Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Success Academy Charter Schools

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-01-29

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for elevating the user experience across Success Academy's public-facing digital platforms, including their flagship website and mobile applications.

• The Senior UX Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end UX design process, from initial concept and user flow creation to high-fidelity design and post-launch iteration.

• A key aspect of this position involves conducting thorough UX audits to identify and address usability issues, friction points, and inconsistencies within the digital ecosystem.

• The role requires a strong advocacy for user needs and UX best practices, aiming to increase overall UX maturity within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the focus on a public-facing website and mobile apps for an educational institution, the UX design will heavily influence how families, prospective students, and the broader community engage with Success Academy. This implies a need for designs that are not only user-friendly but also convey trust, accessibility, and the educational mission effectively. The "whole-child" model mentioned in the company description suggests that user journeys might encompass diverse needs, from parent information seeking to student engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete UX design lifecycle for key web and mobile experiences, from conceptualization through to successful launch and subsequent iterative improvements.

• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups utilizing Figma, ensuring designs are optimized for both responsive web and native mobile application interfaces.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management to translate strategic goals, business requirements, and user needs into intuitive and effective user-centered flows and page architectures.

• Conduct in-depth UX audits of the existing website and mobile applications to pinpoint usability challenges, identify points of friction, ensure consistency, and uncover opportunities for enhancement.

• Establish and maintain rigorous standards for UI/UX quality, with a keen focus on clarity, visual hierarchy, optimal spacing, robust accessibility, and precise interaction details.

• Perform detailed UX Quality Assurance (QA) reviews on implemented designs, meticulously identifying any discrepancies or issues and providing clear, actionable feedback to engineering teams.

• Ensure that all implemented designs accurately and consistently adhere to approved UX guidelines, visual branding, and interaction standards.

• Actively champion user advocacy and promote UX best practices across cross-functional teams, thereby elevating the organization's overall UX maturity and design thinking.

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and evolution of design standards, reusable UI components, and comprehensive style guides specifically for web-based experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "UX audits," "usability issues," and "friction points" suggests a role focused on optimization and problem-solving within an existing digital framework, rather than purely greenfield product development. The responsibility for UX QA also indicates a hands-on approach to ensuring design fidelity during implementation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a closely related field, or equivalent practical professional experience.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of professional experience specifically in UX design, with a significant focus on user experiences for web platforms and marketing-driven digital products.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, including expert-level use of components, auto layout, and prototyping features.

• Deep understanding of core UX principles, interaction design methodologies, information architecture best practices, and usability heuristics.

• Proven ability to conduct precise UX critiques and audits, identifying usability issues and providing clear, actionable feedback.

• Exceptional attention to detail with a discerning eye for visual design quality, interaction design, and overall user experience.

• Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated comfort and capability in delivering direct, constructive feedback to cross-functional partners and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in creating user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity designs for both web and mobile platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, usability testing).

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and experience designing inclusive interfaces.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and data-driven design optimization.

• Experience working within an Agile development environment.

• Understanding of basic front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Advanced proficiency in Figma" and the specific mention of "components, auto layout, and prototyping" highlight the critical need for a designer who can efficiently produce detailed, well-structured design systems within Figma. The emphasis on "clear communication skills and comfort providing direct, constructive feedback" points towards a role that requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence design decisions across teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4+ years of impactful UX design work, with a clear emphasis on web and marketing-driven digital experiences.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your solutions.

• Showcase examples of user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity designs created in Figma, highlighting your ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive interfaces.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user-centered design, from initial research and ideation through to wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• Explain your methodology for collaborating with Product Managers and Engineering teams, including how you provide feedback and ensure design integrity through QA.

• Illustrate your process for contributing to and maintaining design standards, patterns, and guidelines for web experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer role, a portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just aesthetic design skills but also a robust understanding of UX principles, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate the impact of design decisions. The emphasis on Figma proficiency means the portfolio should ideally feature work created within this tool, demonstrating mastery of its advanced features.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $175,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

• [Additional benefits likely include dental, vision, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and potentially tuition reimbursement or professional development stipends, common for educational institutions.]

Working Hours: The standard workweek is approximately 40 hours, with a hybrid arrangement requiring 3 days onsite at the Manhattan headquarters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Senior UX Designer in New York City, reflecting the experience level and cost of living. The explicit mention of "Professional Growth Opportunities" aligns with the company culture and the nature of a senior role where continuous learning and development are expected. The hybrid model with specified onsite days is a key detail for work-life balance considerations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education (K-12 Charter Schools). Success Academy operates in a highly competitive and impactful sector, focused on delivering rigorous, whole-child education. This industry demands high standards, innovation, and a strong mission-driven approach.

Company Size: A large, fast-growing network of public charter schools, indicating a significant operational scale and a need for robust digital infrastructure to support its mission.

Founded: [Founding date not provided, but the description implies a mature, established organization with significant growth.] The rapid expansion and focus on innovation suggest a dynamic and evolving organizational culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a Product or Marketing team, working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and other designers.

• Reporting structure will likely place the Senior UX Designer under a Design Lead, Product Manager, or Director of Digital Experience.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, leveraging analytics and user feedback to inform design improvements.

• Agile or iterative development methodologies are probable, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation of digital products.

• Emphasis on a mission-driven work ethic, where design decisions are aligned with the overarching goal of providing high-quality education.

Company Website: https://www.successacademies.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Success Academy's mission to provide rigorous, whole-child education is a strong cultural driver. For a UX Designer, this means understanding the diverse needs of their audience (students, parents, educators) and designing digital experiences that are supportive, informative, and accessible, reflecting the organization's commitment to equity and excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Designer. This level signifies a professional with substantial experience, capable of independently managing complex design projects, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to strategic design decisions. The role is expected to drive significant improvements in user experience and raise the overall UX maturity of the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Director of Product, or a similar leadership role within the digital or product team. They will work collaboratively with Product Managers and engineering teams, and may also influence or guide junior designers.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the perception and usability of Success Academy's digital presence. By improving the website and mobile apps, the Senior UX Designer will enhance how families learn about the schools, apply for enrollment, access resources, and engage with the organization, ultimately supporting the school's mission and growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Product Design role, overseeing a team and shaping the product vision.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as user research, accessibility, or information architecture within the education technology domain.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the long-term digital strategy of a leading educational institution, influencing key product decisions and UX direction.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior designers, developing leadership and team management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a level of autonomy and the expectation that the individual will not only execute design tasks but also contribute strategically, mentor others, and help define design processes. The growth opportunities are geared towards leadership and strategic impact within the education sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with 3 days per week onsite at the network office in Manhattan (10005). This suggests a collaborative office setting designed to foster teamwork and innovation, balanced with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Manhattan, New York (10005). This central location is likely accessible via public transportation for many employees.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as "high-energy" and "collaborative," indicating an active workplace where teamwork and open communication are valued.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Figma, will be standard. The company invests in providing resources to support high-quality execution.

• Opportunities for direct interaction and collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and other key stakeholders within the organization are abundant, facilitating efficient design workflows and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role involves a standard 40-hour workweek, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid model. This balance is intended to support productivity while allowing for personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model signifies a modern work approach, blending the benefits of in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the autonomy and flexibility of remote work. For a UX Designer, this means being adept at both in-office collaborative sessions and remote focused design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Expect a deep dive into your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your design decisions. Focus on projects that demonstrate web and marketing-driven UX.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discuss your experience, design philosophy, and approach to collaboration. This stage will likely assess your fit with the team and company culture.

• Design/Product Team Interview: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or critique a given design, followed by a discussion with other designers and product managers. This evaluates your problem-solving skills and technical proficiency.

• Final Interview: A potential interview with a senior leader to confirm overall fit and discuss strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your skills in UX design for web and marketing, as well as your proficiency in Figma. Showcase a range of work, from user flows and wireframes to high-fidelity mockups.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the challenges encountered, your specific solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

• Highlight Figma Mastery: Ensure your portfolio showcases advanced Figma usage, including components, auto layout, and interactive prototypes. Be ready to discuss your Figma workflow and how you leverage its features for efficiency and quality.

• Emphasize Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use metrics related to usability improvements, conversion rates, user satisfaction, or engagement.

• Address Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers, and how you provide constructive feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design exercise is given, focus on understanding the core problem and user needs first.

• Clearly articulate your assumptions and thought process throughout the exercise.

• Prioritize clarity, usability, and accessibility in your proposed solutions.

• Be prepared to present and defend your design choices, explaining the rationale behind them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "raising the bar for user experience" and "advocating for user needs," interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only execute but also strategically influence design direction and mentor others. The portfolio review will be critical, focusing on demonstrated impact and Figma proficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is a mandatory requirement for creating user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity designs, interactive prototypes, and contributing to design systems.

• [Other Design Tools]: While Figma is primary, familiarity with related tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for asset creation may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• [Web Analytics Tools]: Experience with tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and identify areas for UX improvement.

• [Product Analytics Tools]: Familiarity with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Pendo for deeper insights into user interaction patterns within the digital products.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how UX designs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms can be advantageous for creating cohesive user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a primary tool, indicating its central role in the design team's workflow. A strong understanding of analytics tools will be valuable for the Senior UX Designer to inform design decisions and measure the impact of their work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Excellence: A deep commitment to the Success Academy mission of providing exceptional education, driving a passion for high-quality execution in all roles.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and a willingness to work together across teams to achieve common goals, with clear feedback loops.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages new ideas and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing enhancements to processes and products.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Valuing the use of data and analytics to guide strategies and measure the effectiveness of initiatives.

• High Standards: Maintaining rigorous standards for academic outcomes, operational efficiency, and overall quality of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing, and academic stakeholders to ensure user-centered design is integrated into the product development lifecycle.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: An environment where direct, constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for growth and improvement, both for individuals and the products.

• Shared Ownership: A sense of collective responsibility for the success of digital products, fostering a team-oriented approach to problem-solving and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "mission-driven environment with high standards for quality and execution" and a "collaborative, mission-driven environment" suggests a workplace that is both demanding and fulfilling, where individuals are passionate about the impact of their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse User Needs: Designing for multiple audiences (students, parents, staff) with potentially differing needs and technical proficiencies within an educational context.

• Elevating UX Maturity: Driving adoption of UX best practices and design thinking across teams that may not have a deep background in user-centered design.

• Iterative Improvement: Continuously identifying and addressing usability issues and opportunities for enhancement across a growing digital ecosystem.

• Integration with Educational Content: Ensuring digital interfaces effectively support and present complex educational information and resources.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, or pursue certifications in areas like advanced UX research, accessibility, or specific design software.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within the organization for guidance and career development advice.

• Exposure to Impactful Projects: Working on digital products that directly contribute to educational outcomes for thousands of students.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on project leadership roles, mentor junior designers, and contribute to strategic planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will likely be balancing the technical demands of UX design with the specific context of an educational institution, ensuring that all digital experiences are accessible, informative, and supportive of the school's mission. Growth opportunities are geared towards both technical mastery and leadership within the education technology space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a user need that conflicted with business goals. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your negotiation, data-driven persuasion, and compromise skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for conducting a UX audit on a website or app. What key areas do you focus on, and how do you prioritize recommendations?" (Prepare to detail your systematic approach to identifying usability issues.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Success Academy specifically, and how do you see your UX skills contributing to our mission?" (Research the school's mission, values, and recent initiatives.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you maintain collaboration and productivity?" (Highlight your ability to work effectively both onsite and remotely.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role & Process -> Solutions -> Outcomes & Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and user flows. Clearly label your contributions if it was a team project.

• Figma Mastery: Be prepared to show specific examples of your Figma work, demonstrating components, auto layout, and prototyping.

• Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, increased user satisfaction scores).

• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time. Be thorough but also concise in your explanations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss how your UX design experience, particularly with web and marketing-driven projects in Figma, can directly benefit an educational institution like Success Academy. Emphasize your ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly and impactful digital experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your expertise in UX design for web and marketing platforms. Highlight your advanced Figma skills and include case studies with measurable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 4+ years of relevant UX design experience, advanced Figma proficiency, and experience with user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity designs. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project impacts. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've solved user problems and collaborated with cross-functional teams.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Success Academy's mission, values, and digital presence. Understand their commitment to "whole-child education" and how UX can support this mission.

⚠️ 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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