UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer Company: University of Queensland Location: St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (Fixed-Term for up to 6 months) Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Product Design Date Posted: February 06, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a crucial backfill position within the Marketing and Communication team, ensuring continuity of UX design delivery for UQ's digital platforms.
• Focuses on supporting business-as-usual (BAU) activities, embedding user-centred design principles into daily operations and digital initiatives.
• Requires a practical and confident UX designer adept at translating business requirements into intuitive, user-focused digital solutions.
• Involves close collaboration with digital specialists, content designers, UI designers, and developers to enhance usability, accessibility, and consistency across UQ's digital ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX Designer," the responsibilities and context suggest a role focused on the practical application of UX principles within an established digital environment, rather than pure product innovation. The "business-as-usual" aspect indicates a need for efficient delivery and maintenance of existing digital assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop user journeys, user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes for various digital initiatives and platforms.
• Support or conduct user research activities, including user interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to gather insights into user needs and behaviors.
• Plan and execute usability testing sessions to identify design flaws and areas for improvement, translating findings into actionable design recommendations.
• Collaborate effectively with UI designers to ensure visual consistency and adherence to brand guidelines, and with content designers to ensure clear and effective messaging.
• Work closely with front-end developers to ensure seamless implementation of designs and to provide necessary design specifications.
• Apply established UX best practices and UQ's design system to all business-as-usual digital work, ensuring a consistent and high-quality user experience.
• Translate complex business needs and requirements from stakeholders into clear, user-centric design solutions that meet both user and organizational objectives.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UQ's digital platforms by advocating for user needs and providing data-informed design recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UX design tasks with a strong emphasis on collaboration and implementation within a structured organizational setting. The "business-as-usual" context implies a need for efficient workflow management and clear documentation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While formal education requirements are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in UX design, with a proven track record of end-to-end UX project delivery.
• Experience working collaboratively within cross-functional digital teams and with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience applying user-centred design principles throughout the product development lifecycle.

Required Skills:

• UX Design: Proficient in creating user journeys, flows, wireframes, and prototypes.
• User Research & Testing: Experience in conducting user research and usability testing to inform design decisions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams (UI Designers, Developers, Content Designers, Stakeholders) and communicate design rationale clearly.
• Design Tools Proficiency: Expertise in industry-standard UX design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Miro, and User Testing platforms.
• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a delivery-focused environment.

Preferred Skills:

• UI Design: Experience in User Interface (UI) design is desirable, though not essential, to support visual design aspects.
• Accessibility Standards: Understanding and application of web accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) to ensure inclusive design.
• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes and how UX integrates within them.
• Content Design Principles: Awareness of content design best practices for digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio showing end-to-end UX work" suggests that practical demonstration of skills and experience is paramount, potentially outweighing formal educational qualifications. Proficiency in Figma and Miro is a key requirement, indicating the preferred toolset for the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX work, demonstrating a clear understanding of the design process from research to final design.
• Case studies that illustrate problem identification, user research methodologies, design iterations, and the impact of design solutions.
• Examples of user journeys, user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes created for digital platforms.
• Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders and digital teams, highlighting your role and contributions.
• Demonstration of how you translate business needs into user-centric design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, decisions, and rationale clearly.
• Experience in creating design specifications for developers and UI designers.
• Understanding of how to integrate UX processes within an Agile or iterative development framework.
• Familiarity with maintaining and contributing to design systems or style guides for consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary means to assess practical UX skills and experience. Applicants should focus on showcasing their problem-solving abilities and the tangible outcomes of their design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $104,616 - $113,920 per annum (Base Salary) + 17% Superannuation Benefits:

• Superannuation: 17% employer contributions.
• Annual Leave Loading: 17.5% on top of base salary.
• Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave.
• Work-Life Balance:
  • Flexible working arrangements including hybrid options.
  • Flexible start/finish times.
  • Purchased leave options.
  • Condensed fortnight arrangements.
• Health & Wellness:
  • Health and wellness discounts.
  • Access to Fitness Passport.
  • Free yearly flu vaccinations.
  • Discounted health insurance.
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and immediate family.
• Career Development:
  • Access to exclusive internal-only vacancies.
  • Study for Staff program.
• On-Campus Amenities:
  • On-campus childcare options.
  • Affordable parking (from $6.40 per day).
• Financial: Salary packaging options available.

Working Hours: Full-Time (approx. 40 hours per week), with potential for flexible arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is competitive for a mid-level UX Designer in Australia, especially within the academic sector. The extensive benefits package, particularly around work-life balance and professional development, is a significant draw for candidates. The "Condensed Fortnight" option could offer a 9-day working cycle, providing additional flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Research & Development Company Size: Large (University setting with thousands of employees globally) Founded: 1909 (The University of Queensland is a well-established institution with a long history and strong reputation).

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of the Marketing and Communication team.
• This team likely comprises digital specialists, content creators, marketing strategists, and communication professionals.
• The UX Designer will report to the UX Design Manager (Gemma Laws) and will collaborate closely with a range of digital specialists and internal stakeholders across the university.
• The role supports continuity for an existing UX function, indicating a mature digital team structure.

Methodology:

• The role emphasizes user-centred design principles and applying UX best practices within a business-as-usual (BAU) context.
• Collaboration with digital specialists and developers suggests an iterative approach to digital development, likely incorporating elements of Agile methodologies.
• The focus on usability, accessibility, and consistency points towards a commitment to quality and user experience standards within the university's digital presence.

Company Website: https://www.uq.edu.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: UQ is a Group of Eight (Go8) university, signifying a commitment to research excellence and high-quality education. The culture likely values collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to societal impact. The Marketing and Communication team plays a vital role in shaping UQ's brand and digital engagement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX Designer (Backfill role). This position is ideal for someone with 2-5 years of dedicated UX experience looking to apply their skills in a large, established organization within the education sector. The fixed-term nature suggests an opportunity to gain experience within a reputable institution for a defined period.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to Gemma Laws, the UX Design Manager. This provides a clear reporting line and access to experienced leadership in UX design. Collaboration will extend to digital specialists and various internal stakeholders across the university.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer directly impacts the University's digital presence by improving the usability, accessibility, and overall user experience of its websites and digital platforms. This enhances student recruitment, engagement, research dissemination, and general communication with a diverse audience (students, faculty, staff, alumni, prospective students, and the public). Positive UX contributes to UQ's reputation and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific UX areas like user research, usability testing, or prototyping within a large-scale digital environment.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with a wide array of digital specialists and stakeholders across different university departments, broadening understanding of organizational needs.
• Portfolio Enhancement: A fixed-term role at a reputable university can significantly strengthen a UX designer's portfolio and professional network.
• Potential for Further Opportunities: Successful performance in this backfill role could lead to consideration for other opportunities within UQ's digital teams or projects if they arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term role, it offers a valuable opportunity to gain experience within a prestigious academic institution and to contribute to impactful digital initiatives. The reporting structure to a UX Design Manager suggests potential for mentorship and guidance in career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the St Lucia Campus, which is the main campus of the University of Queensland. This implies a vibrant, academic environment with access to university facilities. The "hybrid working options" mentioned in the benefits suggest a flexible approach to where work is performed, but the primary location is on campus.

Office Location(s): St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. This is a large, well-equipped campus with extensive facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with digital specialists, UI designers, content designers, developers, and other stakeholders, fostering a team-oriented workspace.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology and potentially specific UQ digital tools and platforms. Proficiency in Figma, Miro, and User Testing tools is expected, suggesting these are readily available or supported.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Marketing and Communication team, the UX Design Manager, and broader university digital teams.

Work Schedule: Full-time position, likely with flexible start/finish times and potential for a condensed fortnight. The on-site requirement means regular presence at the St Lucia Campus is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid working option, coupled with the on-site base at a major university campus, suggests a balanced approach to work-life integration. The environment is likely conducive to learning and professional development, typical of academic institutions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit resume and a cover letter summarizing alignment with the "About You" section.
2. Initial Screening: Review of applications and portfolios by the Talent Acquisition team and hiring manager.
3. Portfolio Review: Candidates will be assessed based on their submitted portfolio, looking for end-to-end UX work, case studies, and proficiency in required tools.
4. Interview(s): Likely involves one or more interviews with the UX Design Manager (Gemma Laws) and potentially other digital team members or stakeholders. Interviews will assess technical UX skills, problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and cultural fit.
5. Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): While not explicitly stated, a practical exercise or case study related to UX design challenges within the university context may be part of the process to evaluate practical application of skills.
6. Reference Checks & Offer: Final stage involving reference checks and extending a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your UX process for each project, from discovery and research through to design and testing.
• Showcase Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved conversion rates by X%," "reduced task completion time by Y seconds") or describe qualitative improvements.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with stakeholders, developers, and other designers, outlining your role and contributions.
• Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects your proficiency with tools like Figma, Miro, and user testing platforms.
• Tailor to UQ: If possible, subtly tailor your portfolio presentation or cover letter to address the specific context of a university environment and its diverse user base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research UQ's digital presence, its mission, and its key audiences. Consider common UX challenges within higher education (e.g., diverse user needs, complex information architecture, accessibility requirements).
• Prepare Case Studies: Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects from your portfolio in detail, explaining your approach, decisions, and outcomes.
• Anticipate UX Scenarios: Think about how you would approach common UX tasks for a university, such as designing a new course enrollment flow, improving a research portal, or optimizing a student support website.
• Articulate Value: Be prepared to explain how your UX skills can directly benefit UQ's Marketing and Communication team and its broader digital objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the "About You" section suggests that practical experience and a clear demonstration of UX skills will be heavily weighted. Applicants should prepare to articulate their design process and impact rigorously.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design collaboration. Expect to use it extensively for creating and iterating on designs.
• Miro: Likely used for collaborative brainstorming, user journey mapping, affinity diagramming, and workshop facilitation.
• User Testing Platforms: Proficiency in tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or similar for conducting remote usability studies and gathering user feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary requirement for this UX role, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) would be beneficial for understanding user behavior and validating design decisions.
• Experience with A/B testing platforms to measure the impact of design changes.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX design responsibilities of this role, but awareness of how UX impacts customer journeys within CRM or marketing automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Miro is explicitly required, indicating these are core tools for the role. While not mandatory, an understanding of analytics and how UX impacts broader business metrics would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centred: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of UQ's diverse user base (students, staff, faculty, prospective students, and the public).
• Collaboration: Emphasis on working together across teams (Marketing, Communication, Digital Specialists, IT) to achieve common goals.
• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all digital outputs, from design execution to user experience.
• Impact: A focus on making a meaningful contribution to the university's mission and its stakeholders through effective digital solutions.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Commitment to designing accessible digital experiences for all users, aligning with UQ's broader EDI principles.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates working closely with various departments, requiring strong communication and coordination skills to align design efforts with business objectives.
• Iterative Feedback: An environment where design feedback is actively sought and incorporated through collaboration with designers, developers, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, design insights, and learnings within the Marketing and Communication team and potentially wider digital communities at UQ.

📝 Enhancement Note: UQ's stated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) will likely permeate the team culture. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values, particularly concerning accessible design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse User Needs: Universities serve a wide range of users with different needs, technical abilities, and goals. Designing for this diversity can be complex.
• Legacy Systems & Technical Constraints: Working within an established institution may involve integrating new designs with older systems or navigating technical limitations.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing expectations and gathering requirements from numerous stakeholders across different departments can be challenging.
• Business-As-Usual Pace: Maintaining high standards while delivering on ongoing, often urgent, business-as-usual requests requires efficient workflow management and prioritization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the higher education sector and its unique digital challenges and opportunities.
• Large-Scale UX: Gaining experience designing for a large, complex organization with a significant digital footprint.
• Professional Networking: Building connections within a reputable university and its extensive network.
• Continuous Learning: Access to UQ's "Study for Staff" program and other internal development opportunities can support ongoing skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature of this role presents a unique challenge and opportunity. It allows for focused contribution without long-term commitment but also requires rapid integration and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements for a digital project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses stakeholder management and negotiation skills).
• "Describe your process for conducting user research and usability testing for a website. What methods do you typically use, and how do you translate findings into actionable design changes?" (Evaluates UX methodology and research proficiency).
• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for a diverse user base, such as students, faculty, and the general public?" (Tests understanding of accessibility standards and their application).
• "Walk me through a complex user journey you've designed. What were the key touchpoints, decision points, and potential pain points you addressed?" (Assesses ability to map and optimize user flows).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at the University of Queensland, and specifically within the Marketing and Communication team?" (Gauges genuine interest and research into UQ).
• "How do you envision your UX design skills contributing to the goals of a large educational institution like UQ?" (Assesses alignment of skills with organizational mission).
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or on-site environment. How do you maintain collaboration and productivity?" (Tests adaptability to the work arrangement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by case study. For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process undertaken, the solutions proposed, and the results achieved.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, flow diagrams, and prototype links. Ensure they are clearly annotated.
• Storytelling: Weave a narrative around each project. Explain your thought process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most relevant projects within the allotted interview time. Focus on the end-to-end process and demonstrated impact.
• Tool Demonstration (if applicable): If asked, be prepared to briefly demonstrate your proficiency in Figma or Miro.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in the context of higher education if possible, or draw parallels from other complex organizational environments. Emphasizing how their UX skills can solve specific problems for UQ will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UQ Careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to highlight your end-to-end UX design experience, proficiency in Figma and Miro, and collaboration skills.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your UX design skills, relevant tools, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description, such as "user journeys," "wireframes," "prototypes," "usability testing," and "stakeholder collaboration."
• Portfolio Preparation: Have your digital portfolio readily accessible and be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your UX process and impact effectively during an interview.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The University of Queensland's mission, values, digital platforms, and the Marketing and Communication team's role to demonstrate your understanding and 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.