About this role
Job SummaryThis position is in the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Federal Student Aid (FSA), Technology Directorate (TD). The Technology Directorate provides information technology services for all FSA systems, promoting the effective and secure use of technology to achieve FSA's strategic objectives through sound planning, investments, integrated technology architectures and standards, effective systems development, production support, and cybersecurity services.
QualificationsMinimum Qualification Requirements You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-13, if you possess the specialize experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-13: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-12 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience supporting a multi disciplinary project involving the design, development, and implementation of a new system or a major enhancement to an existing IT system. Experience serving as a design contributor overseeing adoption of new functionalities or technologies for users. Experience communicating technical Information Technology concepts or business practices to non technical audiences. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). 1. Skill in conducting UX research and interaction design principles and methods. 2. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analytical and evaluative methods and techniques for measuring effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of assigned programs and projects. 3. Ability to work directly with developers and documenting design work for them. 4. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing including recommendations and policy guidance to a variety of audiences.
Major DutiesThis is an open continuous announcement with cutoff dates. Applications will be referred based on receipt of application and established cutoff dates as follows: 1st cutoff date: 06/26/2026 2nd cutoff date: 07/06/2026 3rd cutoff date: 07/16/2026 Last cutoff date: 07/30/2026 We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As a Management and Program Analyst (UX-UI Designer), GS-0343-13, you will be responsible for: Leading human centered design practices such as user experience (UX) research and interaction design (lxD) to help improve products on FSA's customer facing site, StudentAid.ed.gov. The site provides customers with a personalized and self service experience across multiple channels that covers the federal student aid journey which includes learning about financial aid, applying for financial aid, and managing aid including loans. Applying qualitative and quantitative methods to assess program efficiency, effectiveness, guidelines, practices, procedures, administrative operations, processes, and mechanisms, as well as evaluating progress toward program goals and objectives. Preparing reports and briefs for program management while implementing and promoting best practices in organizational change management. Leading and working independently to conduct and oversee UX 20 research to understand the needs of students, parents and borrowers and develop reports and recommendations to FSA stakeholders. Overseeing user research activities, including development of detailed customer journeys; analyzing FSA and servicer legacy websites to understand their functionality and gather requirements; eliciting requirements from customers, subject matter experts, and product owners; and assisting vendor and FSA staff. Leading the development interactive prototypes as part of the design process and stakeholder reviews while communicating requirements to vendors and providing feedback to vendors on deliverables. Collaborating with vendor and FSA staff to design the digital experience for students, parents, borrowers, schools, and partners; Working with the development team to understand technical constraints and communicating the desired functionality for the digital platform; answering user interface design questions; and participating in user acceptance testing.RequirementsCondition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; The needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience.