Web Designer (Web/Digital)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer (Web/Digital)

Company: BLN24

Location: McLean, Virginia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Art & Design / Technology / Government & Public Sector

Date Posted: 2026-05-01

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for enhancing the digital presence of federal websites, focusing on user-centered design principles and adherence to stringent federal web standards.

• The Web Designer will be instrumental in translating complex public health information into accessible, engaging, and visually consistent digital experiences.

• This position requires a blend of creative design skills and a deep understanding of technical requirements like Section 508 accessibility and the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS).

• The role involves proactive analysis of web metrics and user feedback to drive continuous improvement in site structure, navigation, and content presentation, directly impacting user engagement and information dissemination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the "Web Designer (Web/Digital)" title is broad, the description clearly points to a role within the government contracting sector, specifically supporting federal agencies with their digital communication and web presence. The emphasis on USWDS and Section 508 compliance solidifies this. The "Remote OK" status suggests a hybrid model, allowing for flexibility while maintaining potential in-person collaboration needs typical in government contracting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop intuitive wireframes, page layouts, and high-fidelity prototypes for federal websites and campaign platforms, utilizing industry-standard design software.

• Create and optimize visual assets for web deployment, ensuring they are responsive across various devices and fully compliant with Section 508 accessibility standards.

• Systematically apply U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) components and established federal design guidelines to maintain consistency, usability, and brand integrity across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including communications specialists, developers, and federal stakeholders, to effectively translate project requirements into functional and aesthetically coherent web solutions.

• Analyze web analytics data and user behavior patterns to identify areas for improvement in site structure, navigation, content placement, and overall user experience, providing data-driven design recommendations.

• Ensure all digital designs adhere strictly to Section 508 accessibility mandates and federal usability requirements, making digital information accessible to all users.

• Contribute to enhancing the overall site structure, navigation, and content presentation by proactively suggesting design improvements based on best practices and user feedback.

• Support usability testing initiatives by incorporating feedback into iterative design processes, ensuring the final product meets user needs and organizational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed align with a mid-level designer role focused on federal digital platforms. The emphasis on USWDS and Section 508 is critical and suggests a need for practical experience rather than just theoretical knowledge. The inclusion of "analyzing web metrics" indicates a data-informed design approach, which is increasingly important in government and operations-focused roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Web Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or a closely related field.

Experience: 3–5 years of professional experience in web design, digital design, or user interface (UI) design, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant projects.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Design Software: Expert-level command of industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Demonstrated ability to create detailed wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to articulate design concepts and user journeys.

• Federal Design Standards: Practical experience and understanding of the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) components and principles.

• Accessibility Compliance: In-depth knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards and best practices for implementing accessible web design.

• Responsive Design: Proven ability to design for various screen sizes and devices, ensuring a seamless user experience across desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.

• Visual Design Principles: Strong grasp of typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy to create aesthetically pleasing and effective designs.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Federal/Public Sector Experience: Prior experience designing digital assets for U.S. Federal Government agencies or public sector organizations.

• User Experience (UX) Principles: Understanding of UX research methodologies, user testing, and incorporating user feedback into design iterations.

• Web Analytics Tools: Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and the ability to interpret data to inform design decisions.

• HTML/CSS Fundamentals: Basic understanding of HTML and CSS to facilitate better collaboration with developers and ensure design feasibility.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience designing within or for common CMS platforms used in government environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills heavily emphasize practical application of design tools and federal standards, particularly USWDS and Section 508. The "preferred skills" highlight a desirable but not mandatory background in federal projects and UX principles, suggesting the company values candidates who can hit the ground running within the government sector's specific constraints and requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated digital portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 relevant web design projects.

• Each project should clearly demonstrate the candidate's role, the design process followed, and the final outcome.

• Projects should highlight experience with responsive design, user interface (UI) design, and adherence to design systems or style guides.

• For federal or government-related projects, explicitly showcase how USWDS components and Section 508 accessibility standards were incorporated.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from initial concept through to final implementation, including discovery, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to incorporating feedback from stakeholders and end-users into the design workflow.

• Showcase understanding of how to adapt designs based on technical constraints and platform capabilities, particularly within federal IT environments.

• Provide examples of how design decisions were informed by data analytics, user behavior analysis, or usability testing findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Web Designer role, especially in the government sector, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as direct evidence of capability. The emphasis on USWDS and Section 508 within the portfolio is a critical differentiator. Documenting the process behind the designs adds significant value, showing a structured and thoughtful approach rather than just aesthetic output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the location (McLean, VA), experience level (3-5 years), and the specialized nature of federal government design work, the estimated salary range for this Web Designer role is $75,000 - $105,000 per year.

Explanation of Estimate:

• Location: McLean, Virginia, is part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, known for its high cost of living and competitive job market, particularly for roles supporting government contracts.

• Experience Level: 3-5 years of relevant experience typically falls into a mid-level compensation bracket.

• Industry Specialization: Experience with USWDS and Section 508 compliance, combined with work for federal agencies, commands a premium due to the specialized knowledge and regulatory requirements involved.

• Data Sources: This estimate is benchmarked against industry salary data for Web Designers, UI/UX Designers, and Digital Designers in the Washington D.C. area, considering roles within consulting firms and government contractors.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans: Generous coverage to ensure physical well-being.

• Remote Work Opportunities: Flexibility to work remotely, allowing for better work-life balance depending on project needs.

• Work-Life Balance & Flexibility: Emphasis on balancing quality work with personal life, with potential for flexible scheduling.

• Career Development: Opportunity to work across different sectors within federal contracting, offering variety and stability.

• Growth Environment: Joining one of the fastest-growing companies headquartered in the Washington D.C. Metro Area.

Working Hours:

The role is full-time, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While remote work is an option, specific working hours may vary based on project demands and team collaboration needs, with an emphasis on flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Federal contracting roles often have competitive compensation due to the specialized nature and security requirements. The benefits package emphasizes employee well-being and flexibility, which is a strong draw for attracting and retaining talent in this competitive market. The estimated salary range reflects the mid-level experience and the specific federal domain expertise required.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Management Consulting (specifically supporting the U.S. Federal Government).

Company Size: BLN24 is described as one of the fastest-growing companies headquartered in the Washington DC Metro Area. While an exact employee count isn't provided, this suggests a dynamic, scaling organization, likely in the range of 50-250 employees, but potentially growing.

Founded: Specific founding date not provided, but the description implies established operations and a track record of supporting U.S. Federal Government missions.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will likely be part of a larger digital services or communications team, potentially within the consulting firm's IT or project delivery division.

• Reporting structure is expected to be to a Digital Design Lead, Project Manager, or Team Lead overseeing federal projects.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using web metrics and user behavior analysis to inform design decisions and drive improvements.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Likely follows agile or iterative methodologies common in government projects, involving continuous feedback and refinement.

• Standards-Based Development: Strict adherence to federal standards like USWDS and Section 508 is a core operational methodology.

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and achieving the client's (U.S. Federal Government agency) mission and goals.

Company Website: https://www.bln24.co

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is geared towards supporting federal clients, implying a structured, process-oriented, and compliance-focused environment. The "fast-growing" aspect suggests opportunities for impact and potential for individuals to shape processes, but also demands adaptability. The "teamwork" slogan suggests a collaborative and supportive internal culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Web Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks with minimal supervision but also involves collaboration and contributing to team goals. It's a role where foundational design skills are applied within a specialized, regulated environment.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will likely report to a Project Manager or a Design Lead within BLN24's project delivery structure. They will also work closely with client-side project leads within the federal agencies they support.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of federal agencies' communication strategies and public engagement. By creating accessible, user-friendly websites, they help these agencies better serve the public, disseminate critical information (like public health guidance), and achieve their mission objectives. This role contributes to the operational efficiency and public perception of government services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Federal Design: Deepen expertise in USWDS, Section 508, and other federal design regulations, becoming a sought-after specialist.

• Transition to UX/UI Leadership: Develop stronger UX research and strategy skills to move into roles like Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, or Interaction Designer.

• Project Management: Gain experience managing design aspects of federal projects, potentially leading to a Project Manager or Program Manager role within the consulting firm.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Learn more about government contracting processes, communications strategy, and basic development principles to broaden skill sets.

• Client-Facing Roles: Develop expertise in client management and stakeholder communication, potentially leading to roles focused on client relations or business development within the federal space.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role isn't just about advancing design skills but also about mastering the nuances of working within the federal government sector. This specialization is highly valuable and can open doors to leadership positions or related roles within government contracting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers flexibility, including remote working opportunities, suggesting a hybrid work model. While there is a headquarters in the Washington DC Metro Area (McLean, VA), the specific nature of federal project work often means teams are distributed, and collaboration can occur remotely.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is McLean, Virginia. However, the "Remote OK" status and the nature of consulting for federal agencies imply that team members may be distributed across various locations, with McLean serving as a central hub or headquarters.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration suggests an environment where open communication and idea-sharing are encouraged, whether in person or virtually.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and project management tools will be provided or expected.

• Federal Project Focus: The workspace is geared towards supporting federal government clients, meaning a professional, often compliance-driven atmosphere, with a focus on mission delivery.

• Flexibility: The availability of remote work and general flexibility allows individuals to tailor their work environment to best suit their productivity and personal needs.

Work Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The company emphasizes flexibility, suggesting that while core hours may exist for team collaboration, there's latitude in structuring the workday, particularly for remote team members. This allows for managing project deadlines while accommodating personal schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is a key feature. For operations professionals, this means a need for strong self-management and communication skills, especially when working remotely. The focus on collaboration, even in a hybrid setting, indicates the importance of proactive engagement with team members and stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with federal design requirements (USWDS, Section 508).

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A session with hiring managers or senior designers to walk through your portfolio. Expect detailed questions about your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you've handled specific design challenges, particularly those related to federal standards.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially a small design task or a case study analysis, to evaluate your design thinking, tool proficiency, and ability to apply federal design principles under timed conditions.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: A conversation with potential team members and/or project stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills. Questions may focus on how you handle feedback and work within a team.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm suitability for the role and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in UI/UX design, responsive design, and, critically, your experience with USWDS and Section 508 compliance.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process (discovery, ideation, execution, iteration), and the impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Federal Experience: If you have federal or government-related projects, make them prominent. Explain how you navigated specific requirements and constraints.

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, and prototypes to illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach, not just final polished screens.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your tool proficiency, design rationale, and how you approach accessibility challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand USWDS & Section 508: Thoroughly review the latest USWDS guidelines and the requirements of Section 508. Be ready to discuss how these influence design decisions.

• Practice Design Exercises: Work through common UI/UX design challenges related to information architecture, navigation, and content presentation. Practice sketching and ideating quickly.

• Simulate Case Studies: Prepare to analyze a hypothetical design problem, outline your approach, and present your recommended solution, justifying your choices based on user needs and federal standards.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design process concisely and clearly, demonstrating a structured and logical approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and practical application of skills relevant to the federal sector. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design work but also articulate their process and understanding of specific federal requirements like USWDS and Section 508.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch (proficiency in at least one required).

• Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for asset creation and manipulation.

• Wireframing Tools: Potentially specialized tools or integrated features within Figma/XD for low-fidelity mockups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior and site performance.

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret charts and dashboards to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

Federal Standards:

• USWDS: Deep understanding and practical application of the U.S. Web Design System components.

• Section 508: Comprehensive knowledge and implementation experience to ensure accessibility compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is standard for a modern web designer, with a critical overlay of federal standards. Proficiency in Figma or Adobe XD is essential, alongside the Adobe Creative Suite. The ability to interpret analytics data and a strong grasp of USWDS and Section 508 are key differentiators for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Teamwork: A core value, emphasized by the slogan "We find strength in teamwork—a better you is a better us." This suggests a collaborative and mutually supportive environment.

• Mission Achievement: A strong focus on supporting the U.S. Federal Government's mission and goals. This means a results-oriented approach and understanding the impact of their work.

• Quality & Excellence: As an award-winning firm, there's an implied commitment to high standards in service delivery and client satisfaction.

• Adaptability & Growth: Being a fast-growing company in the dynamic federal contracting space requires individuals who are adaptable and eager to learn and contribute to evolving processes.

• Inclusivity: The company explicitly states a commitment to diversity and inclusion, valuing diverse talents and ensuring equitable opportunities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with various departments (communications, development, project management) and external stakeholders (federal agency personnel).

• Feedback-Oriented: The company culture likely encourages open feedback loops to ensure projects meet client needs and internal quality standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: In a growing firm, sharing best practices and lessons learned is vital for scaling effectively.

• Client-Focused Partnership: Collaboration is geared towards understanding client needs deeply and acting as a strategic partner to help them achieve their objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of a mission-driven federal contractor and a dynamic, growing firm. The emphasis on teamwork and inclusivity, combined with a focus on client mission success, suggests a professional yet potentially collaborative and supportive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Federal Regulations: Consistently adhering to strict federal design standards (USWDS, Section 508) and evolving government requirements can be challenging.

• Balancing Design Vision with Constraints: Integrating creative design solutions within the often rigid technical and regulatory frameworks of federal projects.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing feedback from diverse federal agency stakeholders with varying priorities.

• Adapting to Project Shifts: Working in a consulting environment means adapting to new projects, clients, and evolving project scopes as business needs change.

• Remote Collaboration Efficiency: Maintaining seamless communication and collaboration with distributed teams and clients in a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Federal Design Specialization: Become an expert in USWDS, Section 508, and other federal digital guidelines, leading to specialized career paths.

• Advanced UX/UI Skills: Opportunities to delve deeper into UX research, user testing, and interaction design principles.

• Project Exposure: Gain experience across a variety of federal agencies and project types, broadening industry knowledge and portfolio diversity.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Learn about government contracting processes, project management methodologies, and communication strategies relevant to the federal sector.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for mentorship from experienced designers and project leads, with opportunities to take on more responsibility as the company grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles within government contracting, requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of compliance. The growth opportunities are significant, focusing on specialization and broadening skill sets within a high-demand sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to significantly adapt your design based on federal guidelines like USWDS or Section 508. What was the challenge, and how did you overcome it?" (Tests understanding of federal standards and problem-solving).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a complex federal website, from initial brief to final delivery. How do you ensure accessibility and user-centered design throughout?" (Assesses process, methodology, and federal compliance integration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with federal government clients and specifically for BLN24?" (Gauges motivation and alignment with company mission).

• "How do you approach collaboration with developers, project managers, and clients who may have different technical or strategic priorities?" (Assesses teamwork and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly define the problem, your role, the design process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Emphasize Federal Compliance: For any federal projects, explicitly highlight how USWDS and Section 508 were integrated. Use call-outs or specific sections to detail these aspects.

• Showcase Process Artifacts: Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and style guides to demonstrate your design thinking and methodology. Don't just show final screens.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data (e.g., user feedback, analytics improvements, task completion rates) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, tool usage, and problem-solving strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus heavily on demonstrating practical experience with federal design standards and a structured design process. Candidates need to articulate how they apply these principles in real-world scenarios, especially within the context of government contracting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Web Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the BLN24 careers portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight the 3-5 years of relevant experience, proficiency in design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), and any direct experience with federal projects, USWDS, or Section 508 compliance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest web design projects that best showcase your skills. Ensure at least one project clearly demonstrates your understanding and application of USWDS and Section 508 standards. Organize your portfolio for easy navigation and include case studies for key projects.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work, especially concerning federal requirements. Be ready to articulate your role and contributions clearly.

• Research BLN24 & Federal Design: Understand BLN24's mission and their work with the U.S. Federal Government. Familiarize yourself with the latest USWDS guidelines and Section 508 accessibility best practices to demonstrate your commitment and expertise during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.