Associate, UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate, UX Designer Company: Morgan Stanley Location: Harrison, NY, US Job Type: Full-Time Category: UX Design/Product Design Date Posted: 2025-10-27 Experience Level: 2-5 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the end-to-end product design process, from conception to implementation, within a leading financial services firm.
• Leverage qualitative and quantitative research to inform value-driven design decisions and create intuitive, user-centered interfaces.
• Develop responsive and adaptive design solutions optimized for both web and mobile platforms.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure seamless translation of designs into functional products.
• Actively participate in a design-centric culture, sharing best practices and aligning on design patterns with the broader Wealth Management UX team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Wealth Management division of Morgan Stanley, implying a focus on financial services products and client-facing applications. The "Associate" title suggests an individual contributor role with a focus on execution and learning, supporting senior designers and product leads.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with the UX Lead to define and execute the product vision, participating in all phases of the product design lifecycle.
• Conduct user research, synthesize findings from qualitative and quantitative data, and translate insights into actionable design recommendations.
• Design and deliver wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for responsive and adaptive web and mobile interfaces.
• Collaborate with product managers and engineers to ensure design feasibility and successful product launches.
• Advocate for user needs and business objectives throughout the design process, ensuring solutions are both effective and engaging.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems and style guides to ensure consistency across products.
• Participate in design critiques, brainstorms, and whiteboard sessions, providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in UX design, particularly within the financial services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "value-driven design decisions" and "solving business and user needs" indicates a strong focus on measurable impact and alignment with organizational goals, typical of operations-aligned roles within product development. The requirement to "translate designs into successful products" highlights a need for strong collaboration with engineering and a practical understanding of implementation constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Master's degree in a related field is a plus.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience as a UX Designer, with a proven track record of contributing to successful product launches.
• Experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment, ideally within a large organization.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma: Demonstrated expertise in using Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.
• User Experience (UX) Design: Strong understanding of UX principles, user-centered design methodologies, and interaction design.
• Wireframing & Prototyping: Ability to create clear and effective wireframes and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts.
• Responsive/Adaptive Design: Experience designing for various screen sizes and devices, optimizing for web and mobile interfaces.
• User Research: Familiarity with conducting and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative user research to inform design decisions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and actively participate in group discussions.
• Problem Solving: Aptitude for tackling complex projects with ambiguity and developing creative solutions.
• Active Listening: Ability to listen attentively and incorporate feedback from stakeholders and team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the financial services industry or Wealth Management.
• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.
• Understanding of agile development methodologies.
• Experience with user testing and usability studies.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Figma and the 2-5 year experience range are critical indicators for candidate screening. The emphasis on "problem solving," "ambiguity," and "resilience" suggests the company values individuals who can navigate complex, evolving projects, a common characteristic in fast-paced financial technology environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase End-to-End Design Process: Present detailed case studies that illustrate your involvement from initial research and ideation through to final design and, ideally, post-launch analysis.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate the user and business problems you addressed, your design approach, and the rationale behind your key decisions.
• Highlight Systemic Thinking: Include examples of how your designs integrate with existing systems or contribute to a cohesive user experience across multiple touchpoints.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, present metrics or evidence of the positive impact your designs have had on user engagement, task completion, or business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to document user flows, interaction models, and information architecture clearly.
• Design Validation: Showcase how you have used wireframes, prototypes, and research to validate and refine design concepts.
• Cross-Functional Handoff: Demonstrate experience in preparing design specifications and assets for seamless handoff to engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX role, the portfolio is paramount. The requirements emphasize not just the final output, but the entire process, including research, problem-solving, and demonstrable impact. This aligns with operations-focused roles where process, efficiency, and measurable outcomes are key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Expected base pay rates for this role will be between $58,000 and $115,000 per year at the commencement of employment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and potential for flexible work arrangements.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and career advancement within the firm.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.
• Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on physical and mental health.
• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with transportation costs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically around 40 hours.
• While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Harrison, NY, and reflects a standard for an Associate UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in a major financial institution. Morgan Stanley's emphasis on "ample opportunity to move about the business" and "attracting and retaining the best and brightest" suggests a robust benefits package geared towards long-term employee growth and satisfaction.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Wealth Management) Company Size: Large Enterprise (80,000+ employees) Founded: 1935 (Morgan Stanley)

Team Structure:

• Integrated UX Team: Works closely with the larger Wealth Management UX team, fostering a collaborative design community.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engages with product managers, researchers, engineers, and other stakeholders across the organization.
• Hierarchical Support: Operates within a structure that includes a UX Lead, providing mentorship and guidance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data to make informed design decisions.
• Client-Centric Approach: Adheres to the core value of "putting clients first," ensuring user needs are paramount.
• Collaborative Ideation: Encourages brainstorming, critiques, and feedback sessions to foster innovation and shared learning.
• Agile Principles: Likely incorporates agile methodologies for iterative development and continuous improvement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Morgan Stanley's established history and global presence indicate a structured, process-oriented environment. The explicit mention of core values like "doing the right thing," "leading with exceptional ideas," and "diversity and inclusion" shapes the expected team dynamics and decision-making framework, influencing how design problems are approached and solved.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate Individual Contributor

• This level is characterized by direct contribution to design projects, working under the guidance of senior designers and UX leads. The focus is on executing design tasks, learning best practices, and developing proficiency in design tools and methodologies.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to a UX Lead within the Wealth Management UX team.
• Collaborates closely with Product Managers, Researchers, and Engineering teams.

Operations Impact:

• Directly influences the user experience of financial products, impacting client engagement, satisfaction, and potentially adoption rates.
• Contributes to the overall efficiency and usability of digital platforms, which can indirectly affect operational costs and client retention in the Wealth Management sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as interaction design, research, or visual design.
• Leadership Development: Progress to Senior UX Designer roles, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior designers.
• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Potential to move into related roles within Product Management, Design Strategy, or other areas of the firm.
• Industry Certifications: Pursue certifications in UX design, HCI, or related fields.
• Continuous Learning: Access to internal training, workshops, and external conferences to stay current with industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title and the 2-5 year experience requirement suggest a role focused on skill development and contribution rather than strategic leadership. Growth is likely to involve increasing project complexity, autonomy, and mentorship capacity, aligning with typical career progression in design operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment Office Location(s): Harrison, New York (primary location for this role). Morgan Stanley has a global presence with over 1,200 offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The environment is described as collaborative, with opportunities for brainstorming, critiques, and whiteboard sessions.
• Resource Availability: As part of a large organization, expect access to necessary design tools, technology, and support infrastructure.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with design colleagues, product teams, and other stakeholders is a key aspect of the work.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily on-site, with a standard 40-hour work week.
• While not explicitly stated as remote-flexible, large organizations often offer some degree of flexibility for experienced professionals, subject to team and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "diverse team," "large organization," and "brainstorm" suggests a dynamic, interactive office setting designed to foster collaboration and idea generation, which is crucial for innovation in UX design within a structured financial environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and portfolio review to assess qualifications and alignment with role requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, skills, and cultural fit.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise or presentation of portfolio work to evaluate design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills. This may involve presenting a past project and discussing the process, rationale, and outcomes.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues and cross-functional partners to assess collaboration style and team dynamics.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or HR for final evaluation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills and experience.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, your design decisions, and the results achieved. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Showcase specific examples of your work created in Figma, demonstrating your mastery of its features.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs.
• Tailor to Morgan Stanley: Emphasize projects that align with financial services, complex problem-solving, or user experience in enterprise environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business Context: Research Morgan Stanley's Wealth Management division, its client base, and its strategic goals.
• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to clearly explain your design process, rationale, and decision-making for any project presented.
• Anticipate Ambiguity: Prepare for scenarios where you might need to make assumptions or ask clarifying questions to solve a design problem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a UX role at a firm like Morgan Stanley will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio. Emphasis will be placed on how the candidate approaches complex problems, communicates their design process, and demonstrates measurable impact – key indicators of operational effectiveness in design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design. Expect to use it extensively.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator may be used for asset creation or specific tasks.
• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other tools like InVision, Sketch (if applicable) might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior is a plus.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools for presenting data insights, though not directly a UX design tool, can be valuable for understanding research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Tools: While not directly used for design, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or internal workflows is an asset.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. The role implies working within a structured technology environment common in large financial institutions, where design tools are integrated with broader product development and data analytics platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and delivering exceptional client experiences is fundamental.
• Integrity & Doing the Right Thing: Ethical conduct and sound decision-making are paramount.
• Innovation & Exceptional Ideas: Encouraging creative thinking and the pursuit of innovative solutions.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with others, sharing knowledge, and supporting team goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Strong emphasis on working collaboratively with Product Management, Engineering, Research, and other business units.
• Constructive Feedback Culture: Encouraging open and honest feedback through design critiques and brainstorming sessions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing design best practices and learnings across the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Morgan Stanley's stated values are deeply embedded in its culture. For a UX Designer, this translates to designing with empathy for clients, ensuring ethical considerations in product design, and contributing to a team environment that respects diverse viewpoints and fosters collective problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working on complex projects with evolving requirements in a large, established organization.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring design solutions meet the needs of diverse stakeholders (clients, business, technology).
• Balancing Innovation and Constraints: Creating cutting-edge designs within the practical and regulatory constraints of the financial industry.
• Scaling Design Solutions: Developing designs that can be effectively implemented across multiple platforms and products consistently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like user research methodologies, interaction design patterns, or accessibility.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insight into the Wealth Management industry and financial technology.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced UX Leads and senior designers within a structured corporate environment.
• Career Pathing: Clear pathways for advancement within the UX discipline or into related roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational realities of working in a large, regulated industry. Overcoming these requires strong problem-solving, adaptability, and excellent communication skills, all of which are transferable to broader operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a complex UX problem you solved." Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on the problem, your process, your specific contributions, and the outcome. Highlight how you handled ambiguity.
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives?" Be ready to discuss your approach to user research, stakeholder management, and trade-off decisions. Use examples from your portfolio.
• "Describe a time you received difficult feedback on your design. How did you respond?" Focus on your ability to accept constructive criticism, iterate on your work, and maintain a professional demeanor.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Morgan Stanley? Why Wealth Management UX?" Research the company's values, recent news, and the specific challenges/opportunities in Wealth Management UX. Connect your interests and skills to these.
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" Discuss your experience in brainstorms, critiques, and how you actively listen and provide feedback.
• "How do you measure the success of your designs?" Discuss your understanding of UX metrics (e.g., task completion rates, user satisfaction, conversion rates) and how you use data to inform your work.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, following the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for each case study.
• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals of your designs, wireframes, and prototypes. Explain why you made certain design choices.
• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process, research methods, and how you iterated based on feedback or data.
• Quantify Results: Present any available metrics or user feedback that demonstrate the positive impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss ROI if applicable.
• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX role at Morgan Stanley, interview preparation should strongly emphasize demonstrating an understanding of the financial services context, a structured problem-solving approach, and the ability to articulate design impact in measurable terms, aligning with typical operations and GTM objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Morgan Stanley careers portal.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 2-5 years of UX design experience, proficiency in Figma, and experience with user research, wireframing, prototyping, and responsive design. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable impact. Ensure your Figma expertise is evident.
• Research Morgan Stanley: Understand their values, their Wealth Management division, and the financial services landscape.
• Practice your pitch: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, your process, and your contributions to previous projects clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.

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