UX/UI Subject Matter Expert (Remote)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Subject Matter Expert (Remote)

Company: Govcio LLC

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive UX/UI strategy and design for federal digital platforms, ensuring user-centricity and accessibility.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, usability testing, and stakeholder interviews to inform design decisions and business process documentation.

• Translate complex business processes and user needs into intuitive diagrams, personas, and actionable requirements for development teams.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and federal clients, to deliver modern, efficient technology solutions.

• Ensure strict adherence to federal accessibility standards (Section 508, WCAG) and leverage the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) for consistent and compliant interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title indicates UX/UI expertise, the core responsibilities heavily lean into the "Subject Matter Expert" aspect, particularly in translating business processes and user needs into actionable technical requirements for development. This role is crucial for bridging the gap between client needs and the engineering team's output, especially within a government contracting context where documentation and compliance are paramount. The emphasis on ServiceNow and Jira suggests a focus on platform-based solutions and agile development workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead UX strategy and design initiatives across a portfolio of federal digital platforms, ensuring alignment with client mission objectives.

• Execute end-to-end user research methodologies, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries with federal stakeholders and end-users.

• Plan and conduct rigorous usability testing sessions to identify pain points and validate design solutions.

• Develop detailed wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Axure, or Sketch to visualize and iterate on design concepts.

• Translate documented business processes and user personas into clear, actionable diagrams and specifications for development teams, particularly for Jira card creation and software application development.

• Ensure all designs and implementations comply with federal accessibility mandates such as Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 standards, fostering inclusive design practices.

• Act as a primary liaison between federal clients, development teams, and program managers, facilitating clear communication and understanding of UX/UI requirements.

• Provide expert guidance and mentorship on UX best practices, human-centered design (HCD) principles, and the application of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS).

• Structure information architecture for federal platforms to optimize user navigation and support critical mission objectives.

• Contribute to security awareness by understanding and applying secure design principles within FedRAMP environments.

• Create comprehensive design documentation that meets federal standards and supports audit requirements.

• Navigate and leverage the ServiceNow platform to create manual test scripts, user guides, and enhance platform usability.

• Understand front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to ensure designs are technically feasible and efficiently implemented.

• Actively participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies and iterative development cycles, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Identify and propose solutions for legacy systems and complex user needs, driving modernization efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on documentation and translation of business needs into development-ready artifacts. The mention of converting business processes into usable diagrams with personas for Jira card development is a key differentiator for this role, pointing towards a need for strong analytical and communication skills beyond typical UX/UI design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

• A minimum of 4 years of additional relevant experience may be substituted for the educational requirement. Experience:

• 5-8 years of progressive experience in Information Technology (IT).

• Demonstrated experience in converting business processes into user-friendly diagrams, including the creation of personas, specifically for application development teams to facilitate efficient card creation in Jira and software application development.

• Proven track record of driving UX/UI strategy and design for complex digital platforms, preferably within the federal government contracting sector.

• Experience in user research, usability testing, and information architecture design.

• Proficient in leveraging the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) and adhering to Human-Centered Design (HCD) processes. Required Skills:

• Mastery of UX/UI design principles and methodologies.

• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Axure, Sketch, or Balsamiq.

• Deep understanding and practical application of federal accessibility standards: Section 508 and WCAG 2.1.

• Strong knowledge of the ServiceNow platform, including its capabilities for workflow automation and user interface customization.

• Familiarity and hands-on experience with Jira and Confluence for project management and documentation.

• Expertise in developing user personas and documenting business processes for development teams.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with federal clients and technical teams.

• Strong leadership capabilities and the ability to influence design decisions.

• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) for design feasibility assessment.

• Experience working within Agile/Scrum development environments.

• Ability to obtain a DHS Public Trust clearance. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with legacy system modernization projects.

• Background in cognitive psychology or behavioral science.

• Relevant certifications such as Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) or Human Factors International (HFI).

• Familiarity with secure design principles and working within FedRAMP environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement to convert business processes into diagrams with personas for Jira card development is a critical skill that goes beyond standard UX/UI roles, indicating a need for strong analytical and documentation abilities focused on translating business logic into technical user stories. The "5-8 years of experience in IT" with a "Bachelor's degree" or equivalent experience is a common benchmark for mid-to-senior level operational and design roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX/UI projects demonstrating end-to-end design process, from research to final implementation.

• Include case studies that highlight the conversion of complex business processes into user-friendly diagrams and personas, clearly linking them to development artifacts (e.g., Jira tickets, user stories).

• Demonstrate experience with federal government projects, specifically showcasing compliance with Section 508 and WCAG standards.

• Feature examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final interface designs created using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch.

• Present projects that illustrate collaboration with development teams and stakeholders, emphasizing communication and problem-solving. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of documented business processes that were translated into actionable requirements for software development.

• Include examples of user persona development and how these personas informed design decisions and user story creation.

• Showcase documentation related to usability testing methodologies, findings, and subsequent design iterations.

• Demonstrate familiarity with creating user guides or test scripts, particularly within platforms like ServiceNow.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role must emphasize not just the visual design and user experience aspects, but also the critical ability to translate complex business logic and user needs into structured documentation and requirements that directly feed into agile development workflows, particularly for Jira. The ability to demonstrate this translation process is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $81,850.00 - USD $111,000.00 /Yr.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday schedule.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications (e.g., CUA, HFI).

• Remote work stipend or allowance for home office setup.

• Life and disability insurance coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and salary increases. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours.

• Flexible scheduling options may be available, accommodating different time zones within the United States.

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support client needs or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a good starting point. For a remote role within the United States, this range is competitive for a mid-to-senior level UX/UI expert with specialized government contracting experience. Benefits are typical for a full-time role in the tech/government contracting sector. The emphasis on professional development aligns well with the preferred certifications mentioned.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Information Technology Services

Company Size: Approximately 500-1000 employees.

Founded: GovCIO was founded in 2009, indicating a company with a solid track record and established presence in the government IT sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Subject Matter Expert will likely be part of a larger digital transformation or IT services division, working within project-specific teams.

• Collaboration will be cross-functional, involving project managers, business analysts, developers, QA testers, and federal client representatives.

• The team structure is designed to support agile development methodologies and deliver client-focused solutions within government agencies.

• Reporting lines will likely involve a direct manager (e.g., UX Lead, Project Manager, or Director of Digital Services) with clear communication channels to federal stakeholders. Methodology:

• Emphasis on Human-Centered Design (HCD) and agile development frameworks (Scrum).

• Data-driven decision-making, informed by user research, usability testing, and performance metrics.

• Focus on process optimization and automation to deliver efficient and effective technology solutions.

• Commitment to federal compliance standards, including Section 508, WCAG, and FedRAMP security protocols.

• Iterative design and development cycles to ensure continuous improvement and client satisfaction.

Company Website: https://careers.govcio.com

📝 Enhancement Note: GovCIO's focus on government contracting suggests a culture that values precision, compliance, and long-term client relationships. The team likely operates with a high degree of professionalism and a strong understanding of the unique requirements of federal agencies. The emphasis on "forward-learning solutions" implies an innovative yet grounded approach to technology adoption.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with mid-to-senior level responsibilities. It requires a blend of deep UX/UI technical skills and the ability to translate complex business logic into actionable development requirements. The "SME" designation suggests a level of authority and influence in design and process documentation.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI SME will likely report to a Project Manager, Program Manager, or a Lead UX/UI Designer. They will work closely with development leads, business analysts, and directly with federal clients, requiring strong stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI SME's impact is critical for the success of federal digital platforms. By ensuring intuitive design, adherence to accessibility standards, and clear documentation of business processes, they directly contribute to:

• Enhanced user adoption and satisfaction among federal employees and citizens.

• Improved efficiency and productivity through streamlined workflows.

• Reduced development rework and costs due to clear requirements and user validation.

• Successful compliance with regulatory mandates, mitigating legal and reputational risks.

• Modernization of legacy systems, leading to more robust and secure government services. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific federal domains, accessibility compliance, or advanced UX research techniques.

• Leadership: Transition into lead UX/UI roles, managing design teams or overseeing UX strategy for larger programs.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to refine the HCD and agile development processes within GovCIO.

• Technical Acumen: Expand knowledge into related areas like front-end development, data analytics, or platform administration (e.g., ServiceNow).

• Client Engagement: Develop stronger client-facing skills and take on more responsibility for stakeholder communication and requirements gathering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Subject Matter Expert" title implies an opportunity for growth beyond individual contribution, potentially into team leadership or strategic design roles within GovCIO's federal projects. The emphasis on translating business processes into development requirements offers a unique path for UX professionals to gain influence in the full software development lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, meaning the primary work environment will be a home office.

Office Location(s): The role is remote within the United States. While there isn't a physical office requirement for daily work, GovCIO may have physical locations for team meetings, client engagements, or optional co-working opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: Requires self-discipline, effective time management, and a dedicated workspace conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Extensive use of communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Jira, Confluence) for team interaction, project updates, and design reviews.

• Technology Access: Reliable internet access and necessary hardware/software are essential. The company may provide stipends or equipment allowances.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Regular virtual meetings with diverse teams, including developers, project managers, and federal clients, necessitating strong virtual communication and presentation skills.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility in daily start/end times is often possible, provided core collaboration hours are met and client needs are satisfied.

• Occasional availability outside of standard business hours may be necessary to accommodate project deadlines or client interactions across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a fully remote role, success hinges on the candidate's ability to self-manage, communicate effectively through digital channels, and maintain productivity without direct physical supervision. The emphasis on collaboration tools is paramount for integrating into project teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, particularly regarding UX/UI strategy, federal projects, and the ability to translate business processes into requirements.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their process, problem-solving skills, and ability to document business needs for development (e.g., Jira). Expect detailed questions on specific projects.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues or federal client representatives to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and domain knowledge.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a final assessment of strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process, Not Just Pixels: Emphasize your methodology, especially how you gather requirements, document business processes, and translate them for developers. Use diagrams and personas as key examples.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and process improvements (e.g., increased user adoption, reduced error rates, faster task completion).

• Federal Focus: Showcase projects that specifically address Section 508, WCAG, and USWDS compliance. Explain your approach to achieving these standards.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, Adobe XD, Jira, Confluence, and ServiceNow, and how you've leveraged them effectively.

• Conciseness: Prepare a focused presentation that clearly communicates your key contributions and problem-solving skills within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 30-45 minutes).

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Mapping Exercise: Be prepared for a task that requires you to map out a hypothetical business process and define user stories or requirements for its technical implementation.

• Design Critique: You might be asked to critique an existing interface or propose improvements based on HCD principles and federal standards.

• Accessibility Scenario: Expect questions or a scenario related to making a design accessible under Section 508 guidelines.

• ServiceNow/Jira Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would use these platforms to manage UX tasks or translate requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates must explicitly demonstrate their ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technical execution by showcasing documented processes, personas, and user stories that informed development, particularly for Jira. This is a key differentiator for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe XD, Axure, Sketch, Balsamiq. Expertise in at least one is essential.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Confluence. Essential for managing tasks, user stories, and documentation.

• Platform Navigation: ServiceNow. Proficiency is required for creating test scripts, user guides, and understanding platform capabilities.

• Accessibility Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools like WAVE, AXE, or built-in browser accessibility checkers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or similar for understanding user behavior on digital platforms.

• Performance Metrics: Ability to track and report on key UX/UI metrics (e.g., task success rates, time on task, user satisfaction scores).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX/UI impacts user journeys within broader systems is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding ServiceNow's workflow capabilities is a key requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Jira, Confluence, and ServiceNow indicates these are not just preferred but core tools for this role, especially in how they integrate with the UX/UI design and documentation process. Proficiency in Figma or Adobe XD is also a must.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of federal users and stakeholders.

• Excellence in Execution: Delivering high-quality, compliant, and effective design solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance user experiences and government services.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and adherence to federal regulations.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Striving for streamlined processes and user-friendly interfaces that improve productivity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partners with developers, business analysts, product managers, and clients to ensure alignment and shared understanding.

• Open Communication: Encourages transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving.

• Agile Mindset: Embraces iterative development, adaptability, and quick responses to changing requirements.

• Documentation-Driven: Values clear, concise, and accessible documentation as a foundation for successful project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on government contracting implies a culture that values precision, reliability, and adherence to established protocols, balanced with a drive for modernizing digital services. The emphasis on "forward-learning solutions" suggests an appetite for innovation within these constraints.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Bureaucracy: Adapting to the unique procurement processes, stakeholder structures, and long decision-making cycles within government agencies.

• Legacy System Modernization: Transforming outdated systems with complex user bases and ingrained workflows into modern, accessible digital experiences.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Finding optimal solutions that satisfy user requirements, accessibility standards, and technical limitations within budget and timeline.

• Cross-Agency Standardization: Ensuring design consistency and adherence to standards like USWDS across diverse federal platforms and agencies.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Federal UX/UI Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in government-specific design challenges, standards, and user demographics.

• ServiceNow Platform Mastery: Becoming an expert in leveraging ServiceNow for UX enhancements and process automation.

• Advanced Accessibility: Pursuing certifications or specialized training in accessibility compliance and inclusive design for complex systems.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead project design efforts, and influence strategic direction.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Access to funding or support for attending relevant UX/UI conferences (e.g., UXPA, IA Summit) or obtaining certifications (e.g., CUA, HFI).

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complex, often bureaucratic, environment of government IT projects, requiring resilience and adaptability. The growth opportunities are well-defined, allowing for specialization within the federal domain or a move into leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex business process you had to document and translate for a development team. How did you ensure accuracy and completeness, and what tools did you use (e.g., for diagrams, Jira cards)?"

• "How do you approach user research and usability testing with federal stakeholders who may have limited technical expertise or time?"

• "Walk us through your process for ensuring Section 508 and WCAG compliance in your designs. What are the key considerations?"

• "How do you balance user needs, technical feasibility, and federal design standards (like USWDS) when designing for government platforms?"

• "Describe your experience with ServiceNow. How have you used it to improve user experience or document processes?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for GovCIO and specifically on federal digital transformation projects?"

• "How do you adapt your collaboration style when working with diverse stakeholders, including federal clients and technical teams?"

• "Given our focus on HCD and agile methodologies, how do you see yourself contributing to our team's success?"

• "How do you stay current with UX/UI best practices, accessibility standards, and federal government technology trends?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed (especially documentation and translation steps), the solutions you designed, and the outcomes/impact.

• Emphasize Process Documentation: Dedicate specific slides or talking points to how you converted business processes into diagrams and user stories for development teams (Jira). Show examples of personas and their influence.

• Showcase Compliance: Clearly articulate your approach to accessibility (Section 508/WCAG) and USWDS implementation.

• Tool Demonstration (if applicable): Be prepared to briefly demonstrate specific features in Figma/Adobe XD or explain how you use Jira/Confluence/ServiceNow in your workflow.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their process for bridging business requirements and technical development, using specific examples of documented processes, personas, and their impact on Jira tickets or development sprints. This is a key differentiator for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the GovCIO careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX/UI design, federal government projects, Section 508/WCAG compliance, ServiceNow, Jira, Confluence, and your proven ability to document business processes for development teams. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that prominently features case studies demonstrating your UX/UI process, with a specific emphasis on how you translated business requirements and user needs into actionable diagrams, personas, and development artifacts (like Jira cards).

• Research GovCIO and Federal IT: Understand the company's mission, its role in government contracting, and current trends in federal digital transformation and UX/UI design.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clearly articulating your process, problem-solving skills, and impact, especially concerning process documentation and collaboration with development teams.

⚠️ 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.