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Senior Scientific Website Designer / Project Manager

The position is hybrid, with potential for full-time at the client site in Alexandria, VA.

PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION.

Spire Communications is hiring a full-time senior website designer/project manager with demonstrated expertise in Drupal, digital design systems, and team leadership to support communications for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This role leads the design and evolution of clear, engaging, and compliant digital experiences for NSF.gov and internal platforms, establishing scalable web design standards while overseeing implementation within Drupal’s Layout Builder environment and across platforms such as ServiceNow Employee Center and Microsoft SharePoint. Working closely with development, content, and UX teams, this role ensures digital experiences are visually compelling, technically sound, accessible, brand compliant, and optimized for long-term sustainability.

Spire Communications is a woman-owned strategic communications and creative firm based in Alexandria, VA that supports science, technology, and engineering organizations within the government and private sectors.

This position is hybrid, with the potential to be fully onsite, based at the client site in Alexandria, VA. The opportunity is contingent upon contract award.

Salary range: $140,000-$165,000

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What You’ll Do

  • Lead and coordinate web design projects, managing team priorities, assignments, schedules, and deliverables.
  • Provide strategic direction for NSF’s digital experience, ensuring consistency across Drupal, ServiceNow Employee Center, Microsoft SharePoint, and other web platforms.
  • Establish and evolve NSF’s web design system, including templates, components, governance standards, and visual guidelines that support consistency, scalability, and brand alignment.
  • Lead the design direction and oversee implementation of responsive, accessible, and scalable web experiences.
  • Manage project schedules, priorities, risks, and stakeholder communication.
  • Create wireframes, mockups, prototypes, graphics, and design specifications to communicate complex solutions.
  • Partner with UX, development, and content teams to translate research findings, technical requirements, and user needs into scalable web solutions.
  • Review completed work to ensure design quality, accessibility, responsiveness, and adherence to standards.
  • Advise NSF stakeholders on web design best practices, accessibility, branding, and digital engagement.
  • Mentor team members and identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and design efficiency.

What You’ll Bring to Spire

  • Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in web design or related discipline.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in website design and digital communications.
  • Experience leading web projects and coordinating cross-functional teams.
  • Extensive experience with Drupal, including components and Layout Builder; experience with ServiceNow Employee Center and SharePoint is a plus.
  • Expertise in responsive web design, design systems, UI design, accessibility, and information architecture.
  • Experience creating wireframes, prototypes, and production-ready designs using Figma, Adobe XD, or similar tools.
    Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and front-end implementation.
  • Experience collaborating with developers, content teams, and stakeholders to deliver complex web solutions.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating scientific and technical subject matter, with expertise in one or more NSF focus or technology areas (e.g., Biology, Engineering, Computing, AI, Cybersecurity).

Major Pluses

  • Federal or federally funded research experience.
  • Experience leading enterprise Drupal implementations or large government websites.
  • Experience developing design systems, templates, and content governance standards.
  • Experience with Agile project management methodologies.
  • Experience designing interactive or emerging digital experiences.

Our benefits

Medical (United Healthcare), dental (CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield), and vision (United Concordia) plans paid at 100% (employee premium) plus 30% contribution to family premium

Monthly $50 “wellness” stipend for gym memberships, spa services, etc.

Life and disability insurance (short- and long-term)

18 days PTO and 8 federal holidays per year (+Veterans Day for those who have served)

Flexible home/office environment

Home office expense reimbursement

401(k) plan with automatic 3% of salary employer contribution

Employee referral bonuses

Annual stipend for employee and/or job-related training

About Spire

We are a boutique, woman-led agency that specializes in technology, health, and science. Our clients are federal agencies and contractors charged with advanced R&D and vital national programs that make life better for all Americans. Our team is committed to the work of these pioneers and public servants. We believe in their missions, marvel at their innovations, and delight in telling their stories.

Every member of our team is a senior-level communicator. This means every assignment is an opportunity to work with and learn from the best strategists and storytellers—designers, videographers, writers, editors, media relations leads, social media managers, and web developers.

Submit an Application

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1. Contact Information

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2. Personal Details

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3. Upload Resume

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4. Submit Application

Before submitting your application, please review and acknowledge the following information:

Equal Opportunity Employer

Spire Communications is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

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