About the Role
The Foundation for American Innovation champions the technology, talent, and ideas essential to American prosperity, security, and flourishing. We are builders, hackers, and scholars advancing an optimistic vision of the future—aligning technology with human ends to forge a more perfect union between innovation and the American republic.
To support this mission, FAI is seeking a Front-End Web Developer, reporting to the Creative Director, to lead the revamp of our web presence and build the digital infrastructure that reflects our standing as one of the most influential organizations at the intersection of technology and governance.
FAI takes design seriously; its visual identity is rooted in the tradition of IBM corporate modernism, the Swiss International Style, and the bold geometric clarity of mid-century American design. It’s a brand that holds institutional gravity, American industrial excellence, and startup energy—core cultural and organizational inspirations for our rapidly growing think tank. We’re looking for someone to carry it into the browser at the same level.
This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC.
Responsibilities
- Web Development & Maintenance:
- Build, revamp, and maintain FAI’s public-facing website and landing pages
- Implement FAI’s design system—typography, color palette, illustration assets, and layout conventions—faithfully in the browser
- Ensure consistent performance, responsiveness, and cross-browser compatibility across all web properties
- Design Implementation:
- Translate design files and brand specifications from Figma into production-ready HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Collaborate closely with the Creative Director to maintain brand fidelity across all digital touchpoints
- Develop reusable components and templates that enable the external relations team to publish content independently
- Content Systems:
- Select, configure, and maintain a CMS that enables non-technical staff to update and publish content with minimal friction
- Build and document content workflows in coordination with the outreach and research teams
- Data Visualization & Interactive Features:
- Build interactive data visualizations for published research and policy work
- Support the development of special interactive features for high-profile reports and events
- Performance & Accessibility:
- Maintain high standards for page speed, Core Web Vitals, and SEO
- Coordinate with the CTO on infrastructure, security, and deployment
Qualifications
FAI welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds, including design agencies, in-house creative teams, and mission-driven startups, but the right candidate likely has at least four years of experience.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong portfolio of design-forward web work showing genuine typographic sensitivity, brand fidelity, and craft
- Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and modern JavaScript (React or similar framework experience preferred)
- Experience implementing design systems from Figma, Adobe, or equivalent design tools
- Familiarity with headless CMS platforms (Contentful, Sanity, or similar)
- Working knowledge of web performance optimization and accessibility standards
- Experience with version control (Git) and modern deployment workflows
- An eye for detail and demonstrated good taste—spacing, hierarchy, and motion.
- Excellent written communication skills and ability to document systems for non-technical colleagues
- Alignment with FAI’s mission
Benefits and Perks
- Annual salary range estimated to be $85,000–$120,000 but is negotiable based on experience
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) match up to 6%
- $1,000 annual book credit
- Monthly commuter benefit
- Unlimited vacation policy
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Cover letter including:
- Paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to FAI’s mission and how you came to those beliefs
- Link to portfolio or representative work samples
- Salary requirements
- Résumé
- Three professional references
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted until it is filled.
To apply, please complete this form.
FAI is an equal-opportunity employer. We review applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, uniformed services, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
