UX Researcher - Texas Staffing : Job Details

We are seeking a strategic, user-centered UX Researcher/Designer to lead the redesign of critical digital touchpoints within our university website, with a primary focus on Admissions/Enrollment and Alumni/Donor Relations. This role will play a key part in improving the digital user experience to support institutional goals: attracting and converting prospective students, and cultivating long-term alumni engagement and giving. This is a unique opportunity to shape how prospective students and alumni interact with our institution online, using design thinking and data to improve journeys, reduce friction, and drive measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct user research (interviews, surveys, usability testing, analytics reviews) to understand prospective student and alumni behaviors, needs, and decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with Admissions, Advancement, and Marketing teams to align digital goals with institutional priorities.
• Identify pain points and missed opportunities in current user journeys and digital funnels.

UX Strategy & Design

• Create user personas, journey maps, and service blueprints for key audience segments.
• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to test and iterate on user flows.
• Lead content and information architecture audits to ensure intuitive navigation and storytelling.
• Ensure accessibility (WCAG compliance) and mobile-responsiveness across all designs.

Optimization & Impact

• Design digital experiences that support lead generation, form completions, application starts, and donation conversions.
• Establish and monitor success metrics related to conversion rates, engagement, and satisfaction.
• Run A/B tests and implement data-informed improvements to drive outcomes.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work cross-functionally with developers, marketers, enrollment officers, and advancement staff.
• Present findings, concepts, and design recommendations to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and user-centered thinking across the institution.

Requirements

Qualifications Required

• 35 years of experience in UX research and/or design, preferably in higher education.
• Proficiency in UX tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Hotjar, Google Analytics, Optimal Workshop).
• Strong understanding of user research methodologies, usability testing, and design thinking frameworks.
• Proven experience designing for websites with measurable conversion goals (e.g., applications, forms, donations).
• Portfolio demonstrating research-informed design solutions that improved user engagement or lead generation.

Preferred

• Experience working with CMS platforms like WordPress and Modern Campus.
• Familiarity with enrollment marketing and advancement/donor engagement strategies.
• Understanding of accessibility and inclusive design practices.
• Bachelor's degree in Human-Centered Design, UX, Psychology, Marketing, or a related field.