UX Designer/Engineer - Portland, US

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer/Engineer

Company: Mercy Corps

Location: Portland, Oregon, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Digital Experience & Web Development

Date Posted: February 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping Mercy Corps' online presence, focusing on the user experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design for all external digital properties, including websites, emails, and landing pages.

• The position requires a blend of strategic UX design and hands-on front-end development expertise, ensuring a seamless and engaging user journey across digital touchpoints.

• A key responsibility involves the development and optimization of Mercy Corps' public-facing websites and content management systems (CMS), leveraging modern web technologies.

• The role demands adherence to brand guidelines while employing the latest design techniques and technological advancements to maintain brand continuity and enhance user engagement.

• Collaboration is central, working within a matrixed Agile Scrum team, internal clients, and external vendors to deliver high-performing digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid UX Designer and Front-End Engineer, indicating a need for candidates who can both conceptualize user flows and translate those designs into functional web code, specifically within a Drupal environment. The "Temporary" nature of the role suggests a project-based need or a fixed-term assignment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative and thoughtful user experiences and user interfaces (UX/UI) for Mercy Corps' digital properties, collaborating closely with the Marketing Platforms team and internal clients.

• Implement and optimize public-facing websites and content management systems (CMS), ensuring high performance and adherence to brand continuity.

• Develop web content and designs using CSS/HTML within the Drupal environment for mercycorps.org and its subdomains.

• Master and apply relevant software and programming languages, including PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, Drupal, and related open-source technologies.

• Stay current with industry trends in online development, particularly mobile platforms, and ensure designs meet project parameters: goals, requirements, usability, technical constraints, and schedules.

• Utilize website analytics to test and improve UX, and collaborate with the Digital Analyst to implement A/B tests for continuous optimization.

• Ensure all designs align with Mercy Corps' brand guidelines in coordination with the internal Creative Services team.

• Actively participate in a matrixed Agile Scrum development team, collaborating with internal stakeholders, agency partners, and third-party members.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of Agile software development processes.

• Coordinate with external design vendors as needed to support project deliverables.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Marketing Platforms team's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on practical application of design and development skills within a specific technology stack (Drupal, PHP, MySQL, JavaScript) and a structured development methodology (Agile Scrum). The need to leverage analytics and A/B testing points to a data-driven approach to UX optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a UX designer with demonstrated expertise in both information architecture and visual design.

• Proven experience in designing UX for mobile and adaptive environments is essential.

• Experience in e-commerce and/or transactional websites is strongly preferred, indicating a need for understanding conversion-focused design principles.

• Experience in the design review process and collaborating with internal stakeholders on iterative design improvements.

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Drupal coding is a mandatory requirement.

• Proficiency in standard design tools such as Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Ability to work effectively on multiple projects with tight deadlines.

• Clear and effective communication skills for team collaboration.

• Experience with analytics tools for UX testing and improvement.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in PHP and MySQL.

• Experience within a Drupal environment is highly preferred, given the explicit mention of Drupal coding and CMS.

• Experience with e-commerce or transactional websites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills" section is detailed and specific, emphasizing technical proficiency in core web technologies and UX design principles. The explicit requirement for a portfolio is a critical component for assessing candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating excellence in creating user-centered design solutions is a mandatory requirement.

• The portfolio should showcase a range of work, highlighting expertise in information architecture, visual design, and UX strategy.

• Specific examples of mobile-first and adaptive design implementations should be featured.

• For candidates with relevant experience, showcasing work on e-commerce or transactional websites would be a significant advantage.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate experience with iterative design processes, including design reviews and stakeholder collaboration.

• Familiarity with Agile Scrum methodologies and participation in development teams is required, suggesting an understanding of agile workflow documentation and sprint processes.

• The role requires leveraging analytics for testing and improvements, implying experience with documenting A/B test plans, results, and subsequent design iterations.

• Adherence to brand guidelines and collaboration with creative teams suggest a process for ensuring brand consistency across digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is a strong indicator that candidates will be evaluated on their practical design skills and ability to articulate their design process and rationale. The requirement to discuss iterative design and collaboration implies a need for candidates who can demonstrate a structured approach to design problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• As a temporary full-time position with Mercy Corps, benefits would typically include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off (PTO), potentially accrued based on hours worked.

• Retirement savings plan options (e.g., 401(k)).

• Opportunities for professional development and training, including the stated 5% dedication to learning activities.

• Access to employee assistance programs.

Working Hours:

• The role is designated as Full-Time, implying approximately 40 hours per week.

• The job description specifies an "On-site" work arrangement in Portland, Oregon.

• The temporary duration is until the end of June 2026.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for UX Designer/Engineer roles in Portland, OR, and adjusted for the non-profit sector and the mid-level experience requirement. Specific benefits for temporary positions can vary, so candidates should confirm details during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Company Size:

Founded:

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer/Engineer will be part of the "Marketing Platforms" team within the Philanthropic Growth & Engagement (PG&E) Department.

• This department brings together private fundraising professionals, marketing and communications specialists, development operations experts, and digital platform managers.

• The role reports directly to the Director of Digital Development.

• The position requires working closely with various internal departments including Creative Services, Marketing, Measurement & Evaluation (MME), Development Operations, and IT, as well as external design vendors.

Methodology:

• The Marketing Platforms team, and by extension this role, focuses on advancing Mercy Corps' mission through effective digital engagement and fundraising.

• A key methodology is the use of best-in-class storytelling to build trust, engagement, and long-term relationships with supporters.

• The team champions a data-driven approach to digital strategy, utilizing analytics for testing and optimization (e.g., A/B testing).

• Agile Scrum is the primary development methodology, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Company Website:

• https://www.mercycorps.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission-driven nature and global reach are significant cultural aspects. The structure of the PG&E department and the Marketing Platforms team suggests a collaborative, results-oriented environment focused on leveraging digital tools for fundraising and advocacy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

Reporting Structure:

• The UX Designer/Engineer reports directly to the Director of Digital Development.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct impact on how Mercy Corps engages with its global audience and potential supporters. By optimizing websites, landing pages, and email experiences, the UX Designer/Engineer contributes significantly to:
  • Enhancing brand perception and trust.
  • Improving user engagement and conversion rates for donations and other calls to action.
  • Streamlining the user journey for information seekers and potential donors.
  • Supporting the philanthropic growth and fundraising efforts of the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in Drupal development, advanced CSS/HTML/JavaScript, and UX/UI design principles. Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in these areas within the organization.

• Specialization Paths: Potential to specialize further in performance optimization, accessibility standards, or specific areas of UX research and strategy.

• Agile Methodology Mastery: Gain in-depth experience and potentially certifications in Agile Scrum methodologies through active participation in development cycles.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a broader understanding of non-profit operations, including fundraising, marketing, and communications, by working closely with diverse teams.

• Leadership Potential: While not a management role, successful performance could lead to opportunities for technical leadership on projects or mentoring junior team members in the future.

• Learning & Development: The organization explicitly supports continuous learning, with a dedicated 5% of time for professional development activities, encouraging skill enhancement and exploration of new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around deepening technical and design expertise, gaining experience in a specific non-profit context, and contributing to the organization's mission-critical digital infrastructure. The temporary nature of the role might influence long-term career progression within Mercy Corps, but the skills acquired are highly transferable.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based "On-site" in Portland, Oregon. This suggests a traditional office environment where team members collaborate in person.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on teamwork and the matrixed project structure suggest an environment where open communication and shared problem-solving are encouraged. Candidates will likely work closely with designers, developers, analysts, and marketing professionals.

• Operations Tools and Technology: The workspace will be equipped with the necessary tools for UX/UI design (Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator) and front-end development (relevant IDEs, code repositories). Access to the Drupal CMS and associated development environments will be crucial. Analytics platforms will also be integral to the workflow.

• Team Interaction: Regular participation in Agile Scrum meetings (daily stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, retrospectives) will be a core part of the daily routine, facilitating continuous interaction with the Marketing Platforms team and other project stakeholders.

Work Schedule:

• The role is Full-Time, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week.

• Given the on-site nature, standard business hours in the Portland, Oregon timezone (Pacific Time) are expected.

• While the role is on-site, the Agile framework may offer some flexibility in task management and daily scheduling, but direct collaboration and team ceremonies will require adherence to specific times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office setting, emphasizing in-person collaboration and adherence to standard working hours within the Portland, OR, timezone.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of the resume and, crucially, the submitted portfolio. Candidates are expected to present a strong portfolio showcasing relevant UX/UI design and front-end development work.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be given a design challenge or a technical exercise related to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or Drupal development, or asked to analyze and critique an existing digital property. This will assess their practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

• Behavioral Interviews: Interviews will likely focus on assessing collaboration skills, ability to work within an Agile framework, communication style, and alignment with Mercy Corps' mission and values. Questions may explore how candidates handle feedback, manage deadlines, and work with cross-functional teams.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate walks through selected projects from their portfolio, explaining their design process, technical choices, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. This is a critical step for evaluating their strategic thinking and communication.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the Director of Digital Development or other senior stakeholders to discuss the role's strategic alignment and confirm cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that showcases UX strategy, user-centered design, visual design execution, and front-end development capabilities, especially if it involves Drupal or similar CMS.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), technical implementation details (languages, frameworks), and the results or impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify outcomes whenever possible (e.g., "improved conversion rate by X%", "reduced bounce rate by Y%", "enhanced user satisfaction scores").

• Tailor to Mercy Corps: If possible, include projects that align with the mission of a non-profit or demonstrate experience with similar audiences or goals. Emphasize how your skills can contribute to their digital engagement and fundraising efforts.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss the specific technologies used, coding approaches, and challenges encountered during the front-end development phase.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Tech Stack: Refresh your knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and particularly Drupal (theme development, module integration, Twig templating if applicable).

• UX Principles: Review core UX principles, user-centered design methodologies, information architecture, and mobile-first design strategies.

• Agile Practices: Familiarize yourself with Agile Scrum ceremonies and your role within a sprint team.

• Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down design and development problems, outlining potential solutions, and justifying your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to thoroughly present their work and articulate their design and development process. The temporary nature might mean a more condensed interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design Software: Figma (explicitly mentioned), Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator. Proficiency in these tools is required for creating wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and final design assets.

• Front-End Development:

  • Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (required).
  • Frameworks/Libraries: Experience with JavaScript libraries or frameworks might be beneficial, though not explicitly stated.
  • CMS: Drupal (highly preferred, with advanced coding knowledge required). This is a critical component of the role.
  • Preprocessors: Potentially SASS/LESS for CSS, though not specified.

• Version Control: Git (standard for development, though not explicitly listed).

• Project Management: Agile Scrum methodologies imply the use of tools like Jira, Trello, or similar for task tracking and sprint management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics will be used for testing and overall improvements of UX.

• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with A/B testing platforms or methodologies is required for optimizing user experiences.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly mentioned for this role, the context of the Philanthropic Growth & Engagement department suggests potential interaction with CRM systems (like Salesforce, used by many non-profits) and marketing automation platforms, though this role's focus is primarily on the front-end digital properties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards front-end web development, with a strong emphasis on Drupal. Candidates must have advanced skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Drupal, alongside proficiency in design tools like Figma.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A core value is a commitment to Mercy Corps' mission of alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression. Operations professionals are expected to align their work with this overarching goal.

• User-Centered: The focus on UX design implies a value placed on understanding and serving the needs of the end-user, whether that's a website visitor, donor, or program beneficiary.

• Data-Driven: The use of analytics and A/B testing highlights a value for evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.

• Collaborative: The emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional interaction, and Agile methodologies underscores the importance of shared effort and open communication.

• Innovation & Efficiency: The role involves using the "latest in technology and design techniques" and optimizing performance, reflecting a drive for innovative and efficient solutions.

• Accountability & Integrity: As a humanitarian organization, Mercy Corps places high importance on ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability to stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Collaboration occurs within an Agile Scrum framework, involving regular team meetings, iterative development cycles, and continuous feedback loops.

• Cross-Functional: Team members work closely with individuals from diverse departments (Marketing, Creative Services, IT, Development Operations), requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Partnership-Oriented: The role involves working with internal clients to understand their needs and with external vendors to achieve project goals, fostering a partnership approach.

• Transparent Communication: Open and clear communication is essential, particularly within the Agile team and during the design review process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is a blend of mission-driven purpose and professional operational rigor. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a collaborative, data-informed, and results-oriented environment, while upholding the ethical standards of a humanitarian organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing UX Design and Front-End Development: Effectively switching between strategic design thinking and detailed coding execution within a single role can be demanding.

• Technical Constraints within a CMS: Working within the specific framework of Drupal may present unique challenges and require creative problem-solving to implement complex designs.

• Adhering to Strict Brand Guidelines: Ensuring all digital output is consistent with Mercy Corps' established brand identity while also pushing design innovation.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: The requirement to work on various projects simultaneously with tight turnaround times necessitates strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Navigating the needs and priorities of different internal departments and external stakeholders requires excellent communication and negotiation skills.

• Temporary Role Context: As a temporary position, the challenge may involve quickly integrating into the team and delivering impactful results within a defined timeframe, potentially with less long-term project ownership.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Drupal Expertise: Opportunity to become highly proficient in Drupal development, theme creation, and module integration.

• Advanced UX/UI Skills: Gain hands-on experience with user-centered design methodologies, information architecture, and mobile-first design strategies in a real-world context.

• Web Performance Optimization: Learn and apply techniques to enhance website speed, accessibility, and overall user experience.

• Agile Development Practices: Refine skills in Agile Scrum, including participation in ceremonies and contributing to process improvements.

• Non-Profit Digital Strategy: Gain insight into how digital platforms support fundraising, advocacy, and program communication within a global humanitarian organization.

• Continuous Learning Support: The organization's commitment to 5% dedicated learning time provides a structured opportunity to explore new technologies, attend webinars, or pursue relevant certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a hybrid role in a dynamic non-profit environment. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to specialize in Drupal development and UX/UI design within the humanitarian sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with technical constraints or business requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, compromise, and user advocacy).

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive across different devices and user capabilities?" (Demonstrate understanding of accessibility standards and mobile-first approaches).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature or improving an existing user flow on a website. What tools and methodologies do you use?" (Highlight your systematic approach, use of design tools, and iterative process).

• "How do you approach collaborating with developers to ensure your designs are implemented accurately?" (Emphasize communication, providing clear specifications, and being available for consultation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Mercy Corps' mission and our work in global development?" (Connect your personal values and professional aspirations to the organization's purpose).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX design and front-end development?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

• "Describe your experience working within an Agile Scrum team. What is your role in sprint ceremonies?" (Showcase familiarity with Agile practices).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly outline: Project Goal/Problem, Your Role, Process/Solution, Key Technologies Used (especially Drupal!), Challenges, and Results/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality screenshots, wireframes, mockups, and potentially short video demos to illustrate your work.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives. Explain the "why" behind your decisions and the journey from concept to completion.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the specific code (HTML, CSS, JS, PHP within Drupal) and design decisions in detail.

• Mercy Corps Relevance: Whenever possible, draw parallels between your project experience and the needs of Mercy Corps' digital properties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on showcasing a blend of technical proficiency, design thinking, collaborative spirit, and alignment with Mercy Corps' mission. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.jobvite.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your advanced HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Drupal coding skills, along with your 4+ years of UX design experience and a strong portfolio. Ensure your portfolio prominently features user-centered design solutions, mobile/adaptive design examples, and ideally, e-commerce or transactional website projects.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency with Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, and any experience with PHP and MySQL. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Designer," "Front-End Development," "Drupal," "Information Architecture," "Visual Design," and "Agile Scrum." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical approach, and problem-solving skills. Prepare to walk through your portfolio projects in detail, explaining your role, the challenges, and the outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with A/B testing and analytics.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mercy Corps' mission, values, and recent digital campaigns. Understand the role of the Philanthropic Growth & Engagement department and how this UX Designer/Engineer position contributes to their goals. Consider how your skills can support a humanitarian organization.

⚠️ 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.