Executive Director, Head of Experience Design (UX) & Digital Strategy, Firmwide Marketing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Executive Director, Head of Experience Design (UX) & Digital Strategy, Firmwide Marketing

Company: Morgan Stanley

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing Operations & Digital Strategy

Date Posted: 2025-09-25T00:00:00

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and execution of a visionary, audience-led global website strategy, driving digital transformation and enhancing user experiences across Morgan Stanley's digital platforms.

• Lead and mentor a high-performing Experience Design (UX) and Digital Strategy team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning to deliver best-in-class digital solutions.

• Champion user-centric design principles and data-informed decision-making to optimize end-to-end client journeys across web and mobile touchpoints, ensuring alignment with business objectives and brand standards.

• Drive the integration of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to personalize user experiences, improve engagement, and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving financial services landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Executive Director" title and the scope of responsibilities, this role is pivotal in shaping the firm's digital presence and requires a strategic leader with a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive significant digital initiatives. The emphasis on AI integration and evolving technologies indicates a forward-thinking approach to digital strategy within the financial services sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for Morgan Stanley's global website presence, ensuring alignment with the Firm's overall strategic direction and business goals.

• Lead the transformation of the global website experience by leveraging AI, personalization capabilities, and evolving technologies to create an audience-led framework that seamlessly delivers integrated solutions to key client segments.

• Oversee the design of end-to-end client journeys across web and mobile platforms, ensuring a cohesive and human-centered experience that aligns with brand identity and business objectives.

• Manage the Firmwide Marketing Experience Design team, guiding the creation of essential design artifacts such as journey maps, personas, and ecosystem diagrams, and overseeing the development of wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.

• Direct the UX Research function in formulating hypotheses, designing and executing user testing plans, and iterating on designs based on actionable insights derived from user feedback and data analysis.

• Ensure adherence to UI standards, accessibility compliance, and the effective utilization and expansion of unified design systems across all digital touchpoints.

• Integrate regulatory requirements and digital best practices, including accessibility standards and brand guidelines, within broader strategic frameworks for digital initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Technology, Marketing, Communications, Legal, Compliance, and Business units, to clearly outline goals, constraints, and ensure seamless execution throughout the project lifecycle.

• Identify and champion innovation opportunities, including the strategic incorporation of Artificial Intelligence into digital experiences, and evaluate emerging technologies and platforms to enhance digital capabilities.

• Cultivate and advocate for a customer-centric, data-informed, and innovation-driven mindset across the organization through effective communication and stakeholder engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, team management, and hands-on design oversight. The role requires a deep understanding of digital product development lifecycles, user experience principles, and the ability to translate complex business requirements into actionable design strategies. Emphasis on AI integration and evolving technologies suggests a need for a candidate who stays abreast of industry trends and can drive digital innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in digital experience and digital marketing, with a substantial focus on website strategy and comprehensive experience design (including UX, UI, service design, or lead designer roles).

• A minimum of 6 years of direct people management and leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to guide teams effectively and achieve positive outcomes.

• Proven track record of leading digital transformation or innovation initiatives, with practical experience in developing and implementing AI-driven user experiences.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen, with a clear focus on driving digital growth and developing audience-led experiences.

• Superior communication, storytelling, and stakeholder influence skills, with the ability to navigate and thrive within large, complex, matrixed organizations.

• Proficiency in user-centered design methodologies, design thinking, and systems thinking to create holistic and effective digital solutions.

• Strong facilitation and storytelling capabilities to gain strategic buy-in and drive decision-making among senior leadership and key partners.

• Demonstrated visual design sensibility, with a keen eye for hierarchy, layout, and interaction design, keeping current with the latest design standards and trends (e.g., Material You).

• Expert proficiency in design and collaboration tools such as Figma and FigJam.

• Experience in mapping and designing omnichannel client journeys, identifying opportunities for high-impact experiences that drive business growth and connect design decisions to tangible business outcomes.

• A deep understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design principles to ensure digital products are usable by everyone.

• Experience applying brand guidelines effectively within an established design system to maintain brand consistency and visual integrity.

• Proficiency with user research techniques, usability testing methodologies, and analytics tools to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Comfort and adaptability in dynamic, fast-paced environments with frequently evolving priorities and a need for agile responses.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with personalization engines and AI-driven content optimization.

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and their impact on UX.

• Knowledge of SEO best practices and their integration into website strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic vision, leadership capabilities, and hands-on expertise in digital design and strategy. The requirement for Figma and FigJam proficiency, along with AI integration experience, points to a modern and tech-forward approach to user experience design within a large financial institution. The preference for financial services experience suggests that candidates with domain knowledge will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of progressive digital experience and website strategy leadership, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design and impactful outcomes.

• Include detailed case studies of at least two significant website transformation or digital strategy initiatives, highlighting the problem, your approach, key contributions, and measurable results.

• Present examples of end-to-end client journey mapping and design, illustrating how you translated user needs and business goals into seamless digital experiences across multiple touchpoints.

• Showcase experience with designing within established design systems and adhering to brand guidelines, along with examples of contributions to or development of design systems.

• Provide evidence of leading user research initiatives, conducting usability testing, and integrating insights into iterative design processes to improve user experience and achieve business objectives.

• Include examples of how you've integrated AI or emerging technologies into digital experiences to enhance personalization and user engagement.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase documentation of user research findings, including methodologies used, key insights, and how they informed design decisions and strategic direction.

• Provide examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups created for complex digital products or platforms.

• Include documentation of accessibility audits and remediation plans, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive design principles and compliance with relevant standards.

• Present examples of how you have used data analytics and user feedback to measure the performance of digital experiences and identify areas for optimization and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical for this role, as it will serve as the primary evidence of the candidate's strategic thinking, design leadership, and ability to deliver tangible results. The emphasis on case studies, journey mapping, AI integration, and stakeholder influence indicates that the portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's impact and strategic contributions to digital initiatives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings: Robust 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions to facilitate long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy that includes vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, allowing for work-life balance.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and disability coverage to protect employees and their families.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement, including access to industry conferences and certifications.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

• Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on promoting employee health and well-being, both physically and mentally.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance with commuting costs to support employees traveling to the office.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment. However, given the executive nature of the role and the demands of the financial services industry, flexibility and dedication beyond standard hours may be expected to meet business objectives and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a base pay expectation. The total compensation package is likely to be significantly higher, potentially including performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, and long-term incentive plans, which are common in executive-level roles within financial services. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Morgan Stanley's commitment to employee support and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services. Morgan Stanley operates as a leading global financial services firm, involved in investment banking, securities, investment management, and wealth management. This context implies a highly regulated environment, a focus on client relationships, and a commitment to integrity and excellence.

Company Size: Morgan Stanley is a large, global organization with over 80,000 employees across 1,200 offices in 43 countries. This scale offers opportunities for broad impact, cross-functional collaboration, and exposure to diverse markets and business units.

Founded: Morgan Stanley was founded in 1935, bringing a long history of experience and stability to the financial services sector. This legacy underscores a culture of enduring client relationships, robust business practices, and a commitment to long-term success.

Team Structure:

• This role is within the Firmwide Marketing department, specifically reporting to the Head of Websites and Distribution. The Experience Design (UX) & Digital Strategy team will likely be a dedicated unit within this larger marketing function, focusing on digital product development and user experience.

• The team reports through a hierarchical structure typical of large corporations, with the Executive Director leading the Experience Design function and potentially managing sub-teams for UX Research and Design execution.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs a hybrid approach to digital strategy and design, incorporating elements of Agile methodologies for iterative development and Design Thinking for user-centric problem-solving.

• Data analysis and insights are paramount, with a focus on leveraging user research, A/B testing, website analytics, and market trends to inform strategic decisions and optimize digital experiences.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be key, ensuring efficient processes for concept development, design execution, and implementation across digital platforms.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be encouraged, particularly with the integration of AI and new technologies to streamline operations and enhance user engagement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Morgan Stanley is deeply rooted in its five core values: "Do the right thing, put clients first, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back." For an operations-focused role, this translates to a need for ethical conduct, client empathy, innovative problem-solving, collaborative teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement. The large, global nature of the firm suggests a structured but dynamic work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at the Executive Director level, signifying a senior leadership role within Firmwide Marketing. It involves strategic oversight, team management, and significant influence over the firm's digital presence and user experience strategy. This level typically requires extensive experience and a proven track record of success in driving complex initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Executive Director will report directly to the Head of Websites and Distribution within Firmwide Marketing. This structure places the role at a senior level within the marketing organization, with direct access to leadership and strategic decision-making processes.

Operations Impact: The operations and digital strategy led by this role have a direct impact on client acquisition, engagement, and retention. By enhancing the user experience across Morgan Stanley's digital platforms, this position contributes significantly to brand perception, client satisfaction, and ultimately, the firm's business growth and revenue generation. The strategic direction set here will influence how clients interact with the firm globally.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand the scope of digital strategy responsibilities to encompass broader marketing technology initiatives or digital product management within the firm.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead high-profile, firm-wide digital transformation projects, collaborating with and influencing C-suite executives and leaders across various business units.

• Team Development & Mentorship: Further development of leadership skills through mentoring junior designers and strategists, potentially leading to the growth of the Experience Design function within Morgan Stanley.

• Industry Influence: As a leader in digital strategy at a major financial institution, there are opportunities to contribute to industry best practices and thought leadership in areas like AI-driven experiences and digital financial services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Executive Director role is a significant career advancement opportunity, offering leadership in a critical area of a globally recognized financial institution. The growth potential is substantial, focusing on strategic impact, leadership development, and influence within a complex organizational structure. Success in this role could pave the way for even more senior leadership positions within Morgan Stanley or the broader financial services industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in New York, NY, and is designated as "On-site." This suggests a traditional office environment where collaboration, in-person meetings, and direct team interaction are prioritized. Morgan Stanley offices are typically modern, professional, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Office Location(s): The primary location is 750 Seventh Ave, New York, NY. This central Manhattan location offers accessibility via various public transportation options, common for major corporate offices in New York City.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an open-plan or shared office environment designed to foster collaboration and communication among team members and across departments.

• Access to advanced technology, design software (Figma, FigJam), and robust IT infrastructure is expected, supporting the execution of design and strategy tasks.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with the immediate Experience Design team, as well as stakeholders from Technology, Marketing, and other business units, will be integral to the daily work.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, as an Executive Director in a demanding industry like financial services, flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours to meet project deadlines, client needs, or critical business events are often expected. This may include occasional early mornings, late evenings, or weekend work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work requirement emphasizes Morgan Stanley's preference for in-person collaboration, especially for senior leadership roles that require significant stakeholder engagement and team direction. The New York City location provides a dynamic and resource-rich environment for professionals in digital strategy and design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, leadership style, and strategic thinking with the Head of Websites and Distribution. This stage will likely focus on your approach to website strategy, team management, and digital transformation.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key partners from Technology, Product, and other business units to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to influence diverse stakeholders.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design processes, and demonstrable impact. This may include a specific case study related to website strategy, AI integration, or client journey optimization.

• Executive Interview: A final interview with senior leadership (potentially a Managing Director or above) to assess strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with Morgan Stanley's culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure your portfolio around key themes: strategic vision, user-centered design, team leadership, and measurable impact.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed, the technologies used (especially Figma, AI), and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, improved client satisfaction).

• When presenting, focus on storytelling. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions and how they align with business objectives and user needs.

• Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, how you mentor teams, and how you manage stakeholder relationships, especially in complex, matrixed environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a design challenge or a strategic problem-solving exercise that may involve evaluating a current digital experience, proposing a strategy for AI integration, or outlining a roadmap for website transformation.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Demonstrate your ability to think critically, break down complex problems, and propose actionable solutions.

• Prepare to discuss emerging technologies and their potential impact on financial services digital experiences, showcasing your forward-thinking approach.

• Familiarize yourself with Morgan Stanley's current digital presence, brand, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its market position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to rigorously assess not only technical and design skills but also strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio presentation, clear articulation of strategic thinking, and demonstrated understanding of the financial services context will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert proficiency is required for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design workflows. This is the core design tool for this role.

• FigJam: Expected for team brainstorming, ideation, journey mapping, and process visualization, complementing Figma's capabilities.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and gathering qualitative feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Qualtrics).

• Analytics Tools: Proficiency in web analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools to track user behavior, measure performance, and derive insights for optimization.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing project workflows, task tracking, and team collaboration.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, experience with advanced prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie) might be beneficial for complex interactions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar for in-depth website performance analysis.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and reports to communicate insights to stakeholders effectively.

• A/B Testing Tools: Optimizely, VWO, or Google Optimize for conducting experiments to improve user experience and conversion rates.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics, given their importance in managing client relationships and data, though not explicitly stated as a direct requirement for this UX role, understanding their data flow is beneficial.

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Experience with tools like Marketo, HubSpot, or Adobe Marketing Cloud would be advantageous for understanding integrated marketing efforts.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with enterprise-level CMS platforms (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, Sitecore) is important for understanding website content delivery and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and FigJam highlights a modern, collaborative design workflow. Proficiency in user research and analytics tools is essential for a data-informed approach to digital strategy and experience design. Familiarity with enterprise CMS and CRM systems is beneficial for understanding the broader digital ecosystem within a large financial institution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A core value that drives all decisions, ensuring that user needs and client expectations are at the forefront of digital experience design and strategy. This means deeply understanding user pain points and designing solutions that provide genuine value.

• Integrity & Doing the Right Thing: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all work, particularly crucial in the financial services industry. This translates to transparent communication, responsible data handling, and prioritizing client trust.

• Exceptional Ideas & Innovation: Encouraging a culture where creative thinking and forward-looking ideas are valued and explored, particularly in integrating new technologies like AI to enhance digital experiences and drive business impact.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are sought, respected, and leveraged to create richer, more equitable digital experiences and build stronger teams. This includes commitment to accessibility standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing strong partnerships across various departments (Technology, Marketing, Legal, Business) to achieve shared goals, ensuring that digital strategies are integrated and effectively implemented.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a highly collaborative style, working closely with cross-functional partners to ensure alignment and successful execution of digital initiatives. This involves proactive communication, active listening, and a willingness to compromise and find common ground.

• There's a strong emphasis on feedback exchange, with regular design reviews, critique sessions, and opportunities for team members to learn from each other and refine their work.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged through team meetings, internal documentation, and informal discussions, promoting continuous learning and collective improvement within the Experience Design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Morgan Stanley is built around strong corporate values that translate into practical expectations for operations professionals. A client-first, integrity-driven, innovative, and collaborative approach is essential. Understanding and embodying these values will be key to success and integration within the team and the broader organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large, Matrixed Organization: Effectively influencing stakeholders and driving consensus across numerous departments with potentially competing priorities requires strong communication, negotiation, and strategic alignment skills.

• Integrating AI and Emerging Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve with rapidly evolving technologies like AI and successfully integrating them into user experiences while adhering to strict financial regulations and security protocols.

• Balancing Innovation with Compliance: Ensuring that innovative digital strategies and user experiences meet rigorous regulatory requirements, legal standards, and brand guidelines inherent in the financial services industry.

• Driving Digital Transformation at Scale: Leading significant digital changes across a global website presence requires meticulous planning, robust execution, and the ability to manage complex, long-term projects with diverse teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Digital Strategy Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on cutting-edge digital marketing, UX trends, AI applications, and strategic planning methodologies.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading industry events (e.g., UX conferences, digital marketing summits) and pursue relevant certifications to stay at the forefront of the field.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Benefit from mentorship from senior leaders within Morgan Stanley and participate in leadership development programs designed to enhance strategic thinking, team management, and executive presence.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deeper insights into various business functions across the firm by collaborating on projects, fostering a holistic understanding of the organization and its operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to scale, regulation, and technological integration, which are inherent to a leading financial institution. However, these challenges are balanced by substantial growth opportunities in strategic leadership, technological innovation, and professional development, making it a highly rewarding position for ambitious operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a global website strategy for a financial services firm like Morgan Stanley, considering evolving technologies like AI and changing user behaviors." Focus on audience-led frameworks, personalization, and measurable business objectives.

• "How would you foster a customer-centric and data-informed mindset within your Experience Design team and across broader stakeholder groups?" Prepare examples of driving cultural change and influencing decision-making through data and user insights.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding, how do Morgan Stanley's core values align with your own professional philosophy, particularly in the context of digital strategy and client experience?" Research the values and prepare to articulate how you embody them.

• "How would you approach collaborating with Technology, Marketing, Legal, and Compliance teams to ensure seamless execution of digital initiatives while meeting diverse needs and constraints?" Highlight your experience with cross-functional partnerships and stakeholder management.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and design philosophy, then dive into 2-3 key case studies that best represent your strategic thinking, leadership, and impact.

• Content Focus: For each case study, emphasize the problem statement, your strategic approach, the design process (including user research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration), team collaboration, and quantifiable results. Specifically highlight any AI integration or complex stakeholder management.

• Delivery: Practice your presentation to ensure it is concise, engaging, and clearly communicates your value proposition. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, process, and impact. Demonstrate your expertise with Figma/FigJam and your understanding of accessibility and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of user experience within the financial services context. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring clear articulation of process, impact, and the ability to connect design work to tangible business results, especially concerning AI and digital transformation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Executive Director, Head of Experience Design (UX) & Digital Strategy position at Morgan Stanley:

• Submit your application directly through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight 10+ years of experience in digital experience, website strategy, and UX leadership. Emphasize case studies demonstrating your strategic impact, team management, and experience with AI integration or digital transformation within financial services, if applicable.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your leadership achievements, proficiency in Figma/FigJam, stakeholder management skills, and any experience with user research, accessibility, and driving audience-led strategies. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic approach to website development, AI integration, and team leadership. Prepare to present your portfolio with a focus on storytelling, measurable results, and your ability to influence diverse stakeholders. Understand Morgan Stanley's values and how they apply to this role.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Morgan Stanley's current digital presence, recent marketing campaigns, and strategic priorities. Familiarize yourself with their core values and the competitive landscape of financial services digital experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Morgan Stanley through their official application channels before making application decisions.