Principal UX Design Lead

The KeelWorks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) approved nonprofit foundation dedicated to support a better world by fostering learning competence, emotional intelligence, and networked intelligence, with a particular focus on empowering the economically disadvantaged. We aim to promote global economic equality through individual empowerment and inclusion, ultimately creating a more peaceful and equitable world.

Mission

We specifically aim to bring greater participation to the economically disadvantaged across the globe and in building a system to support upward mobility. We operate on the belief that unrealized human potential is a loss for everyone, that circumstances don't define individuals, that the hunger for learning is universal, and that every learner has unique gifts. Our programs include KeelWings, which provides practical experience for recent graduates, and KeelMate, which supports the experienced professionals.

Overview

Principal UX Design Lead to help build the foundation of our UX design practice—blending operational leadership with deep expertise in user-centered design. The Principal UX Design Lead partners with the UX Research Practice Lead to establish systems, standards, and processes while mentoring a growing team and applying a research-informed, human-centered approach, shaping the organization’s long-term UX design strategy.

As a principal, you are expected to utilize and leverage a deep understanding of user psychology and behavioral frameworks and to translate complex theories into actionable design strategies, bridging the gap between scientific theory and practical product design. This includes, but not limited to, cognitive load theory, self-determination theory, flow theory, behavioral economics, peak-end rule, and advanced usability heuristics

Key Responsibilities

Practice Building & Operational Leadership

Build upon and implement a unified UX operating model covering design systems, design thinking approach, workflow standards, design documentation, and cross-team collaboration.

Partner with the UX Research Practice Lead to build a single-team, collaborative structure and align design and research processes, ensuring evidence-based decision making at every stage.

Create metrics and reporting for UX quality, accessibility, and impact, presenting results to operational leadership.

Design Leadership & Delivery

Provide principal-level mentoring and guidance across multiple projects and internal software products.

Provide structural support and guidance for the building of a research-driven design system from the ground up.

Lead complex design initiatives—service blueprints, multi-journey experiences, and advanced interaction patterns—when high craft is required.

Team Growth & Mentorship

Recruit, mentor, and coach UX Designers, fostering an inclusive and growth-oriented culture.

Guide, support and develop UX designers in line with individual and organizational expectations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Engineering, Product, Program, and Data teams to embed UX milestones in agile roadmaps.

Champion accessibility and inclusive design to ensure our internal tools serve marginalized communities, staff, volunteers, and diverse people from all backgrounds equitably.

Skills & Qualifications

Significant UX/product design experience, with several years in senior or principal-level roles.

Proven success in establishing, maintaining and/or scaling UX practices and UX design systems.

Advanced skill in human-centered design methods, user psychology, interaction design, and information architecture.

Strong portfolio demonstrating complex, multi-platform product work and measurable impact.

Expertise in inclusive research methods and data-driven design decisions.

Excellent facilitation and communication skills for executive and cross-functional audiences.

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Design related field or equivalent professional experience and education.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with related internal enterprise applications, training/learning systems, or technology platforms.

Advanced familiarity with UX and design principles.

Comfort with open-source tools and cost-conscious design operations.

What You’ll Gain (What's in for you)

• A chance to make a great impact and contribute to a cause that improves the lives of people.
• An opportunity to help build a high-performing, engaging and mission-driven environment.
• Great work experience and exposure to diverse projects that make a real difference.
• Expansion of your professional network & exposure to working for a non-profit.

"If you have the time, experience organizing operations, ability to guide others, and a desire to contribute to a meaningful cause, we can use your help." Keelworks Founder

Footnotes:

*Please leave a note with your application to acknowledge your awareness of the volunteer unpaid, nature of the role. We will only proceed with those candidates who understand this to be a volunteer position.

This position is virtual and can be done from anywhere in or outside the United States.

This is a volunteer position with an expected commitment of minimum of 20 hours per week and a minimum 3 month service commitment.

Visit our website at www.KeelWorks.org for more information.

Job Type: Part-time