Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: StepStone Group (Appcast)

Location: Denver, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic analysis of user engagement metrics and behavioral analytics to inform and drive intuitive, high-impact design solutions.

• Architect, maintain, and govern scalable design systems, ensuring consistency, reusability, and adherence to clear governance guidelines across all digital platforms.

• Champion UX/UI best practices, accessibility standards (WCAG), and inclusive design principles to elevate the user experience and product performance.

• Foster a strong partnership between UX and development teams, ensuring seamless communication, feasibility, and successful implementation of design intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for bridging the gap between user data and tangible design outcomes, requiring a strong analytical mindset alongside design expertise. The emphasis on design systems and governance suggests a need for someone who can establish and scale design operations for a growing digital presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the analysis of user engagement data, behavioral analytics, and site performance metrics to inform design decisions and shape UX strategy.

• Translate complex user insights and business requirements into intuitive, user-centered design solutions that enhance brand experience and product usability.

• Architect, maintain, and govern scalable design systems, including reusable components, style guides, and interaction patterns for consistency and efficiency.

• Establish and champion UX/UI best practices for usability, accessibility, and performance across all web properties.

• Collaborate closely with developers on design handoff, iteration, and refinement, balancing user experience with technical constraints and performance goals.

• Partner with project managers, developers, and internal stakeholders to align design solutions with business objectives and technical feasibility.

• Conduct UX audits and usability testing to validate design decisions and identify opportunities for improvement, iterating based on feedback and measurable outcomes.

• Create site maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity designs to clearly communicate user flows and design intent.

• Drive the adoption of accessibility and inclusive design principles, ensuring experiences meet WCAG standards for diverse audiences.

• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies (including AI-assisted design), and competitive landscapes to evolve design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level expectation for strategic thinking, leadership in design operations, and a hands-on approach to execution. The specific mention of AI-assisted design tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is preferred.

Experience: 5-8+ years of experience in UX/UI, product design, or related roles, with demonstrated ownership of end-to-end design work and at least 2 years operating at a senior or lead level.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, including auto-layout, components, and prototyping.

• Proven experience in architecting and governing modular, component-based design systems.

• Strong understanding of user engagement metrics, behavioral analytics, and tools like Google Analytics.

• Deep knowledge of global web accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles.

• Experience collaborating with front-end development teams, understanding responsive design and implementation constraints.

• Excellent storytelling, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Experience leveraging AI-powered tools to support design workflows (e.g., research synthesis, ideation, prototyping, optimization).

• Experience in programmatic recruitment advertising technology or related SaaS platforms.

• Familiarity with heatmapping platforms and advanced user research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, design systems, and AI-assisted design points to a modern design stack and a need for candidates who are adaptable and skilled in current industry tools and methodologies. The experience requirement clearly defines a senior-level candidate.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end UX/UI design projects with a clear demonstration of your role and impact.

• Include case studies highlighting how you leveraged user data, behavioral analytics, and user research to inform design decisions.

• Present examples of scalable design systems you have architected or significantly contributed to, detailing component libraries, style guides, and governance strategies.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, including complex prototyping and component-based design.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for conducting UX audits, usability testing, and iterating based on findings.

• Explain your approach to collaborating with development teams, including design handoff, QA, and iteration cycles.

• Illustrate your methodology for translating business requirements and user needs into wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.

• Provide examples of how you have established or improved design governance and best practices within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, demonstrating not just visual design skills but also a strategic, data-informed approach to UX and the ability to build and scale design operations through robust design systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $81,000 - $135,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation package.

• Comprehensive Benefits plan.

• Employee Networks to foster community and belonging.

• Opportunities for Community Volunteering.

• Recognition as one of Inc Magazine's "Best Workplaces" for 2024.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week; this is a Salaried Exempt position, meaning overtime pay is not provided for hours worked over 40.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a good benchmark for a Senior UX/UI Designer in Denver, CO, considering the experience level and responsibilities. The benefits package emphasizes both professional support and community engagement, aligning with the company culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Programmatic Recruitment Advertising Technology. Appcast is part of the Stepstone group, a leading digital recruitment platform.

Company Size: Appcast is part of the larger Stepstone group, indicating a significant global presence and resources, while Appcast itself is recognized as a leader in its niche.

Founded: Appcast is recognized as a leader in programmatic recruitment advertising. Specific founding dates are not provided but it is presented as an established entity within the Stepstone group.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team likely collaborates closely with product management, engineering, marketing, and potentially sales teams.

• As a Senior UX/UI Designer, you will likely work within a dedicated design team or as a key design contributor to specific product squads.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design is a core methodology, emphasizing the use of analytics and user research to inform all design decisions.

• Emphasis on building scalable design systems and establishing clear governance indicates a focus on efficiency, consistency, and long-term maintainability of digital products.

• Collaboration with development teams highlights an agile and iterative approach to product development.

Company Website: https://www.appcast.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value innovation, data-driven decision-making, and strong people practices, as evidenced by their "Best Workplaces" recognition and emphasis on employee well-being and community. The integration within the Stepstone group provides a stable and resource-rich environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Designer role, indicating a high level of individual contribution, strategic input, and potential mentorship of junior designers. It's a key individual contributor role focused on driving significant improvements in user experience and design operations.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Senior UX/UI Designer typically reports to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or a Product Manager. This role does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts user engagement, conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and the overall perception of Appcast's digital platforms. By driving intuitive design and efficient user flows, this role contributes significantly to the company's success in the programmatic recruitment advertising market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team or specific product areas.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like design systems, accessibility, or AI-driven design.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into product management or UX research roles based on demonstrated skills and interests.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to industry best practices, speak at conferences, or develop thought leadership in UX/UI and design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior-level designation and lack of supervisory duties point towards a role focused on deep expertise and strategic influence rather than people management, offering significant opportunities for skill development and specialized career paths within design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Denver, Colorado, at 3501 Wazee St, indicating an on-site work environment. The description mentions a collaborative and inviting environment with opportunities for fun gatherings and welcoming furry friends, suggesting a positive and community-oriented office setting.

Office Location(s): 3501 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80216.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration and community, with an emphasis on creating an inviting environment.

• Access to modern design tools and technology is implied, given the role's requirements.

• Opportunities for interaction with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, marketing) will be integral to the daily work.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While not explicitly stated as flexible, the company culture emphasizes employee well-being, suggesting a supportive approach to work-life balance within the on-site framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the office environment suggests a culture that balances professional output with a positive, social atmosphere, which is attractive for on-site roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on end-to-end projects, your design process, data utilization, and design system contributions. Be prepared to articulate your design rationale and strategic thinking.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a design exercise or a deep dive into specific skills like Figma proficiency, design system implementation, or accessibility best practices.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, hiring managers, and cross-functional stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Data-Driven Narratives: Clearly articulate how you used data (analytics, research) to inform your design decisions and measure impact.

• Design System Depth: Showcase your understanding of design system architecture, governance, and maintenance. Detail your contributions and the benefits realized.

• Problem/Solution Framing: For each project, clearly define the problem, your approach, the solutions you designed, and the measurable outcomes.

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills within Figma, especially regarding components, auto-layout, and prototyping.

• Accessibility Focus: Highlight your commitment to WCAG standards and inclusive design throughout your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge that tests your ability to quickly analyze a problem, ideate solutions, and articulate your process, potentially within a limited timeframe.

• Prepare to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to design system implementation, stakeholder management, or incorporating new technologies like AI into design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize a candidate's ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, data-informed design, and practical experience with modern design systems and tools, all supported by a robust portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency required for UI design, prototyping, and design system development.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Familiarity is preferred, suggesting it may be used for specific asset creation or graphic design tasks.

• Google Analytics: Essential for analyzing user engagement and informing design decisions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Heatmapping platforms (e.g., Hotjar, Crazy Egg)

• User research tools

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly listed, understanding how UX/UI design impacts CRM and marketing automation workflows is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Google Analytics is paramount. Experience with other user research and analytics tools will be a strong advantage, particularly for informing data-driven design strategies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Excellence: Decisions are informed by analytics, user research, and measurable outcomes.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting user needs.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, including AI, to enhance design and user experience.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across teams (design, engineering, product, marketing).

• Consistency & Scalability: Building robust design systems that ensure a consistent and maintainable brand experience.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Ensuring all digital experiences are usable and accessible to a diverse audience.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with product managers and developers to ensure seamless integration of design into development.

• Emphasis on clear communication and storytelling to articulate design rationale and gain stakeholder buy-in.

• A culture that encourages feedback exchange and iterative improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values a blend of analytical rigor, creative problem-solving, and collaborative execution, all aimed at delivering exceptional user experiences within the recruitment technology space.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing expectations and aligning design solutions with diverse business objectives and technical constraints.

• Scaling Design Systems: Ensuring design systems remain robust, adaptable, and maintained as the company and its products grow.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Identifying and implementing AI tools in a way that genuinely enhances design workflows and outcomes, rather than just adopting technology for its own sake.

• Driving Adoption of Best Practices: Championing accessibility and inclusive design, and ensuring consistent adherence to design system guidelines across all projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design System Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in complex design system architecture and governance.

• AI in Design Workshops: Learning to leverage emerging AI tools for design research, ideation, and optimization.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential for attending relevant UX/UI and design operations conferences or pursuing certifications.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and learn from senior leaders within Appcast and the broader Stepstone group.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges typical of senior design positions in growing tech companies, focusing on strategic impact, operational efficiency, and staying ahead of technological advancements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user engagement data or behavioral analytics to significantly change a design direction. What was the outcome?" Prepare a case study highlighting your analytical process and design impact.

• "Walk us through your process for architecting and governing a design system. What are the key components, and how do you ensure adoption and consistency?" Focus on your experience with Figma, component libraries, and governance models.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Appcast and our role in the programmatic recruitment advertising industry?" Research Appcast's mission, products, and recent achievements.

• "How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your design work, especially when working with diverse user bases?" Be ready to discuss WCAG standards and your personal approach to inclusive design.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around 2-3 key projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, particularly in design systems, data-informed design, and complex problem-solving.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the tools and methods used (especially Figma and analytics), the solutions implemented, and the measurable results.

• Be prepared to discuss trade-offs, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

• Highlight your role in governance, collaboration, and your approach to accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, analytical skills, and hands-on expertise with Figma and design systems, all within the context of user-centric and data-driven product development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your 5-8+ years of experience, specifically mentioning your senior-level contributions, design system expertise, and experience with analytics tools and Figma. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, data-driven approach, design system architecture/governance skills, and Figma proficiency. Ensure clear case studies with problem, process, solution, and outcome.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, rationale, and impact. Be ready to discuss your experience with WCAG and AI-assisted design.

• Research Appcast: Understand their business, their position in the market, and their company culture. This will help you tailor your answers during interviews and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

---