Experience Design Director - EA Sports Network

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experience Design Director - EA Sports Network

Company: Electronic Arts

Location: Orlando, Florida, United States of America

Job Type: Regular Employee

Category: Experience Design / UX Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-10-01

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the vision and strategic direction for the connected fan experience across the EA SPORTS Network ecosystem, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user journey.

• Define and govern scalable design systems, reusable experience components, and interaction models that span multiple platforms and franchises.

• Drive innovation in user experience by exploring emerging technologies such as AI-enabled personalization and spatial design.

• Foster a design-centric culture and champion user experience best practices across diverse teams and studios through collaborative leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position focused on defining the overarching user experience strategy for a complex digital ecosystem. The emphasis is on strategic vision, system design, and cross-functional influence rather than day-to-day execution of individual product designs. The "EA Sports Network" implies a platform or hub that connects various EA Sports game franchises, requiring a deep understanding of ecosystem design and fan journeys.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate a compelling long-term vision for the EA SPORTS Network's connected fan experience across console, mobile, web, and companion applications.

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive design system, including UI/UX toolkits and reusable interaction patterns, to ensure consistency and efficiency across the EA SPORTS portfolio.

• Map, refine, and optimize end-to-end fan journeys, focusing on key elements like identity management, personalization, recognition, commerce, and community engagement.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management and Technical Directors to ensure design, technology, and business objectives are aligned within a user-centered development lifecycle.

• Lead experience workshops and facilitate cross-functional alignment on shared consumer experiences, influencing design direction without direct authority across disparate teams and studios.

• Explore and prototype next-generation interaction models, including AI-driven personalization, spatial design, and real-time data integrations.

• Leverage user research, player data, and analytics to inform design decisions and drive continuous iteration and improvement of user experiences.

• Balance the need for network-wide consistency with the unique brand identities and specific requirements of individual EA SPORTS franchises (e.g., Madden NFL, FC, NHL).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic and leadership-oriented role. Key tasks involve defining vision, establishing systems, optimizing journeys, and influencing stakeholders. The mention of "franchise identity" implies a need for nuanced design solutions that respect individual game brands while fitting into a larger ecosystem.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Digital Media, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 10+ years of experience leading UX, Product Design, Experience Design, or Creative Direction for world-class, large-scale digital consumer ecosystems or entertainment products.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in defining and scaling design systems and reusable UX/UI components across multi-platform environments.

• Expertise in creating unified, seamless consumer journeys across web, mobile, and console platforms.

• Proficiency in advanced design and prototyping tools, including Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI in prototyping and creative concept development.

• Strong strategic thinking and execution capabilities, with a proven track record of balancing high-level creative vision with operational realities.

• Exceptional executive storytelling, visual communication, and presentation skills to build alignment and influence stakeholders.

• Deep understanding of user research methodologies and the ability to translate player data and analytics into actionable design improvements.

• Experience in leading collaborative design workshops and fostering cross-functional consensus. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the gaming or interactive entertainment industry.

• Familiarity with emerging interaction models such as spatial design and real-time data feed integrations.

• Experience with modern collaborative design workflows and tools.

• Knowledge of sports entertainment and fan engagement dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "10+ years" and "leading" roles indicates a senior management or director-level position. The required skills are a blend of strategic vision, technical proficiency in design tools, and strong leadership/communication abilities. The mention of AI and spatial design suggests a forward-looking approach to user experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing the creation and governance of unified, multi-platform design systems and seamless consumer journeys across web, mobile, and console.

• Include case studies that illustrate the development of scalable design systems, UI/UX toolkits, and reusable interaction models.

• Provide examples of how you have translated strategic growth objectives into actionable consumer experience principles.

• Showcase experience in defining and driving long-term experience design roadmaps that support portfolio growth and platform capabilities. Process Documentation:

• Document the process of defining and evolving ecosystem-wide experience strategies, including user journey mapping and identifying key touchpoints.

• Illustrate workflows for establishing and maintaining design systems, including governance and contribution models.

• Detail methodologies for integrating user research, player data, and analytics into iterative design processes.

• Provide examples of how you have led cross-functional experience workshops to build alignment and consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored to a strategic design leadership role, emphasizing the ability to build and manage complex design systems and user journeys rather than individual product designs. The focus is on process, strategy, and impact at an ecosystem level.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Director-level Experience Design role with 10+ years of experience in Orlando, Florida, the estimated salary range is typically between $170,000 and $250,000 annually, with potential for bonuses and equity. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership in major tech/gaming companies in comparable US markets, adjusted for the Orlando cost of living which is moderate compared to coastal tech hubs.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Mental well-being support programs.

• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k) with potential company matching.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Family leave benefits.

• Complimentary EA games and merchandise.

• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Orlando, FL.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for a hybrid role and potential for occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for senior design leadership roles in the US. Benefits are explicitly listed from the job description, with the addition of standard industry benefits for a role of this level and organization. Relocation assistance is a key benefit highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Games. EA SPORTS is a prominent brand within this industry, known for its leading sports simulation franchises like Madden NFL, FC (Soccer), NHL, and UFC. The company operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market driven by technology, player engagement, and content innovation.

Company Size: Electronic Arts is a large enterprise, typically categorized as having 10,000+ employees globally. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, a broad range of career opportunities, and significant resources for R&D and talent development.

Founded: Electronic Arts was founded in 1982. This long history suggests a mature organization with a deep understanding of the gaming market, a strong brand legacy, and a well-established corporate structure.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Sr. Director of EA SPORTS Network, placing it within a dedicated network or platform division focused on cross-game experiences.

• This position is part of the "EA Studios - SPORTS" department, indicating a close alignment with the development of EA SPORTS game franchises.

• The Experience Design Director will be a key member of the Network leadership team, likely collaborating closely with Product Management and Technical Directors, forming a "leadership triad."

• The role requires influencing design direction across multiple studios and brand partners, suggesting a matrixed or federated team structure where collaboration and influence are paramount. Methodology:

• Data-Informed Design: The team emphasizes leveraging user research, player data, and analytics to guide design decisions and iterative improvements.

• User-Centered Development: A core principle is ensuring that design, technology, and business goals are aligned around the fan's experience.

• Ecosystem Thinking: The focus is on creating connected experiences that weave individual game franchises into a cohesive, immersive ecosystem.

• Collaborative Innovation: The culture encourages cross-functional workshops and influence without direct authority to drive consensus and creative solutions.

Company Website: https://www.ea.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context provides crucial background for understanding the role's scope. EA's size and history suggest stability and significant resources. The team structure highlights the need for strong leadership and collaboration skills, particularly the ability to influence across different business units and studios. The emphasis on "EA Sports Network" points to a strategic initiative to unify fan experiences beyond individual game titles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Director level, representing a senior leadership position within the Experience Design function. It involves strategic oversight, team leadership (potentially through influence rather than direct reports initially, but with the mandate to scale the function), and significant impact on the company's core product strategy and consumer engagement across multiple major franchises.

Reporting Structure: The Experience Design Director reports to the Sr. Director of EA SPORTS Network. This structure places the role within a strategic initiative focused on cross-franchise connectivity and fan engagement, working alongside product and technical leadership.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is substantial, directly shaping how millions of players interact with the entire EA SPORTS gaming universe. By defining the connected fan experience and design systems, this position influences player retention, engagement, monetization, and overall brand loyalty across EA's most popular sports titles. The success of the EA SPORTS Network vision is heavily dependent on this role's strategic direction and execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Functional Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow the Experience Design function for the EA SPORTS Network, building a dedicated team and establishing it as a center of excellence for ecosystem design.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future product roadmap and strategic direction of EA SPORTS by championing user-centered design principles and innovative fan experiences.

• Cross-Franchise Impact: Gain deep experience and visibility across EA's major sports franchises (Madden, FC, NHL, UFC), leading to broader opportunities within EA or the gaming industry.

• Industry Leadership: Represent EA SPORTS in industry discussions on connected experiences, design systems, and next-generation interactive entertainment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role within the broader context of career progression in the gaming and design industries. The Director level signifies significant responsibility and the potential for substantial career growth, both within EA and the wider industry. The emphasis is on strategic impact and leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning employees are expected to work from the Orlando, Florida office for a portion of the week, with the flexibility to work remotely for the remainder. This model aims to balance in-person collaboration and team cohesion with individual focus time and work-life balance.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Orlando, Florida, United States. EA has a significant presence in this location, which likely includes modern office facilities designed to support creative and collaborative work environments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates a workspace that facilitates effective collaboration, likely featuring meeting rooms, brainstorming spaces, and areas for team interaction during on-site days.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), prototyping software, and robust IT infrastructure is expected to support the demanding creative and technical requirements of the role.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, technical directors, game development teams, and other designers will be integral to the role, fostering a dynamic and interconnected work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While a hybrid model offers some flexibility, the nature of a Director-level role in a fast-paced industry like gaming often requires adaptability and a willingness to put in extra time during critical project phases or launch periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment. The description emphasizes the balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, suggesting an environment designed for both focused individual work and dynamic team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience and skills. Be prepared to highlight your experience in ecosystem design, design systems, and leadership.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Sr. Director of EA SPORTS Network to explore your strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and understanding of the EA SPORTS ecosystem.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your ability to define and scale connected fan experiences, manage design systems, and lead cross-functional initiatives. Be ready to discuss your process, challenges, and impact.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, likely including Product Management and Technical Directors, to assess your collaborative approach, communication skills, and ability to influence without direct authority.

• Final Round/Executive Interview: Potentially a meeting with higher-level executives to discuss your fit with EA's culture and your long-term vision for the role and the EA SPORTS Network.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Ecosystem Impact: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your experience in designing for large-scale digital ecosystems, not just single applications. Highlight how your work connects different experiences or platforms.

• Showcase Design System Mastery: Include examples of design systems you've created or significantly contributed to. Detail their architecture, governance, and impact on consistency and efficiency.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to showcase the impact of your design decisions. Focus on metrics related to user engagement, satisfaction, retention, and efficiency gains.

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your strategic approach, research methodologies, design thinking, and how you collaborated with stakeholders to achieve outcomes. Emphasize your leadership in driving these processes.

• Highlight AI/Innovation: If applicable, showcase projects where you've explored or implemented innovative solutions, particularly those involving AI or new interaction models.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical challenge related to connecting EA SPORTS franchises or evolving a fan journey. Think about how you would approach defining the vision, establishing principles, and gaining alignment.

• Design System Governance: Consider how you would manage and evolve a design system across multiple studios and product teams, balancing consistency with franchise-specific needs.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice articulating your design vision and rationale to diverse audiences, including technical and business leaders, and demonstrating how to build consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a senior design leadership role. The emphasis is on demonstrating strategic thinking, ecosystem-level impact, and strong leadership and communication skills through the portfolio and interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and component management. Mastery is expected for creating and maintaining design systems and facilitating team workflows.

• Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator): Used for asset creation, visual design, and potentially complex image manipulation or illustration work.

• Advanced Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with tools beyond basic Figma prototyping, potentially including tools for interactive prototypes, motion design, or complex user flows.

• AI/ML Tools for Design: Familiarity with tools or platforms that leverage AI for design ideation, personalization, or generative design processes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics).

• Data Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools that provide insights into player behavior, engagement, and conversion metrics (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, internal EA analytics dashboards).

• Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret and present data effectively, potentially using tools like Tableau or Power BI for dashboard creation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and leveraged for personalized experiences within CRM-like systems or player databases is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools might be relevant for streamlining design processes or feedback loops.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different platforms (game clients, web, mobile apps) communicate and share data to create a seamless experience is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for senior UX and design leadership roles, with a specific emphasis on Figma and the Adobe Suite. The inclusion of "AI/ML Tools for Design" and "Data Analytics Platforms" highlights the modern, data-driven, and forward-looking nature of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-First: A fundamental value centered on creating exceptional entertainment experiences that put the player at the forefront of all design and development decisions.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas, experimentation, and pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment through creative problem-solving.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively across disciplines and studios to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-caliber products and experiences that meet the highest standards of quality and player satisfaction.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing insights from player data and research to inform strategies and validate design choices, ensuring impact and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with product management, engineering, marketing, and studio teams to ensure a unified vision and execution.

• Influence and Consensus Building: A style that relies on strong communication, empathy, and strategic articulation to gain buy-in and align diverse stakeholders, often without direct reporting lines.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: Encouraging open and constructive feedback loops within the design team and with partners to continuously refine experiences and processes.

• Agile and Iterative: Embracing agile methodologies and iterative design processes that allow for flexibility, adaptation, and continuous improvement based on feedback and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values and collaboration style are inferred from EA's general corporate messaging and the specific demands of a leadership role in a creative and collaborative industry. The emphasis is on player-centricity, innovation, and strong teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Ecosystem Consistency with Franchise Identity: Harmonizing the need for a unified network experience with the unique brand requirements and fan expectations for individual game franchises (e.g., Madden vs. FC). This requires careful negotiation and strategic design.

• Influencing Across Disparate Studios: Gaining alignment and driving adoption of design systems and strategies across multiple independent game development studios, each with its own culture and priorities.

• Defining the Future of Connected Experiences: Staying ahead of evolving player expectations, technological advancements (AI, AR/VR), and competitive landscapes to ensure EA SPORTS remains at the forefront of interactive entertainment.

• Scaling Design Operations: Building and scaling the Experience Design function for the EA SPORTS Network effectively, potentially from a nascent stage, to support future growth and complexity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to refine strategic leadership skills, mentor emerging designers, and shape the design culture within a major entertainment company.

• Industry Trends & Technology: Direct exposure to cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and next-gen interaction models, with opportunities for research and prototyping.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Deepen understanding of product management, technical development, and business strategy within the gaming industry through close collaboration.

• Professional Networking: Engage with a wide network of industry professionals, attend relevant conferences, and contribute to the broader design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges and opportunities are derived from the core responsibilities and the nature of a senior leadership role in a complex, multi-franchise organization. They highlight areas where growth and development are inherent to the role's demands.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your vision for the future of connected fan experiences in sports gaming. How would you approach building this vision for the EA SPORTS Network?" (Preparation: Think about ecosystem design, fan journeys, technology trends, and EA's current portfolio.)

• "How would you establish and govern a design system that needs to serve multiple distinct game franchises while maintaining a cohesive network identity?" (Preparation: Focus on governance models, component libraries, collaboration with franchise teams, and balancing consistency with unique brand needs.)

• "Imagine you need to gain buy-in from three different studio heads for a new network-wide feature. How would you approach this, given you don't have direct authority over them?" (Preparation: Emphasize stakeholder analysis, value proposition articulation, data-driven persuasion, and building relationships.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about EA SPORTS and its position in the gaming industry? How do you see your role contributing to EA's mission?" (Preparation: Research EA's recent games, business strategy, and player community. Connect your experience to their goals.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you foster a design-centric culture within a team and across cross-functional partners." (Preparation: Discuss mentorship, empowerment, driving best practices, and creating an environment for innovation.)

• "How do you leverage player data and user research to inform your design decisions and measure the success of your initiatives?" (Preparation: Provide specific examples of data-informed design processes and metrics used to demonstrate impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation around a compelling story for each case study, clearly defining the problem, your strategic approach, the solutions you designed, and the measurable impact.

• Focus on Ecosystem & Systems: Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to design for interconnected experiences and scalable systems. Explain why you made certain design decisions in the context of a larger ecosystem.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, influenced stakeholders, or drove strategic initiatives, even if you weren't a direct manager.

• Visual Clarity & Conciseness: Use high-quality visuals and keep explanations concise, focusing on the most critical aspects of your work and its outcomes. Be prepared to go deeper on specific elements if asked.

• Address AI/Innovation: If you have relevant projects, explicitly discuss your approach to using AI or exploring innovative interaction models.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions and preparation strategies tailored to a senior design leadership role, focusing on strategic thinking, ecosystem design, and cross-functional influence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experience Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the EA Careers portal link provided.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that best showcase your experience in ecosystem design, design systems, and strategic leadership. Ensure these highlight your ability to connect multiple platforms and manage complex user journeys.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience in UX, Product Design, or Creative Direction, specifically mentioning experience with large-scale digital ecosystems, design systems, and cross-functional leadership. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, demonstrating your strategic process, and articulating the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your vision for the EA SPORTS Network.

• Research EA & EA SPORTS: Familiarize yourself with EA's company values, recent game releases, and the strategic importance of the EA SPORTS Network. Understand their player base and market position.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---