Product Design Lead, AOL Connections

AOL is a global media and technology company, representing the best of premium content and innovative platforms. Originally known as America Online, we once connected over 35 million people to the internet, becoming a cultural icon and business behemoth. We recognized digital as the future of media and set out to build a network to enable our company—and our users and partners—to capitalize on this new world. We've always had the drive and innovative thinking to mobilize the future. Now, we have the tools, the reach, and the resources to make this future a reality. We just need YOU!

Position Overview

For over 25 years, AOL defined how users connected online and brought the best of the web to millions of users. Now, we're applying that same expertise to redefine how users can connect and interact with others and content online today. At the heart of this mission is great design—and that’s where you come in.

As the Product Design Lead for the newly formed Connection Squad, you'll be a key player in defining how our users connect across the AOL ecosystem. Working closely with product management, development, UXR, and key stakeholders, you'll help define the overall CX and visual design of our connection products. Working with the team, you’ll have the opportunity to look to our past (AIM) and reimagine how that could be core to a more engaging internet ecosystem, connecting users to others that share their interests, create safe spaces for discussion, and bring back the joy that was a simpler internet. Since Connection is one of our core products, your work will directly influence and inspire AOL's overall design aesthetic.

Ideally, you’re based near our New York or Reston/DC offices to collaborate with our teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design Influence: Unlike our news content where the AOL brand voice plays a supporting role, the Connection Squad and the products under their purview is where we amplify brand voice and customer experience. You’ll spearhead efforts to define how we approach this through thoughtful product design in ways that scale across all of our channels.

• Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams—including product management, engineering, UXR, and marketing to ensure consistency with the overall AOL brand voice.

• Design Standards: Document design decisions and create components that will be part of the global AOL Design System.

• Trend Awareness: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor strategies to inform design decisions and identify new opportunities.

• Stakeholder Communication: Present design concepts and strategies to stakeholders, clearly explaining the rationale behind your design choices and their impact on user experience and business objectives.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in product design

• Strong visual design portfolio showcasing a range of projects, preferably with a focus on communication tools, and product design

• Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey design concepts to diverse audiences

• Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences

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The material job duties and responsibilities of this role include those listed above as well as adhering to Yahoo policies; exercising sound judgment; working effectively, safely and inclusively with others; exhibiting trustworthiness and meeting expectations; and safeguarding business operations and brand integrity.

At Yahoo, we offer flexible hybrid work options that our employees love! While most roles don’t require regular office attendance, you may occasionally be asked to attend in-person events or team sessions. You’ll always get notice to make arrangements. Your recruiter will let you know if a specific job requires regular attendance at a Yahoo office or facility. If you have any questions about how this applies to the role, just ask the recruiter!

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