Associate User Experience Director - Freelance

At AKQA, we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

The Associate User Experience Director at AKQA helps the Creative Director lead and mentor a team of UX designers and shapes their skills and careers. They will possess a strategic and visionary approach to UX design leadership, underpinned by a solid understanding of product visual design, and demonstrate essential experience in building and managing design systems within Figma. It’s their responsibility to drive user-centered-design processes in partnership with the strategy, creative and technology teams. They also own and oversee their allocated UX work across the region. As an invaluable partner to the client, they help to fulfill their business goals by creating the best possible customer experience.

NOTE: This is a temporary, full-time freelance role for 3-6 months with potential to extend. Candidates may work remote (US only) as long as they are available during normal business hours, Eastern Time Zone, out of consideration for our team and client. Relocation and visa sponsorship are not available. Freelancers will be engaged on a temporary basis via W-2; 1099/contractor/vendor status is not an option.

AKQA offers teams the opportunity to produce innovative work that moves companies, and their communities forward. All disciplines collaborate to find the best solution while delivering each aspect to the highest standard. From products and services to imaginative storytelling, our shared vision is to create experiences that drive progress and results. We are fortunate to partner with forward-thinking clients, including Verizon, IBM, Mayo Clinic, HSS, Volvo, and Campari.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Partnering with clients. Provides the user experience consultancy and business strategy insights to clients as a fully accepted partner.

• Direct. Drives the effort to implement solutions across at least 2 projects and oversees planning, concept development, and design.

• Creative craft skills. Works in a hands-on capacity internally and with the client in helping to develop strategy and vision, conceptual models, personas, scenarios, wireframes, and UI documentation. Demonstrates essential experience in building and managing design systems within Figma.

• Idea generation. Develops and helps to evolve the user experience capabilities and approach, including user experience tools, processes, best practices, and key deliverables.

• Leadership. Helps to lead the practice of user experience at AKQA, including building the User Experience team. Attracts and recruits exceptional talent. Represents AKQA externally through various conferences, and speaking and writing engagements.

• Mentoring. Manages other User Experience Designers in their professional development, fostering innovation within the User Experience team.

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• A compelling portfolio of distinctive work that spans product/service design and storytelling.

• A minimum of 6 years’ experience in user experience, information architecture, or interaction design.

• Proficiency of the user experience discipline and all relevant methodologies such as persona creation, consumer journey mapping, service blueprints, heuristic evaluation, ecosystems, competitive audits, stakeholder/user interviews, card sorting, usability testing etc.

• Strong understanding of product visual design principles and their application.

• Expert-level Figma skills and advanced proficiency with the most current UX design and prototyping tools, coupled with the ability to effectively guide team members in their use

• Experience with current AI tools and their strategic application in enhancing design processes and customer experiences across digital channels.

OTHER DETAILS

• Remote (United States only) position

• Available during normal business hours, US Eastern Time Zone

• Full-time work schedule (40hrs/wk)

• Anticipated weekly pay range between $3,500 - $4,500

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.