Strategic, User-Centered Ux Researcher/Designer
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.