REMOTE Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: REMOTE Web Designer
Company: Unicorn Wranglers
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Creative & Media / Technology / Art & Design
Date Posted: 2026-01-26
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on User Experience (UX) driven web design, creating well-branded and visually impactful website wireframes and mockups.
• Responsible for planning and partially implementing the user experience, including user interactions, animations, and overall frontend architecture.
• Serve as a key liaison, translating client needs into visual aids and blueprints for website developers.
• Integrate content into Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress and manage graphic assets.
• Conduct design and user experience audits to identify areas for improvement and drive conversions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is heavily focused on the conceptual and visual design aspects of web development, with a strong emphasis on UX principles and client-facing deliverables. The "partially implementing" suggests a hands-on role in CMS content styling and asset preparation, bridging the gap between pure design and front-end execution. The "Unicorn Wranglers" company name suggests a potentially innovative or fast-paced environment, common in tech startups or agencies serving such clients.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop visually engaging website wireframes, mockups, sitemaps, and site navigation maps.
• Document detailed web animations and user interaction flows for developer implementation.
• Insert and style content within Content Management Systems (CMS), with a focus on WordPress.
• Create, modify, and optimize graphics and ad creatives using photo editing applications.
• Package and optimize image assets from mockups for efficient use by website developers.
• Conduct thorough design and user experience audits for client websites to identify conversion blockers.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their brand identity and translate it into effective web designs.
• Work closely with website developers to ensure design fidelity and seamless implementation of UX/UI elements.
• Manage and style content within CMS platforms, ensuring brand consistency and optimal user flow.
• Adapt creative assets based on client-specific needs and campaign requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, technical implementation within CMS, and strategic UX thinking. The emphasis on "planning and partially implementing" user experience indicates a role that requires not just aesthetic design but also an understanding of how design translates into functional user journeys. The mention of ad creation and modification suggests potential involvement in digital marketing campaigns, requiring visual design skills beyond core website structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Graphic Design, Web Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is highly recommended. Experience: Minimum of 4 years of professional web design experience, with 5-10 years being the target AI experience level. Prior agency experience and experience working remotely are preferred.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable web design skills with a strong, comprehensive portfolio showcasing significant personal contributions.
• Proficiency in industry-leading design software such as Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Deep understanding of website user experience (UX) principles and best practices.
• Ability to create visually appealing wireframes, mockups, and sitemaps.
• Expertise in designing intuitive site navigation and user interaction flows.
• Strong conceptual and visual ability, with a flair for originality and creativity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for presenting ideas and receiving feedback.
• Ability to interact, communicate, and present design concepts effectively to clients and internal teams.
• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix for content styling.
• Ability to identify website conversion points and design user journeys that lead to conversion.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of front-end development languages, specifically HTML5 and CSS (including SASS).
• Previous experience working effectively in a remote, distributed team environment.
• Previous experience within a digital agency setting, managing multiple client projects.
• Experience with web animation and detailed user interaction documentation.
• Graphic design skills for ad creation and modification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio with significant personal contributions is critical. The AI experience level of "5-10 years" infers that candidates with more extensive experience, particularly in agency settings or remote roles, will be highly competitive. The preferred front-end knowledge suggests the ideal candidate can bridge the gap between design and development, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of web design projects demonstrating significant personal contributions to design and/or development.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, design process, solutions implemented, and tangible results achieved (e.g., improved conversion rates, enhanced user engagement).
• Visual examples of wireframes, mockups, sitemaps, and user flow diagrams.
• Documentation showcasing understanding of user interaction and web animation.
• Examples of content styling and asset optimization within CMS environments.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a structured design process, from initial client brief and user research to final asset delivery.
• Examples of how you audit design and user experience to identify conversion opportunities.
• Documentation of how you collaborate with developers to ensure design implementation.
• Examples of how you package and optimize image assets for web development.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain sitemaps and navigation maps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "significant contributions" in the portfolio means candidates should be prepared to detail their specific role and impact on each project. The inclusion of process documentation like sitemaps and user interaction flows indicates that a methodical approach to design is valued, not just the final visual output. This section is crucial for demonstrating an understanding of the end-to-end design lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "5-10 years" experience level, the remote nature, and the specialized UX/UI design skills required, a competitive salary range for a Web Designer in Houston, TX (or remotely for a company headquartered there) would typically fall between $70,000 and $100,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Houston and industry benchmarks for experienced UX/UI designers in the tech and creative sectors.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package.
• Remote work flexibility, allowing for a distributed workforce.
• Potential for exposure to diverse client projects across various industries.
• Opportunity to contribute to the visual identity and user experience of client websites.
• Professional development in UX/UI design, CMS integration, and graphic optimization.
• Collaborative environment with website developers and potentially other creative professionals.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in a remote role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for experienced remote web designers in a major US city. Actual compensation may vary based on the specific experience and portfolio of the candidate, as well as the company's compensation philosophy. Benefits are inferred from typical full-time, remote positions in the tech/creative industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company name "Unicorn Wranglers" strongly implies a focus on the technology sector, likely serving startups, innovative companies, or clients seeking to achieve "unicorn" status (a startup valued at over $1 billion). This suggests a culture that embraces creativity, agility, and pushing boundaries. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the nature of remote roles and the focus on specialized design services often points towards a mid-sized agency or a growing tech company. This size typically allows for more direct impact and less bureaucracy than a large enterprise. Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's focus on modern web design and UX suggests it's likely a relatively modern organization, possibly founded within the last 5-15 years, to stay current with digital trends.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely includes specialized roles such as Project Managers, Account Managers, Web Developers (front-end and back-end), and other Designers.
• The Web Designer would likely report to a Creative Director or a Lead Designer, with close collaboration with Project Managers and Developers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly between design, development, and client-facing roles.

Methodology:

• Design process likely emphasizes user-centric methodologies, iterative design, and data-informed decisions where possible (e.g., through UX audits and conversion analysis).
• Collaboration with developers will be key in translating designs into functional websites, requiring clear communication and understanding of technical constraints.
• Client communication and presentation will be a significant part of the workflow, ensuring alignment and stakeholder buy-in.

Company Website: unicorn-wranglers.hirehive.com (This likely points to their applicant tracking system, not their primary company website. A real company would have a dedicated domain like unicornwranglers.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company name "Unicorn Wranglers" is a strong indicator of their target market and company ethos. It suggests a company that helps other businesses achieve significant growth and success, likely through innovative digital solutions. This implies a dynamic, results-oriented, and potentially fast-paced work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, likely mid-level to senior, given the 4+ years of experience requirement and the expectation of independent work and client interaction. It's not an entry-level position, nor is it a management role. Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or a Lead Designer. They will collaborate closely with Project Managers, Developers, and potentially Account Managers or Client Success teams. Operations Impact: The Web Designer's impact is directly tied to client success. By creating effective, well-branded, and user-friendly websites, they contribute significantly to client lead generation, conversion rates, brand perception, and overall business objectives. Their work is a critical component of the client's digital presence and revenue-generating strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design, interaction design, animation, or specific CMS platforms.
• Leadership: Potentially move into a Lead Designer or Art Director role, mentoring junior designers and overseeing creative projects.
• Cross-functional Skills: Develop skills in front-end development (HTML/CSS) or project management to broaden capabilities.
• Client Relations: Enhance client communication and presentation skills, potentially moving into client strategy or account management roles within a creative context.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Continuously build a strong portfolio with impactful client projects, leading to opportunities with larger or more prestigious clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Web Designer often involves either deepening technical or creative specialization or moving into leadership and client-facing strategy roles. The "5-10 years" AI experience level suggests a candidate who is already on a strong career trajectory and looking for a role where they can make a significant contribution and continue to grow.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully remote. This means the primary workspace will be a home office or any location conducive to productive work, free from a traditional physical office setting. Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company headquarters or primary operational hub is in Houston, Texas. This might imply occasional optional team meetups or events in that region, but the day-to-day work is location-independent.

Workspace Context:

• A home office setup with reliable internet access is essential.
• Access to necessary software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch) will be provided or require personal licensing, depending on company policy.
• Communication tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams) will be critical for team and client interaction.
• Opportunities for collaboration will be primarily digital, through video calls, shared documents, and project management platforms.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. While remote work often offers flexibility in scheduling certain tasks, core working hours for meetings and team collaboration are generally required, likely aligned with US Central Time (America/Chicago) given the Houston headquarters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this role is a key differentiator. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and self-management. The "Houston, TX" location might be relevant for potential future in-person team events or for tax/legal purposes, but the day-to-day is location-agnostic.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for essential qualifications and experience. Emphasis on the quality and relevance of portfolio work.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about experience, design philosophy, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. May include a review of specific portfolio pieces.
3. Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, possibly a take-home project or a live design task, to evaluate design skills, UX thinking, and ability to meet project requirements within a timeframe. This might involve creating wireframes, mockups, or providing an audit of an existing site.
4. Team/Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with potential team members (e.g., developers, project managers) to assess collaboration style and communication skills.
5. Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a final discussion on role expectations and career alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Contributions: Clearly distinguish your work from team efforts. Use "I designed," "I created," or "My contribution involved..."
• Showcase Process: Don't just show the final product. Include wireframes, user flows, mood boards, and explanations of your design decisions.
• Quantify Results: If possible, include metrics demonstrating the impact of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved user satisfaction).
• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio prominently features UX-focused design, wireframing, mockups, and CMS experience, aligning with the job description.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to articulate your design process and rationale clearly and concisely.
• Practice explaining complex design concepts in simple terms.
• Understand common UX principles and how to apply them to drive conversions.
• If given a take-home challenge, manage your time effectively and deliver a polished, well-reasoned solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should select projects that best demonstrate their UX-centric approach, ability to create wireframes/mockups, and experience with CMS integration. The design challenge will likely assess practical application of these skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) are explicitly mentioned. Proficiency in at least one of these, ideally more, is essential.
• Prototyping/Animation: Tools for detailed web animation and user interaction documentation. This could include Figma (with its prototyping features), Adobe After Effects, or specialized animation software.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress is specifically mentioned, with familiarity with Squarespace and Wix also being a plus. Understanding how to insert and style content within these platforms is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, an understanding of analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) would be beneficial for conducting UX audits and identifying conversion points.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this design role, but awareness of how design impacts lead generation and customer journeys within a CRM context could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are design-centric. Proficiency in Sketch and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with WordPress for content styling is also a direct requirement. Any additional tools related to prototyping, animation, or basic analytics will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to create unique, well-branded, and visually impactful designs that stand out.
• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and designing for the end-user, prioritizing intuitive experiences and clear conversion paths.
• Collaboration: A willingness to work closely with developers, project managers, and clients to achieve shared goals.
• Results-Orientation: A focus on how design contributes to client success, particularly in terms of conversions and brand perception.
• Adaptability: The ability to take creative direction, incorporate feedback, and adapt designs to meet evolving client needs and industry trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Primarily digital and asynchronous, requiring clear, concise communication through project management tools and messaging platforms.
• Emphasis on providing detailed documentation for developers to ensure accurate implementation of designs and animations.
• Regular check-ins and feedback sessions with project managers and clients to ensure alignment.
• A culture that values constructive critique and iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Unicorn Wranglers" name suggests a culture that embraces ambitious goals and helping clients achieve them. This likely translates to a team that is driven, innovative, and focused on delivering high-impact solutions. The remote nature emphasizes the need for proactive communication and a strong sense of ownership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Technical Constraints: Ensuring visually stunning designs are also feasible for developers to implement and perform well on various devices.
• Client Expectations Management: Translating abstract client visions into concrete design deliverables and managing feedback effectively.
• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Maintaining strong communication and team cohesion in a fully remote environment.
• Staying Current: Continuously learning and adopting new design tools, techniques, and UX best practices in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• Driving Conversions: Designing not just for aesthetics but specifically to influence user behavior and achieve business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Courses or workshops on interaction design, user research, usability testing, and accessibility standards.
• Front-End Development Fundamentals: Learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to better collaborate with developers and understand implementation.
• Animation and Motion Design: Developing skills in creating dynamic and engaging web animations.
• CMS Mastery: Deepening expertise in specific CMS platforms like WordPress, including theme customization and plugin integration from a design perspective.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Opportunities to work on high-profile projects that can significantly boost a designer's professional portfolio and reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior web designer, especially in a client-facing, remote role. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening design expertise or expanding into adjacent technical or strategic areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a website wireframe and mockup, from initial concept to final deliverable." (Prepare to walk through your methodology, tools used, and decision-making process.)
• "How do you ensure a website design drives user conversions?" (Focus on conversion points, user flow optimization, clear calls-to-action, and A/B testing insights if applicable.)
• "Explain a time you received critical feedback on a design and how you handled it." (Showcase your ability to take direction, iterate, and remain professional.)
• "How do you balance creative vision with the technical limitations of front-end development?" (Emphasize collaboration, communication with developers, and finding practical solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Unicorn Wranglers and this remote web designer role?" (Research the company, understand their mission, and connect it to your skills and aspirations.)
• "How do you stay organized and productive when working remotely?" (Highlight time management, self-discipline, and communication strategies.)
• "Describe your experience working with clients and managing their expectations." (Provide examples of successful client interactions and challenging situations you navigated.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or industry. For each project, clearly state your role, the problem, your solution, and the outcome.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes. Show the evolution of the design.
• Storytelling: Craft a narrative for each project that highlights your problem-solving skills and design thinking.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most relevant examples for this role.
• Technical Details: Briefly mention the tools and technologies used, especially CMS platforms and any front-end languages you're familiar with.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily rely on your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and its impact. Be ready to critically analyze existing websites and propose design improvements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided on the Unicorn Wranglers careers page.
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, clearly showcases your best UX-focused web design work, and includes specific examples of wireframes, mockups, and CMS content styling. Highlight your personal contributions to each project.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 4+ years of web design experience, proficiency in design software (Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite), CMS familiarity (WordPress), and understanding of UX principles. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed website that increased conversions by X%").
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your design process, how you approach UX challenges, and your experience with remote collaboration. Practice presenting 2-3 key portfolio projects, focusing on your role, the problem, your solution, and the results.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Unicorn Wranglers' mission and any visible client work or brand positioning. Understand their focus on helping clients achieve "unicorn" status and how your design skills contribute to that goal.

⚠️ 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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