User Interface Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Interface Designer
Company: Sentry Insurance Agency
Location: Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Design / Creative Operations
Date Posted: 2025-10-10
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the creation and refinement of user-centric interfaces across digital platforms, ensuring a seamless and engaging brand experience for customers.
• Key responsibilities include applying visual design principles within brand guidelines, collaborating with UX and visual designers, and developing digital style guides.
• The position requires a strong understanding of responsive design, accessibility standards, and usability heuristics to optimize user interactions.
• Successful candidates will leverage design tools like Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator to produce high-quality mockups, prototypes, and interactive components.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Design / Creative Operations to reflect the critical function of UI design within broader operational workflows, specifically in ensuring a consistent and effective digital brand presence. The emphasis on collaboration with UX, developers, and stakeholders highlights its integration into the larger product development and GTM strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply highly engaging and creative visual treatments within brand guidelines to apps, portals, websites, and systems for all end users.
• Collaborate with UX designers to iterate and perfect interactions, micro-interactions, and work with visual designers to create a polished, exceptional experience.
• Participate in the creation and presentation of design concepts, visual design comps, clickable prototypes, and mockups to stakeholders.
• Effectively collaborate and communicate with the internal design team, developers, and other key stakeholders as part of a high-functioning team, delivering high-quality results within prescribed timelines.
• Design complex and standard user interfaces, utilizing user experience designers’ wireframes for enhanced usability and ensuring a consistent brand experience for users of company apps, websites, and systems.
• Create digital style guidelines as part of a design system that outlines typography, hierarchy, spacing, color, and grid layouts for IT developers to incorporate into the development of digital properties and interactive components.
• Utilize Responsive Design principles to determine breakpoints and understand how designs transfer across multiple platforms, ensuring necessary design adjustments are implemented to create an engaging and interactive experience for customers.
• Optimize designs by aligning with browser compatibilities and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to ensure effective usability and adherence to external regulations.
• Incorporate Nielsen’s usability heuristics (e.g., visibility of system status, user control and freedom, consistency and standards) for creating an intuitive and clear user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on bridging the gap between user experience (UX) and technical implementation. The emphasis on creating digital style guides and design systems points to a need for standardization and scalability, crucial for maintaining brand consistency across various digital touchpoints. This aligns with operational efficiency by providing clear frameworks for development teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Technical Degree in Computer Science, Graphic Design, or Web & Digital Media required.
• Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, Graphic Design, or Web & Digital Media preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of related work experience, specifically in digital projects, website design, UI design, mock-ups, concepts, visual guidelines, illustrations, and brand development.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with strong design, layout, and typography skills.
• Full understanding of responsive web design, with knowledge of grid systems and mobile/Web intricacies.
• Adept at using illustration and animation to enhance the user experience.
• Ability to apply and maintain design systems.
• A passion for the UI and visual design piece of UX, along with a deep understanding of how it relates to and interweaves with the overall UX process.
• Conceptual and critical thinking skills with the ability to convert project requirements and business goals into creative visual concepts.
• Strong attention to detail and an ability to prioritize and manage multiple milestones and projects efficiently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional, effective working relationships and collaborate with UX, Content, and IT teams.
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma.

Preferred Skills:

• A general understanding of HTML5, CSS, and coding from a design perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a technical degree and 3+ years of experience suggests this role is mid-level, demanding both foundational knowledge and practical application. The emphasis on design systems, responsive design, and collaboration with IT teams indicates the role is deeply embedded in the technical execution pipeline, requiring an understanding of how design translates into functional, scalable digital products.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3 years of digital design projects, demonstrating a progression of skills and responsibilities.
• Include case studies that highlight the design process from concept to final execution, detailing problem identification, user research integration, and design solutions.
• Present a variety of projects including apps, portals, and websites, emphasizing the creation of user-centric interfaces.
• Demonstrate proficiency in creating visual design comps, clickable prototypes, and mockups, with clear explanations of design choices and rationale.
• Feature examples of digital style guides or contributions to design systems, illustrating understanding of typography, hierarchy, spacing, color, and grid layouts.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've translated wireframes into polished UI designs, focusing on enhanced usability and consistent brand experience.
• Documentation or case studies showing your application of responsive design principles and how you've addressed cross-platform complexities.
• Evidence of how you've considered and implemented accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and browser compatibilities in your design process.
• Demonstrations of how you've applied usability heuristics to create intuitive user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UI Designer role, a robust portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also a strategic, process-driven approach to design. Applicants should prepare to walk through their design decisions, highlighting how they addressed specific user needs and business objectives, and how their designs contributed to a cohesive digital ecosystem.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a User Interface Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the estimated salary range is between $65,000 and $90,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in the region, the specific responsibilities outlined, and the benefits package offered.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility with scheduled hybrid work, allowing for 2 days of remote work (Monday and Friday) and 3 days in the office (Tuesday-Thursday).
• Workspace & Equipment: Provision of an in-office workspace and home office equipment, including a laptop and other necessary materials.
• Meal Subsidy: Available for associates reporting to an office location.
• Retirement Savings: 401(K) plan with an immediate vesting dollar-for-dollar match on the first 8% of contributions.
• Educational Support: Access to Sentry University (SentryU) and a Tuition Reimbursement program for continued education and career development.
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid-Time Off (PTO) plan for personal use and Volunteer-Time Off (VTO) for community engagement.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Group Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Life Insurance: Provided to support financial security.
• Family Support: Parental leave benefits.
• Wellness Programs: Health and Wellness benefits and Employee Assistance Programs to encourage a healthy lifestyle and provide support.
• Charitable Giving: Sentry Foundation gift matching program to amplify charitable contributions.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in work location on designated days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on national averages for this role and location, adjusted for cost of living and the provided experience level. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which are key attractors for talent in design and technology fields. The hybrid model is a significant perk, balancing work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance (Property & Casualty, Life, Business Insurance). Sentry Insurance is a long-standing mutual insurance company with a strong financial rating (A+ by A.M. Best), indicating stability and a focus on long-term client relationships and security. This industry context suggests a culture that values reliability, trust, and robust operational processes.

Company Size: Sentry Insurance is a midsize employer, recognized on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers. This size typically offers a balance between the resources and structure of larger corporations and the agility and closer-knit environment of smaller ones. For operations professionals, this can mean opportunities for broader impact and cross-functional exposure.

Founded: 1904. With over a century of history, Sentry Insurance has a deep-rooted legacy and a proven track record of success. This longevity implies a stable work environment, established processes, and a commitment to continuous adaptation within the evolving financial services landscape.

Team Structure:

• The User Interface Designer will likely be part of a broader Design or Digital Experience team, potentially reporting to a Design Manager or Director.
• This team collaborates closely with User Experience (UX) Designers, Content Strategists, Developers (IT), and potentially Marketing and Product Management teams.
• The structure likely supports a collaborative environment where design is integrated early and continuously throughout the product development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on usability heuristics, accessibility, and user-centric interfaces implies a data-informed approach to design decisions, likely supported by user feedback and analytics.
• Agile/Iterative Processes: Collaboration with developers and the need to deliver within timelines suggest an agile or iterative development methodology, where design plays a key role in rapid prototyping and feedback loops.
• Design Systems: The explicit mention of creating and maintaining digital style guidelines and design systems points to a structured approach aimed at ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability in digital product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and mutual structure suggest a culture that prioritizes stability, customer trust, and long-term employee commitment. For a UI Designer, this means working within established brand guidelines while contributing to modernizing digital experiences. The midsize nature is a key differentiator, offering opportunities for significant influence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-level within the design and operations spectrum. It requires independent execution of design tasks, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and the ability to contribute to strategic design systems. It's a step beyond junior design roles, demanding a solid understanding of design principles, tools, and the product development lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The User Interface Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Design Manager, or potentially a Director of Digital Experience or Product Design. This structure offers mentorship and guidance while allowing for direct contribution to project goals. Collaboration is key, with frequent interaction with UX Designers, Developers, and other internal stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The UI Designer's work directly impacts customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction by creating intuitive and visually appealing digital interfaces for apps, portals, and websites. Effective UI design enhances usability, builds brand trust, and can significantly improve conversion rates and customer engagement, thereby contributing to the company's overall operational efficiency and revenue generation through improved digital touchpoints.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific UI design areas such as interactive prototyping, animation, accessibility design, or design system management.
• Leadership: Progress to Senior UI Designer roles, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design strategy.
• Cross-Functional Movement: Transition into UX Design, Product Management, or even roles within Digital Marketing or IT Architecture, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and technical implementation.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning through SentryU, tuition reimbursement, and industry conferences (e.g., UX/UI, design thinking) to stay abreast of emerging design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UI Designer at a company like Sentry typically involves deepening technical design skills, taking on more complex projects, and potentially moving into leadership or specialized roles. The company's emphasis on learning and development provides a solid foundation for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates on a scheduled Hybrid work model. This means employees will spend a portion of their week working remotely and the remainder in the company's office. This model aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is the Sentry Home Office in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The company also has offices located throughout the United States, but this specific position is based in Stevens Point.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely features collaborative workspaces designed to foster interaction among design teams, developers, and other colleagues. This facilitates brainstorming, feedback sessions, and efficient problem-solving.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design tools (Adobe Suite, Figma), IT infrastructure, and potentially specialized hardware to support design work. Employees also receive equipment for their home office setup.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for in-person collaboration with the design team, UX designers, developers, and other stakeholders are expected on office days, promoting a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid schedule allows for flexibility in the work location on designated days (Monday/Friday remote, Tuesday-Thursday in-office), supporting a better work-life balance while ensuring in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment. For operations-minded individuals, this means adapting to a blended work schedule that requires strong self-discipline for remote days and proactive engagement during office days to maximize collaborative opportunities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with a Talent Acquisition Specialist (Katelynne Rivera) to assess basic qualifications and interest.
• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session with the hiring manager and potentially members of the design or IT team. This will involve a detailed review of your portfolio, discussing your design process, rationale, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise may be given, either during the interview or as a take-home assignment, to evaluate your UI design skills, problem-solving abilities, and application of design principles (e.g., designing a specific component or flow).
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with potential colleagues (UX designers, developers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment with Sentry's values.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss the role in more detail.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your UI design skills, problem-solving abilities, and impact.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role, your design process, the tools you used, the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your design.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your understanding of the UI design lifecycle, from initial concept and wireframing to detailed mockups, prototyping, and collaboration with developers. Showcase your work with design systems, responsive design, and accessibility.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and prototypes.
• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, trade-offs you made, and how you incorporated feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the brief, objectives, and constraints.
• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, demonstrate your thought process. Outline your approach, any assumptions you made, and how you would ideally tackle the problem.
• Prioritize: If a take-home challenge, manage your time effectively. Focus on delivering a high-quality solution for the most critical aspects of the brief.
• Communication: Be prepared to present your solution clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale and any trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a design role heavily relies on the portfolio. Applicants should prepare to not only showcase their work but also articulate the strategic thinking and operational considerations behind their design choices, particularly in relation to brand consistency, usability, and technical feasibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in creating components, auto-layout, and interactive prototypes is expected.
• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating detailed visual assets.
• Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and illustrations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts user behavior is key. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and how to interpret data related to user engagement, conversion rates, and user flows is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UI design role, but awareness of how UI integrates with customer-facing systems (e.g., CRMs, marketing automation platforms) can be advantageous for understanding the broader user journey.

Other Potentially Relevant Technologies:

• HTML5 & CSS: A general understanding is beneficial for designers to communicate effectively with developers and ensure designs are technically feasible.
• Prototyping Tools (Beyond Figma): Experience with other tools like Sketch, InVision, or Axure may also be relevant.
• Design System Tools/Methodologies: Familiarity with best practices for creating and maintaining scalable design systems.
• Accessibility Tools: Familiarity with tools and guidelines for ensuring digital accessibility (e.g., WAVE, screen readers).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator is non-negotiable for this role. The mention of HTML/CSS and analytics indicates the company values designers who understand the technical implementation and performance implications of their designs, bridging the gap between creative output and operational effectiveness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A core value driving the creation of user-centric interfaces that prioritize customer needs and deliver a seamless brand experience.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and effective communication with UX designers, developers, content strategists, and other stakeholders to achieve high-quality, timely results.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement to apply engaging and creative visual treatments while adhering to brand guidelines, pushing creative boundaries within a stable framework.
• Attention to Detail: A commitment to precision in design, ensuring consistency in typography, hierarchy, spacing, color, and grid layouts, crucial for polished digital products.
• Efficiency & Quality: Balancing the delivery of high-quality results within prescribed timelines, utilizing design systems and best practices to streamline processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: The role thrives in a collaborative environment where designers work closely with UX, developers, and other departments. This involves regular meetings, feedback sessions, and joint problem-solving.
• Proactive Communication: Open and frequent communication is essential for aligning on project goals, design iterations, and technical implementation.
• Design System Advocacy: Collaboration extends to championing and contributing to the design system, ensuring its adoption and evolution across digital properties.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sentry's values, as implied by the job description, lean towards a stable, customer-focused, and collaborative culture. For a UI Designer, this means being a team player who can translate creative vision into functional, user-friendly designs that uphold the company's brand integrity and operational standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Continuously creating fresh, engaging designs while strictly adhering to established brand guidelines and design systems.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design intent and rationale to diverse teams (developers, product managers, marketing) who may have different priorities or technical understandings.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting designs for evolving browser technologies, mobile platforms, and accessibility standards.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Prioritizing and delivering high-quality work across various digital properties and projects simultaneously within tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Mastery: Opportunity to significantly contribute to and deepen expertise in building and maintaining robust design systems.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining a deeper understanding of UX principles, front-end development (HTML/CSS), and the insurance industry's operational nuances.
• Formal Training: Access to Sentry University and tuition reimbursement for courses, certifications, or degrees in design, technology, or related fields.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences or workshops focused on UI/UX design, digital product development, and emerging design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a mid-level designer in a corporate environment, emphasizing the need for strong communication, adaptability, and a strategic approach to design. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering a clear path for skill enhancement and career progression within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI you designed for a website or application. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure usability and brand consistency?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and outcomes.)
• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from UX designers, developers, and stakeholders into your designs?" (Highlight your collaborative approach and ability to iterate.)
• "Walk me through your process for creating a digital style guide or contributing to a design system. What are the critical elements, and why are they important?" (Emphasize your understanding of standardization and scalability.)
• "How do you ensure your designs meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1) and browser compatibility?" (Demonstrate your technical awareness and commitment to inclusive design.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sentry Insurance and the insurance industry? How do you see UI design contributing to our business goals?" (Research Sentry's mission, values, and recent news. Connect UI to customer experience and operational efficiency.)
• "How do you manage your workload when juggling multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Showcase your organizational skills, prioritization, and time management.)
• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with developers. What challenges did you face, and how did you resolve them?" (Focus on your communication skills and ability to work effectively with technical teams.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), your solutions, and the results/impact. Use a framework like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how your projects demonstrate proficiency in Figma, Adobe Suite, responsive design, design systems, and accessibility.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, positive user feedback) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.
• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, ask clarifying questions, and be prepared for in-depth discussions about your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on linking design skills to business objectives and operational efficiency. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not just their aesthetic capabilities but also their problem-solving methodology, collaborative spirit, and understanding of how UI design contributes to Sentry's success in the insurance sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Interface Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the Sentry Careers website.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in UI design, visual design, responsive design, and proficiency with Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and clearly showcases relevant projects.
• Resume Optimization: Emphasize achievements and responsibilities that align with the core responsibilities and qualifications listed, using keywords such as "user-centric interfaces," "design systems," "responsive design," "prototyping," and "collaboration."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for key projects. Be ready to discuss how you approach usability, accessibility, and cross-functional collaboration. Prepare questions about the design team, their current projects, and the company culture.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sentry Insurance's mission, values, and recent developments. Understand the insurance industry landscape and how UI design contributes to customer experience and operational efficiency in this sector.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Sentry Insurance, particularly regarding specific salary ranges, exact interview stages, and detailed project expectations, before making application decisions.