experiences.

• Portfolio pieces should clearly illustrate the candidate's design process, including user research methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iterative design improvements.

• Projects should highlight experience with information architecture, user flows, and interaction design, demonstrating how these elements contribute to a cohesive and effective user interface.

• The portfolio must provide evidence of successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and the ability to communicate design rationale effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrations of how design decisions were informed by user feedback, analytics, and KPIs are highly valued, showcasing an impact-driven approach to UX/UI design. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to detail their approach to user research, including methodologies for participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis to identify actionable insights.

• The documentation should outline the process for developing and iterating on wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes, including the tools and techniques used at each stage.

• A clear explanation of the process for conducting and reporting on usability testing, including test plan development and the translation of findings into design recommendations, is required.

• Candidates should describe their process for collaborating with development teams, ensuring accurate implementation of designs and managing design-related feedback throughout the product lifecycle.

• The ability to articulate a structured approach to defining and maintaining UX strategies, product backlogs, and roadmaps will be assessed.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving sensitive government work, the portfolio and process documentation are critical for demonstrating not only design skills but also the ability to work within structured, often regulated, environments. The emphasis on "user research methodologies," "wireframing," "prototyping," "usability testing," and "analytics strategies" aligns with the operational rigor expected in government projects. The ability to document and articulate these processes clearly is essential for ensuring consistency, compliance, and effective knowledge transfer within the operations team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $118,807.00 - $201,971.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays, recognizing the importance of work-life balance.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions, supporting long-term financial security.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and conference attendance, to foster continuous learning and career growth in UX/UI design and operations.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives, acknowledging contributions to project success and client satisfaction.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and client site requirements. Some evening or weekend work may be required during critical project phases or for specific deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a UX/UI Design Manager role with a Top Secret clearance in the Washington, DC area, reflecting the specialized skills and security requirements. The benefits listed are standard for a large advisory and technology services firm like ICF, with a particular emphasis on professional development, which is crucial for maintaining cutting-edge skills in the rapidly evolving UX/UI and operations fields. The mention of "client site requirements" and potential need for extended hours underscores the operational realities of government contracting.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: ICF operates as a global advisory and technology services provider, serving a diverse range of sectors including government, energy, environment, health, and social policy. Their work often involves tackling complex societal and technological challenges.

Company Size: ICF is a large organization, indicated by its global presence and the breadth of its services, suggesting a structured corporate environment with numerous opportunities for specialization and advancement.

Founded: While the exact founding year isn't provided in the snippet, ICF's long-standing presence and reputation in the industry imply a stable and established company with deep expertise.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Digital or Technology division, potentially within a government contracting unit.

• The team is expected to be multidisciplinary, including UX designers, UI designers, researchers, developers, product managers, and project managers, fostering a collaborative environment.

• Reporting lines will likely involve a direct manager within the operations or digital services leadership, with significant interaction with client-side project leads and stakeholders. Methodology:

• ICF emphasizes a data-driven approach, integrating analytics and KPIs to inform strategy and measure impact, which is directly relevant to operations.

• The company culture encourages innovation and problem-solving, applying technology and expertise to address complex client needs, aligning with the operational goals of efficiency and effectiveness.

• A strong focus on user-centered design and systems thinking is core to their methodology, ensuring that solutions are not only technically sound but also meet user needs and organizational objectives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ICF's positioning as a "global advisory and technology services provider" suggests a professional, client-focused environment where operational excellence and technical expertise are paramount. The emphasis on "mission-driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists" points to a culture that values collaboration and impact, particularly relevant for a role supporting government clients with critical missions. The integration of "technology" and "advisory" services indicates that operational roles like UX/UI Design Manager are key to delivering tangible outcomes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a management-level position within the UX/UI design discipline, requiring strategic oversight and leadership. It sits at a level where individual contribution is augmented by the ability to guide and mentor teams, define processes, and influence product direction.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within ICF's digital services or client-specific project management structure. They will also have direct reports (UX/UI designers) and will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Project Leads, and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the success of digital products, particularly within a government context where user experience can significantly influence mission effectiveness, user adoption, and operational efficiency. By ensuring user-centered design and effective implementation, the role contributes to achieving client objectives and potentially national security goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as interaction design, user research methodologies, or accessible design within regulated environments.

• Leadership: Advance into senior management or director-level roles, overseeing larger teams, broader portfolios, or strategic initiatives within ICF's digital transformation services.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Develop a stronger understanding of product management, agile development, and government procurement processes, enhancing overall operational leadership capabilities.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to thought leadership through presentations, publications, or participation in industry forums, enhancing personal and ICF's reputation in UX/UI and government services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for a UX/UI Design Manager in a firm like ICF, especially in government contracting, typically involves moving from managing specific projects to overseeing larger programs or even entire service lines. The "Top Secret" clearance is a significant asset that opens doors to highly sensitive and impactful projects, offering unique growth opportunities in specialized government sectors. This role is a stepping stone towards senior operational leadership roles focused on digital transformation and service delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position requiring the candidate to work at a client site in the Washington, DC area. This implies a dedicated workspace within a government facility or a secure ICF office supporting the client.

Office Location(s): Washington, DC Area. Specific client site details would be provided during the interview process, but it is expected to be within the metropolitan DC region.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will be within a secure government facility or a similarly secure ICF office, requiring adherence to strict security protocols and clearance requirements.

• Collaboration will be a key aspect, with opportunities to work closely with a multidisciplinary team of designers, developers, researchers, and client personnel within a structured project setting.

• Access to necessary tools and technologies will be provided, including standard office software, design and prototyping tools, and communication platforms like MS Teams and SharePoint, all within a potentially restricted network environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of government projects and client site requirements, there may be an expectation of flexibility, including potential for extended hours or occasional work outside of standard business hours to meet project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a client facility, coupled with the Top Secret clearance, signifies a highly controlled and secure work environment. This is typical for roles supporting government agencies with sensitive data and operations. The emphasis on collaboration within a "multidisciplinary team" and "client personnel" highlights the importance of strong interpersonal and communication skills, essential for effective operational integration in such settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and clearance status.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your UX/UI design experience, leadership capabilities, and understanding of user-centered design principles. You will be asked to walk through your portfolio.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a design challenge or case study presentation, where you'll demonstrate your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to articulate your rationale. You will also meet with potential team members and discuss your collaboration style.

• Client Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with key client representatives to discuss your experience, approach, and suitability for supporting their specific mission and operational needs.

• Security & Background Check: Thorough vetting process to confirm the Top Secret security clearance and other required background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI management skills, design process, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with government or complex regulated environments if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your methodology – how you conducted research, made design decisions, collaborated with teams, and iterated based on feedback. This is crucial for operational roles.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics (e.g., conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the success of your designs and their contribution to operational goals.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you handled stakeholder feedback and technical constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly understand the problem statement, target users, and any constraints (technical, security, time).

• Outline Your Approach: Before diving into design, clearly outline your plan: what research you'd conduct, what key user flows you'd prioritize, and what deliverables you'd create.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thought process, not just the final output. Explain your assumptions, trade-offs, and why you made certain design decisions.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse presenting your work and ideas concisely and clearly, as you'll need to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process clearly emphasizes the need for a candidate to not only possess strong UX/UI skills but also to demonstrate an understanding of secure environments, client collaboration, and a structured, data-informed approach to design. The portfolio review is particularly critical, serving as a tangible demonstration of operational capabilities and problem-solving. Preparing case studies that highlight process and impact will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP (demonstrated proficiency required).

• Design & Graphics: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for visual design and asset creation.

• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint for team communication, document sharing, and project management within a secure environment.

• Project Management: Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools like Jira, Confluence, or similar for backlog management and sprint planning is often beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or specific government-focused analytics platforms to track user behavior and measure KPIs.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret reports from analytics tools; familiarity with dashboarding software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) may be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this UX role, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms influence user journeys can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, wireframing tools, MS Teams, SharePoint) are standard for UX/UI roles. The inclusion of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript prototyping indicates a need for a candidate who can bridge the gap between design and development, ensuring feasibility and understanding technical constraints. Experience with analytics and KPIs is crucial for the operational aspect of this role, allowing for data-driven design decisions and performance measurement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs, ensuring that all designs prioritize usability, accessibility, and effectiveness for the end-user.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, discretion, and security, particularly given the Top Secret clearance and the sensitive nature of government work.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering a collaborative environment where open communication, constructive feedback, and cross-functional teamwork are encouraged and valued.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research, analytics, and KPIs to inform design decisions, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in user experience and operational outcomes.

• Problem Solving & Innovation: Approaching challenges with a proactive, problem-solving mindset, seeking innovative solutions that meet user needs while adhering to technical and organizational constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, where designers, researchers, developers, and product managers work closely together.

• Expect regular stand-ups, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment and address project challenges.

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to iterate on designs based on input from various stakeholders are essential for success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "integrity & security" and "data-driven decision making" are particularly critical for this role within a government contracting context. These values directly translate into operational practices that ensure compliance, security, and measurable impact, which are paramount for government clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Security Constraints: Adapting UX/UI design practices to meet stringent security protocols and clearance requirements inherent in government projects.

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing competing requirements and expectations from various client stakeholders, internal teams, and end-users.

• Translating Complex Requirements: Converting intricate government mandates and operational needs into intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology: Continuously updating skills and design approaches to incorporate new technologies and best practices in UX/UI and digital product development.

• Measuring Impact in Government Settings: Developing and implementing effective metrics and analytics strategies that accurately reflect the success and operational impact of digital solutions within government frameworks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in areas like accessible design, UX research, or interaction design to deepen expertise.

• Government Sector Insights: Gaining deeper knowledge of government procurement processes, operational workflows, and the unique challenges faced by federal agencies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in ICF's internal leadership and management training to enhance skills in team management, strategic planning, and client relations.

• Conferences & Workshops: Attending industry conferences and workshops focused on UX, digital transformation, and government technology to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined are directly tied to the operational realities of working in a secure government environment. The growth opportunities focus on enhancing both specialized UX/UI skills and broader operational leadership capabilities, particularly within the government sector, preparing the candidate for more senior roles in digital transformation and program management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with strict technical or security constraints. How did you approach the design and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and communication with stakeholders.)

• "How would you develop a UX strategy and roadmap for a new government digital service, considering potential legacy systems and diverse user groups?" (Highlight your strategic thinking, phased approach, and ability to integrate with existing operations.)

• "Walk me through a complex user flow you designed. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure its usability and efficiency for the end-user?" (Use a portfolio example to demonstrate your detailed design thinking and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with government clients, and specifically within a Top Secret clearance environment?" (Demonstrate an understanding of the mission, the importance of security, and your commitment.)

• "How do you ensure your design practices align with user-centered principles while also meeting organizational goals and project timelines?" (Showcase your ability to balance competing demands and your operational mindset.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with development teams and client stakeholders. How do you handle disagreements or conflicting feedback?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and team-building skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role, the challenges faced, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals, mockups, and prototypes to illustrate your work. Ensure your presentation flows logically and tells a compelling story about your contribution.

• Highlight Process Over Perfection: Focus on demonstrating your thought process, decision-making, and how you iterated based on feedback and data. This shows your operational adaptability.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs on user engagement, task completion, or operational efficiency.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your portfolio, including specific design choices, technical considerations, and stakeholder interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to highlight how a candidate's UX/UI skills translate into operational effectiveness, especially within a government context. The emphasis on "process," "strategy," "stakeholder management," and "quantifiable impact" is crucial for demonstrating readiness for this role and aligning with the operational demands of a government client.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the ICF careers portal link provided.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of UX/UI experience, specific experience with user research, wireframing, prototyping, and your ability to lead design efforts. Integrate keywords from the job description, such as "user-centered design," "information architecture," "usability testing," and "analytics strategy."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your management capabilities, design process, and impact. Prepare to articulate your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes for each project, focusing on how your work improved user experience and operational efficiency.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate a design challenge or case study presentation. Practice outlining your approach to problem-solving, user research, and design iteratively, emphasizing your thought process and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

• Research ICF and the Government Sector: Understand ICF's mission, values, and their work in the government sector. Familiarize yourself with common challenges and best practices in government digital services and the importance of security clearances.

⚠️ 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.