Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Job Summary:
Westat has an immediate opening for a qualified individual to join a dynamic program in public health communications. The successful candidate will have experience updating websites using content management systems, creating user-centered designs, and producing email newsletters. 

Job Responsibilities:
•    Help collect and document functional and design requirements. 
•    Conduct heuristic analyses, implement content audits, and interpret web analytics.
•    Help translate business needs and capabilities into an effective information architecture that resonates with customers, aligns with their expectations, and helps them to achieve their goals. 
•    Participate in user research such as usability lab observations, task analyses, card sorting
•    Define the information architecture and correlate a system's features to user tasks, needs & functional requirements
•    Collaborate with project managers and designers to optimize the interface and ensure that user and business considerations are met
•    Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in order to facilitate discussions and guide the decision-making process to meet project objectives. 
•    Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:
•    A Bachelor's degree, preferably in interaction design, communication or related field. 
•    At least 5 years of experience in UX, including using content management systems for websites and newsletters.

Minimum Qualifications:
•    Excellent organization skills and attention to detail. 
•    Experience crafting thoughtful, well-composed user flows and wireframes.
•    Experience gathering user data, interpreting the results, and translating them into solutions.
•    Experience collaborating with design and development teams on large-scale websites.
•    The ability to effectively communicate research findings and designs to both internal teams and the clients, including executive stakeholders. 
•    Familiarity with current wireframing, design, and prototyping tools.
•    Strong knowledge of HTML and CSS. 
•    Knowledge of current best practices in user experience design, SEO, and Section 508/WCAG requirements. 
•    Outstanding writing and presentation skills. 
•    Portfolio demonstrating process and deliverables as well as final results.

Preferred Qualifications: 
•    Proficiency in Drupal, Granicus, Adobe Campaign, Balsamiq, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Analytics.
•    Familiarity with Adobe XD or Figma. 
•    Knowledge of qualitative research methods; experience conducting user experience research.
 

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Eligible employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Protecting the health and safety of our employees and survey participants is a top priority for Westat. As a federal government contractor, Westat will require Westat staff, regardless of work location, to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon hire and to follow all safety protocols, subject to approved accommodations under applicable law.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.