Contract Senior Website Visual Designer (UX/UI) - Remote | US & Canada

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Contract Senior Website Visual Designer (UX/UI)

Company: Kanopi

Location: Remote (US & Canada)

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: UX/UI Design & Web Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-02-27

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This contract role focuses on leading end-to-end visual and UX design for complex website projects, emphasizing accessibility and user-centered solutions.

• The position requires strong presentation skills to confidently articulate design decisions and guide clients and internal teams through the design process.

• Collaboration with cross-functional teams including Content Strategists, Developers, and Project Managers is a key aspect of this operations-focused role.

• The designer will contribute to client pitches and thought leadership initiatives, showcasing expertise in Drupal and WordPress web development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is a "Visual Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into UX/UI operations, focusing on process, client collaboration, and technical integration within web development projects. The "operations" aspect is in managing the design lifecycle, ensuring cross-functional alignment, and translating strategy into actionable design deliverables for web platforms.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete visual and UX design process for intricate website projects, from initial discovery and research phases through to final launch, ensuring clear design direction and client confidence.

• Develop user-centered, accessible design solutions, including detailed wireframes, intuitive user flows, polished UI designs, high-fidelity interactive prototypes, and scalable design systems to maintain long-term visual consistency.

• Present and articulate design rationale and recommendations with clarity and conviction to diverse audiences, effectively incorporating feedback while upholding the integrity of the design direction.

• Plan, facilitate, and translate insights from discovery workshops into actionable UX deliverables such as sitemaps, comprehensive user journeys, and detailed user personas.

• Foster close collaboration with Content Strategists, Developers, and Project Managers to ensure design solutions are cohesive, technically feasible, and executed as intended, including providing design reviews during the development lifecycle.

• Act as a representative for Creative Services in client pitches and sales engagements, leveraging strong design thinking and presentation skills to secure new business.

• Contribute to Kanopi's marketing and thought leadership efforts through participation in webinars, public presentations, and other outreach activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level operations function within the design and development lifecycle. Responsibilities like "leading end-to-end visual and UX design," "translating research and insights into practical UX deliverables," and "collaborating closely with... Developers" indicate a need for strong project management and cross-functional operational coordination, typical of senior roles in a service-based agency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree mentioned, but a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and experience is paramount.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience designing responsive web experiences, with at least 3 years in an agency environment.

Required Skills:

• A robust portfolio showcasing thoughtful, user-centered UI/UX design for responsive websites, with demonstrable examples of accessibility, usability, and visual craft.

• Proven ability to present and defend design work to a variety of stakeholders, effectively integrating feedback while maintaining a clear design direction.

• Fluency in Figma and proficiency with modern design workflows.

• Experience utilizing collaboration tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Workspace.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently, adapt to evolving project requirements, and work effectively within both Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies.

• Comfort and proven success working remotely within a distributed team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct coding experience is considered a plus.

• Familiarity with analytics and research tools, including Google Analytics 4 (GA4), heatmapping platforms, and user testing tools.

• Experience working with mission-driven or nonprofit organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements emphasize agency background and specific tool proficiency, common for contract roles where immediate contribution is expected. The preference for mission-driven organization experience suggests a company culture alignment focus. The "working knowledge of front-end best practices" points to the operational need for designers to understand development constraints and possibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record of successful, user-centered UI/UX design for responsive websites.

• Clear examples within the portfolio showcasing a deep understanding and practical application of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG compliance) in design solutions.

• Evidence of strong visual craft, demonstrating aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail in website design.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally illustrate the design process, from initial research and conceptualization through wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and final implementation considerations.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating and utilizing design systems, showcasing how components and patterns ensure consistency and scalability across projects.

• Examples of how user feedback and testing were incorporated into the design iteration process.

• Projects that highlight collaboration with developers and how design handoffs were managed to ensure accurate implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, user-centered UI/UX design" with "clear examples of accessibility, usability, and visual craft" is a direct operational requirement for assessing a candidate's ability to execute on core project deliverables. The request for process documentation within the portfolio implies a need for candidates who understand and can articulate their workflow.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60 - $80 per hour

Benefits: As a contract position, standard employee benefits are not typically included. However, contract roles often offer:

• Flexibility in work schedule and location.

• Opportunity to work on diverse, impactful projects with mission-driven clients.

• Potential for ongoing contract opportunities based on performance.

• Exposure to a cross-functional, distributed team of experts in Drupal and WordPress.

Working Hours: This is a contract role, and specific working hours will be discussed and agreed upon with the hiring manager. It is expected to be a full-time commitment equivalent to a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility for remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate range is specific and aligns with senior-level contract UX/UI design roles in the US and Canada. The lack of traditional benefits is standard for contract positions, with the primary "benefits" being flexibility and project variety.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Agency (Design, Development & Support), specializing in Drupal & WordPress.

Company Size: Kanopi Studios operates with a fully distributed team, suggesting a medium to large-sized agency by employee count, but with a focus on remote collaboration rather than a central office.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the company description implies established expertise in Drupal and WordPress.

Team Structure:

• The design team is part of a broader agency structure that includes Content Strategists, Developers, and Project Managers.

• This role reports to the Director of Strategy and Creative, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative department.

Methodology:

• Kanopi focuses on building websites for mission-driven clients, suggesting a values-aligned approach to projects.

• The agency emphasizes expertise in Drupal and WordPress, implying a preference for these platforms in their solutions.

• A commitment to team growth, well-being, and success is stated, indicating a supportive internal culture despite the distributed nature.

Company Website: kanopi.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Kanopi's focus on mission-driven clients and expertise in Drupal/WordPress shapes its operational culture. The distributed team model implies a strong emphasis on asynchronous communication and self-management, key operational considerations for remote roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Contract Designer. This role is for an experienced professional capable of leading projects independently and mentoring others. It represents a high level of individual contribution and expertise within the design operations of the agency.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Strategy and Creative. This suggests a clear line of communication and accountability for design strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on client success by delivering high-quality, user-centered, and accessible website designs. It also impacts the agency's business development through client pitches and thought leadership contributions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, accessibility, or design systems through varied client projects.

• Client Portfolio Expansion: Working with diverse mission-driven clients can broaden the designer's professional network and portfolio.

• Thought Leadership: Contributing to webinars and public-facing content provides visibility and establishes expertise within the Drupal/WordPress community.

• Potential for Future Contracts: Strong performance can lead to repeat contract engagements and potentially longer-term project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, direct career progression within Kanopi might be different from a full-time employee. Growth is primarily measured by the depth and breadth of projects undertaken, skills honed, and the potential for continued engagement. The "operations" aspect of growth lies in mastering the agency's project delivery lifecycle and client management processes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This means the work environment is home-based, with no central office.

Office Location(s): Work must be performed from within the US or Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, the role emphasizes close collaboration with internal teams (Content Strategists, Developers, Project Managers) and clients, requiring strong virtual communication and teamwork skills.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud) and collaboration platforms (Google Workspace) is essential for effective remote work and project execution.

• Team Interaction: Interaction will occur through virtual meetings, project management tools, and communication platforms, requiring proactive engagement and clear communication.

Work Schedule: While a full-time commitment is expected (approx. 40 hours/week), the remote nature offers flexibility in terms of when work is performed, allowing for adaptation to different time zones within the US and Canada and personal scheduling needs, as long as project deadlines and meeting requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this role requires a high degree of self-discipline and proactive communication. The "operations" of the workspace are centered around leveraging digital tools to maintain team cohesion and project momentum across distributed locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of resumes and cover letters, with a strong emphasis on portfolio quality and relevance.

• Initial Questions: A short questionnaire to gauge initial fit and gather more specific information.

• Interviews: Multiple interviews with various team members to discuss experience, design philosophy, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessments: Potential for short, practical design tasks to evaluate hands-on skills and problem-solving approach.

• Ongoing Communication: A commitment to providing updates on application status.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from discovery to final output. Highlight how you approach user research, problem-solving, and iteration.

• Accessibility & Usability: Dedicate specific examples or sections to demonstrate your expertise in designing for accessibility and ensuring a positive user experience. Detail the standards you followed.

• Visual Craft & Impact: Ensure your visual design skills are clearly evident. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "improved conversion rates by X%," "streamlined user flow leading to Y% reduction in task completion time").

• Client Interaction & Presentation: If possible, include examples of how you've presented work to clients, handled feedback, and guided decision-making.

• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used for each project, especially Figma, to align with stated requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your favorite piece of technology and articulate its value, as requested in the cover letter. This tests your ability to communicate passion and rationale.

• For skills assessments, expect tasks that might involve wireframing, UI design critiques, or problem-solving scenarios related to web design challenges. Practice thinking aloud and explaining your rationale.

• Prepare to discuss how you manage feedback and collaborate with developers, as these are key operational aspects of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes evaluating both technical design skills and operational capabilities like communication, collaboration, and client management. The portfolio review is critical for assessing the candidate's ability to execute the core responsibilities of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and design system creation. This is the primary tool for the role.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Likely used for image editing, graphic design, and potentially other visual assets (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Google Workspace: For collaboration, document creation, and communication (e.g., Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4): Familiarity is preferred for understanding website performance and user behavior, informing design decisions.

• Heatmapping Platforms: Preferred for visualizing user interaction on web pages.

• User Testing Tools: Preferred for gathering qualitative feedback on designs and prototypes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for the designer's direct use, understanding how designs integrate with CMS platforms like Drupal and WordPress is crucial. The agency likely uses project management and CRM tools for client and project tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement, highlighting its central role in the design operations workflow. The preference for analytics and research tools indicates an expectation for data-informed design decision-making, a key aspect of modern design operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to designing for user needs, accessibility, and inclusivity is paramount.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, visually appealing, and technically sound design work.

• Collaboration & Communication: Emphasis on clear, open, and proactive communication within a distributed team and with clients.

• Mission Alignment: A passion for supporting mission-driven organizations and contributing to a better web.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning, adapting, and refining design processes and skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with content strategists and developers, requiring an understanding of their respective workflows and constraints.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to iterate and improve designs.

• Remote-First: Adapting collaboration methods to suit a fully distributed team, relying heavily on digital tools and clear documentation.

• Client-Focused: Building strong relationships with clients, guiding them through the design process with expertise and clarity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated commitment to "team's growth, wellbeing, and success" and building "a web that works better for everyone" alongside a focus on mission-driven clients suggests a culture that values impact, collaboration, and continuous learning within its operational framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs vs. User Experience: Effectively advocating for user needs while meeting client objectives and project constraints.

• Remote Collaboration Complexity: Maintaining seamless communication and project momentum with a distributed team across different time zones.

• Technical Integration: Ensuring designs are feasible and integrate smoothly with Drupal/WordPress development workflows.

• Pace of Projects: Managing multiple complex website projects simultaneously within agency timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Accessibility Expertise: Working on diverse projects will provide ample opportunities to refine and expand knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices.

• Mastering Figma & Design Systems: Further developing proficiency in Figma and contributing to or building design systems offers specialized skill growth.

• Client Presentation & Pitching: Gaining experience in client-facing roles, including sales pitches, enhances communication and business development skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Clients: Working with various mission-driven organizations provides broad industry exposure and a rich portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior-level design operations within an agency context, requiring strategic thinking and strong execution. The growth opportunities are focused on specialized skill development and client-facing experience, aligning with the senior nature of the contract role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be ready to discuss how you approach the "end-to-end visual and UX design for complex website projects." Outline your typical process, including discovery, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and handoff.

• Prepare to explain your approach to accessibility and usability. How do you ensure designs are inclusive and user-centered from the outset? Provide specific examples.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Kanopi's website and recent projects. Be prepared to discuss why their focus on mission-driven clients and Drupal/WordPress development appeals to you.

• How do you approach collaboration within a remote, distributed team? How do you ensure clear communication with developers and project managers?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in UI/UX, accessibility, and visual design for responsive websites.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Be prepared to walk through your Figma files or prototypes, demonstrating your workflow and design decisions.

• Practice explaining your designs in "plain language," connecting them back to user needs and project goals, as requested in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also operational competence: process management, client communication, collaborative ability, and a strategic understanding of how design fits within the broader web development lifecycle.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Use the ‘Apply for this Job’ button located toward the bottom of the page on the Workable platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored for this specific role. Highlight projects in your portfolio that best showcase your experience with accessible, user-centered UI/UX design for responsive websites, especially those with clear visual craft and usability examples.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your 5+ years of web design experience, with specific mention of your 3+ years in an agency environment. Integrate keywords like "Figma," "UX/UI," "Accessibility," "Responsive Design," and "Client Presentation."

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that addresses your fit for the role and, critically, includes your answer to the question: "What’s your favorite piece of technology, and why?" This is a key part of the initial screening.

• Company Research: Understand Kanopi's mission, their focus on Drupal/WordPress, and their work with mission-driven clients. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.