Director - UX Design and Creative Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director - UX Design and Creative Services Company: Verisign Location: Reston, Virginia, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services / UX Design Leadership Date Posted: 2025-10-06T18:07:34 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of UX design and creative services to enhance Verisign's digital presence and product offerings.
• Drive user-centered design methodologies, ensuring optimal user experience across all web properties, products, and digital tools.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of brand consistency, design systems, and high-impact marketing collateral.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of design, UX, research, and optimization professionals to foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Implement and champion data-driven design strategies through user research, testing, and continuous optimization programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Director - UX Design and Creative Services," the core responsibilities and emphasis on website strategy, product user experience, and collaboration with Marketing and Product teams indicate this role sits at the intersection of Creative Leadership, UX Strategy, and potentially a specialized form of Marketing Operations focused on digital experience optimization. The focus on "creative services" suggests a broad scope beyond just digital UX.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive design and website strategy, setting the direction for UX, branding, creative, and visual elements across digital platforms.
• Establish and maintain robust design standards, leading the creation and evolution of design systems to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Define and refine efficient design processes, collaborating closely with stakeholders and cross-functional teams (Global Marketing, Product, and other business units) to execute projects seamlessly.
• Champion and evangelize a user-centered design strategy and methodology at all organizational levels, including executive leadership, to elevate end-user experiences and optimize website/product effectiveness.
• Oversee and direct user research initiatives to inform data-driven design strategies and validate solutions with target audiences.
• Manage, coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of design, UX, research, and optimization professionals, fostering their growth and expertise.
• Nurture a team culture that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, design excellence, and a commitment to continuous improvement in all creative and UX endeavors.
• Assign work, drive project execution effectively, and facilitate cross-training and talent development within the creative and UX team.
• Direct comprehensive research, testing, and optimization programs to ensure product enhancement and website design decisions are grounded in data, providing transparency and actionable insights to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership role with significant influence over digital user experience and brand representation. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and executive-level evangelism suggests this role requires strong communication and influencing skills beyond typical design management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field (e.g., Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, Marketing, or related discipline).

Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience managing projects within a digital environment, encompassing UX design, graphic design, creative project oversight, task intake, project planning, execution, and delivery of design artifacts.
• A minimum of 4 years of direct experience managing and leading a creative team, demonstrating proven leadership and team development capabilities.

Required Skills:

• Strategic UX Design Leadership: Proven ability to develop and implement a cohesive UX and website strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Design Systems Management: Expertise in establishing, maintaining, and evolving design systems to ensure brand consistency and scalability across digital touchpoints.
• User-Centered Design (UCD) Evangelism: Demonstrated ability to champion UCD principles and methodologies across an organization, influencing executive stakeholders.
• Team Management & Development: Strong experience hiring, coaching, mentoring, and developing creative and UX professionals.
• Figma Proficiency: Advanced user of Figma for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Adobe Creative Cloud Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator for graphic design and asset creation.
• Agile Project & Task Management: Ability to manage multiple, fast-paced projects concurrently, balancing long-term strategic initiatives with quick turnaround requirements.
• Stakeholder Management & Diplomacy: Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and diplomatically navigate competing priorities and say 'no' when necessary.
• Data-Driven Design & Optimization: Experience directing research, testing, and optimization programs to inform design decisions and measure impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Design: Experience or understanding of motion design principles for enhancing user interfaces and digital experiences.
• Advanced Responsive Design: Deep knowledge of responsive design principles for seamless user experiences across various devices and screen sizes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven success working effectively with Marketing, Product Management, Engineering, and other business units.
• Brand Strategy Development: Experience contributing to or leading brand strategy initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Advanced responsive design for the web and motion design" suggests a forward-thinking approach to digital experiences, while "Expert UX design process" emphasizes a deep understanding of user-centric methodologies. The specific mention of Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator points to a hands-on understanding of the tools used by the team, even at a directorial level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Design Vision: Showcase examples of how you've developed and implemented comprehensive design strategies that align with business goals and user needs.
• Design System Development: Provide case studies demonstrating your role in creating, managing, or significantly contributing to design systems, highlighting scalability and consistency outcomes.
• User Experience Transformation: Present projects where you've led initiatives to significantly improve user experience, backed by research, testing, and measurable results.
• Team Leadership & Process Improvement: Include examples of how you've managed creative teams, improved design workflows, and fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Cross-Functional Project Execution: Highlight successful projects executed in collaboration with diverse teams like Marketing, Product, or Engineering, emphasizing your role in driving successful outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrations of how you've mapped, analyzed, and optimized design and UX workflows to improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance output quality.
• Implementation and Automation Methods: Evidence of implementing new design processes, tools, or automation techniques to streamline creative production and UX delivery.
• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Examples of how you've established metrics, conducted A/B testing, and analyzed performance data to guide design decisions and demonstrate ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role, the portfolio should emphasize strategic thinking, leadership, and measurable impact rather than just individual design execution. Case studies demonstrating process improvement, team development, and successful cross-functional collaboration will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $164,300 - $222,300 per year

Benefits:

• Discretionary Bonus: Eligibility for a discretionary bonus based on individual and company performance, providing an incentive for achieving key objectives.
• Stock Awards: Potential eligibility for discretionary stock awards, offering long-term incentives and a stake in the company's success.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: (Assumed based on industry standards) Likely includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health support, and wellness programs.
• Retirement Savings Plan: (Assumed) Typically includes a 401(k) plan with potential company match.
• Paid Time Off: (Assumed) Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, conferences, and certifications to enhance skills and career growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours (assumed 40 hours per week), with flexibility often available for hybrid roles, allowing for effective management of projects and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the role and location. The mention of "discretionary bonus" and "discretionary stock awards" indicates performance-based incentives. Standard benefits packages are assumed, but candidates should verify details. The "hybrid work environment" suggests a degree of flexibility in scheduling, crucial for managing diverse projects and team interactions. The salary range is competitive for a Director-level UX and Creative Services role in the Reston, VA area.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Internet Infrastructure Services (specifically Domain Name System - DNS services, domain registration, etc.) Company Size: Verisign is a publicly traded company and a significant player in its niche, likely employing several thousand individuals globally. This scale suggests established processes and a structured corporate environment, while still allowing for impactful individual contributions. Founded: Verisign was founded in 1995. This long history indicates stability, deep industry expertise, and a proven track record in a critical sector of the internet.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Director reports to the Head of Marketing, indicating a strong link between creative and UX strategy and overarching marketing objectives.
• Team Composition: The Director will manage a team of design, UX, research, and optimization professionals, likely comprising individual contributors with specialized skills.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role is designed for extensive collaboration with Global Marketing, Product teams, and other business units, emphasizing integration and shared goals.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A core tenet of the role, emphasizing understanding and designing for end-users.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Research, testing, and optimization are critical for informing design strategies and validating outcomes.
• Agile Project Execution: The need to manage multiple, fast-paced projects suggests an agile or iterative approach to creative and UX delivery.
• Continuous Improvement: A stated value to foster innovation and enhance processes and outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Verisign operates in a critical, foundational sector of the internet. This implies a culture that values stability, security, and reliability, but also innovation to stay ahead in a dynamic tech landscape. The company's mission-focused approach suggests an environment where employees can see the impact of their work on a global scale.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director level, signifying a senior leadership position responsible for strategic direction, team management, and significant functional impact within the marketing and product organization. This role is crucial for shaping the user experience and creative output of the company. Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Marketing, providing a clear line of sight to senior leadership and strategic marketing initiatives. This offers opportunities to influence marketing strategy through design and UX excellence. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Verisign's brand perception, customer engagement, and product adoption by ensuring intuitive, effective, and visually appealing digital experiences. By optimizing websites and products, the role contributes to lead generation, conversion rates, and overall user satisfaction, which are critical for a B2B infrastructure services company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future of Verisign's digital presence and user experience, influencing product development and marketing strategies at a high level.
• Team Expansion & Specialization: Potential to grow the team, introduce new specializations (e.g., dedicated UX researchers, accessibility specialists), and build out advanced creative and UX capabilities.
• Industry Leadership: Representing Verisign at industry events, contributing to thought leadership in UX design and digital creative services.
• Broader Organizational Impact: Potential to move into more senior marketing leadership roles or expand responsibilities to encompass broader digital transformation initiatives based on demonstrated success.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Director role in a company like Verisign offers substantial opportunities for strategic impact and leadership development, particularly in shaping the user journey for critical internet infrastructure services. The hybrid environment also allows for a balance between focused work and collaborative engagement, supporting career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. Office Location(s): Primarily based in the Reston, VA office. This location likely offers modern office facilities designed for collaboration and focused work. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Reston office likely serves as a central point for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, executive reviews, and building team cohesion.
• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud) and potentially other collaboration and project management tools necessary for efficient creative and UX work.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with direct reports, marketing peers, product managers, and other stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the hybrid model typically offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing team members to manage their time effectively around core collaboration hours and project deadlines. This flexibility is crucial for creative roles that often require periods of deep focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model at Verisign's Reston office suggests a modern work approach, balancing the need for in-person collaboration with the benefits of remote flexibility. This environment is conducive to creative problem-solving and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's strategic and leadership requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Head of Marketing to delve into your strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and experience managing creative and UX teams.
• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key members of your potential team and cross-functional partners (e.g., from Product Management, Marketing) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present a curated selection of your work, focusing on strategic impact, process, leadership, and measurable results. Be prepared to discuss case studies in detail.
• Executive Interview: Final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, company vision, and leadership capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Strategy & Impact: Prioritize case studies that demonstrate your strategic thinking, leadership in driving design and UX initiatives, and quantifiable business impact (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, brand consistency).
• Showcase Team Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored, grown, and managed creative teams, highlighting your leadership philosophy and success in fostering a positive team culture.
• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate the user-centered design process, research methodologies, testing approaches, and optimization strategies employed in your projects. Explain why certain decisions were made.
• Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of successful collaborations with Product, Marketing, Engineering, and other departments, emphasizing your ability to influence and align stakeholders.
• Tailor to Verisign: Research Verisign's current digital presence, products, and brand. Consider how your portfolio examples can resonate with their specific challenges and opportunities in the internet infrastructure space.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential case study or challenge that requires you to outline a strategic approach to a given UX or creative problem relevant to Verisign's business. Focus on your methodology, stakeholder engagement, and expected outcomes.
• Team Management Scenario: You may be asked to discuss how you would handle specific team management situations, such as performance issues, conflict resolution, or fostering innovation.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and strategic ideas concisely and compellingly, anticipating questions about your decision-making process and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Director role will be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to articulate complex ideas and demonstrate measurable impact. A well-prepared, strategic portfolio presentation is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows. Proficiency expected at an advanced level.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Specifically Photoshop and Illustrator for graphic design, asset creation, and brand collateral development. Advanced proficiency required.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping or user testing platforms (e.g., InVision, UserTesting.com) is beneficial.
• Design System Management Tools: Experience with tools or platforms used for managing and distributing design system components.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and measure website performance.
• User Research & Testing Tools: Experience with platforms for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and gathering qualitative feedback.
• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data and potentially create dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal reporting systems to communicate insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): Understanding how UX and creative efforts integrate with CRM for lead generation, customer journeys, and marketing automation.
• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot): Familiarity with how creative assets and landing pages are deployed and managed within these systems.
• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing team workflows, tasks, and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in core design tools (Figma, Adobe CC) is a baseline. The role also requires an understanding of analytics, user research, and how creative output integrates with marketing and sales technology stacks to drive business results.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Verisign's diverse user base, from domain registrants to enterprise clients.
• Design Excellence: Striving for high-quality, effective, and aesthetically pleasing design solutions that reflect Verisign's brand and mission.
• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing research, testing, and analytics to guide design choices and measure their impact, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively across departments, building strong relationships with stakeholders to achieve shared goals and drive integrated initiatives.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and creative approaches to stay ahead in the evolving digital landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with Marketing, Product, Engineering, and other business units to ensure design and UX strategies are aligned with broader company objectives and technical feasibility.
• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed, constructive critique is encouraged, and transparent communication is the norm.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the exchange of best practices, insights, and learnings within the team and across the organization to elevate collective capabilities.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing flexibility and a willingness to adapt designs and strategies based on feedback, testing results, and changing project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Verisign, particularly within this role, will likely emphasize reliability, security, and precision, given its industry. However, the "creative services" and "UX design" aspects also demand innovation, user empathy, and a forward-thinking approach to digital experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Navigating the complexities of user experience design while ensuring alignment with Verisign's strategic business goals, security requirements, and technical constraints.
• Driving Cultural Change: Evangelizing user-centered design and continuous improvement methodologies across a large organization, potentially requiring significant stakeholder buy-in and education.
• Managing Diverse Creative Demands: Overseeing a broad range of creative services, from complex web properties and product interfaces to branding and marketing collateral, requiring strong prioritization and resource allocation.
• Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in UX design, digital technologies, and user expectations to ensure Verisign's digital presence remains cutting-edge and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Opportunities to explore emerging UX methodologies, accessibility standards, and advanced interaction design patterns.
• Digital Strategy & Leadership: Developing a deeper understanding of broader digital marketing and product strategy, enhancing leadership capabilities in a complex tech environment.
• Industry Trends & Conferences: Engaging with industry events and thought leaders in UX, design, and digital transformation to bring best practices back to Verisign.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior team members, developing leadership skills, and learning from senior leaders within Verisign's marketing and product organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant challenges in shaping the digital experience for a critical internet infrastructure provider, offering substantial growth in strategic leadership and operational excellence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a unified design system for a company like Verisign, considering its diverse product offerings and established brand?"
• "Describe your process for balancing user needs with business objectives and technical constraints when designing complex digital products or websites."
• "Outline your strategy for championing user-centered design across an organization, particularly when influencing executive stakeholders."
• "How do you measure the success of UX design and creative initiatives, and what metrics do you prioritize?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Verisign and our mission in providing internet infrastructure services?"
• "How would you foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and design excellence within your team and with cross-functional partners?"
• "Describe a time you had to diplomatically say 'no' to a stakeholder request. How did you manage the relationship and outcome?"
• "How do you stay current with industry trends in UX design and creative services?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your strategic thinking, leadership, process, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with Verisign's business (B2B, enterprise, internet services) and demonstrate your ability to manage diverse creative needs.
• Focus on the 'Why' and 'How': For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the methodologies used (research, design, testing), your specific role (especially leadership), and the measurable outcomes.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your initiatives (e.g., X% increase in conversion, Y% reduction in support tickets, Z% improvement in user satisfaction).
• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth, concise, and compelling delivery. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about any aspect of your work.
• Showcase Team Management: If possible, include examples of how you've led, mentored, and developed creative teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your strategic approach to design leadership, team management, and driving measurable impact. Demonstrating an understanding of Verisign's business and industry will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director - UX Design and Creative Services position:

• Submit your application through the provided greenhouse.io link to Verisign's careers portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio for Strategic Impact: Select projects that highlight your strategic leadership in UX design and creative services, focusing on process, team management, and quantifiable business results. Tailor your presentation to showcase how your skills can benefit Verisign's mission in internet infrastructure.
• Optimize Your Resume for Leadership and Operations: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience in digital project management, creative team leadership, and your proficiency with key tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud. Use keywords from the job description to highlight your qualifications.
• Prepare for a Strategic Interview and Portfolio Presentation: Anticipate questions about your strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and experience in driving design and UX initiatives. Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, process, and measurable outcomes.
• Research Verisign's Digital Presence and Industry: Gain a deep understanding of Verisign's products, services, target audience, and competitive landscape. Consider how your creative and UX expertise can address their specific challenges and opportunities.

⚠️ 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.

---