Senior UX Research and Design Manager

Compensation Range:

Annual Salary: $78,496.00 - $105,974.00

Position Summary

The Sr. UX Research and Design Manager will lead user-centered research and design within the Performance Marketing team, reporting to the Director Performance User Experience. This role will be key in improving digital experiences for prospective and current students through advanced research methodologies and UX design expertise. The Sr. UX Research and Design Manager works closely with cross-functional teams to create data-driven, user-focused solutions that align with the university’s digital marketing strategy. Additionally, the role involves managing an external UX design agency to ensure effective and seamless execution of design initiatives.

Essential Functions:

User Research & Testing

• Conduct comprehensive qualitative and quantitative user research (e.g., interviews, usability testing, surveys) to understand student needs and behaviors across digital platforms.
• Develop and refine user personas and journey maps to inform and guide design decisions.
• Analyze research findings to uncover key insights and provide actionable recommendations that drive user-centric solutions.
• Regularly present research insights to stakeholders to inform decision-making and prioritize design work.

User Experience Design Management

• Oversee the design of user-centered solutions for web and digital platforms, including wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and high-fidelity designs.
• Monitor the design system and create frameworks to ensure consistency across all digital experiences, ensuring a seamless user journey from first touch to conversion.
• Collaborate with internal Performance Marketing teams (including Web Development, CRO, SEO, and Paid Media) and the external UX design agency to ensure the accurate and effective implementation of designs.
• Ensure that design efforts are aligned with performance marketing objectives, focusing on KPIs such as conversion rates, ROI, and user engagement.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with cross-functional teams (including SEO, paid media, web development, CRO, etc.) to identify and prioritize UX improvements that will directly impact business goals.
• Co-create executive-level reports that translate user research and design concepts into strategic recommendations.
• Present and communicate design concepts and research findings to various stakeholders, ensuring designs align with the university’s goals and marketing objectives.
• Advocate for student-centered design principles across all projects to ensure user experience remains a core focus.

Performance & Data-Driven Design

• Leverage data platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar, Adobe Analytics) and performance metrics to assess the impact of UX initiatives and guide future design decisions.
• Identify optimization opportunities through continuous analysis of A/B testing, web analytics, and behavioral data to drive improved user outcomes.
• Work closely with Performance Marketing teams to iterate on designs based on data and campaign results.

Process & Innovation

• Stay current with UX design best practices, emerging technologies, and trends in digital marketing to continuously enhance UX practices.
• Explore new tools, methods, and methodologies to continuously elevate the design process and deliver exceptional results.
• Ensure that processes are efficient, scalable, and adaptable to meet the dynamic needs of the Performance Marketing team.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise up to four employees including
• Screens applications, interviews candidates, and make final determination on individuals for hiring.
• Trains in all aspects of the position.
• Delegates tasks and provides effective direction to team members to produce substantial business results.
• Independently provides weekly, quarterly, and annual performance feedback to include performance evaluations.
• Makes recommendations for salary and merit increases, promotions, and reclassifications.
• Determines corrective action as needed for direct and indirect reports.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Digital Marketing, or a related field; master’s degree h