Vice President, UX Product Design (Firmwide Marketing)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Vice President, UX Product Design (Firmwide Marketing)

Company: Morgan Stanley

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/Product Design, Digital Marketing, Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-08

Experience Level: 5-10 years (with 5-8 years in UX/Product Design and 3-5 years in people management)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and execution of user-centered digital experiences across Morgan Stanley's global external web platforms, including the flagship morganstanley.com.

• Drive the design and implementation of AI-enabled features such as intelligent search, personalization, and AI-assisted content presentation, ensuring user trust and usability.

• Manage and mentor a team of UX/Product Designers, fostering skill development, performance, and career progression within a matrixed organization.

• Champion design quality, consistency, and adherence to accessibility (ADA/WCAG) and inclusive design standards across all digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant people leadership responsibilities, indicating a need for strong strategic thinking, design execution excellence, and team management capabilities. The emphasis on AI-enabled features suggests a forward-thinking digital marketing organization within a leading financial services firm.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Accountable for UX design strategy and execution across a portfolio of web and digital initiatives, including the global flagship web property.

• Translate complex business goals, technical requirements, and user insights into clear experience direction, user flows, and intuitive design solutions.

• Guide the simplification of complex workflows into usable, accessible, and visually refined user experiences that align with brand guidelines and firmwide experience standards.

• Manage and mentor designers, providing direction, coaching, ongoing feedback, and supporting performance management and skill development.

• Partner closely with Product, Engineering, and Analytics teams to design, test, and iterate on AI-enabled web experiences, focusing on clarity, explainability, and user trust.

• Ensure all designs adhere to accessibility and inclusive design standards (ADA/WCAG) and promote consistent use of the component library and design system.

• Oversee the creation of core UX deliverables, including Information Architecture (IA) maps, wireframes, high-fidelity designs, prototypes, and detailed design specifications.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, and Content teams to align on scope, priorities, and delivery timelines within agile methodologies.

• Present design concepts and rationale clearly and confidently to stakeholders, communicating design progress, risks, and dependencies effectively.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes, collaboration models, and delivery practices, while balancing multiple initiatives and priorities.

• Track and evaluate industry trends in UX, web design, and AI-driven experiences to inform future opportunities and advocate for UX best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, team management, and a focus on emerging technologies like AI in a complex, regulated financial services environment. The emphasis on cross-functional partnership and operational effectiveness is crucial for success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-8 years of experience in UX/Product Design with a proven track record of delivering complex digital experiences.

Required Skills:

• UX Strategy & Execution: Proven ability to define and execute UX design strategy for large-scale web properties and digital initiatives.

• Interaction Design: Deep expertise in web-based UX/UI design, interaction design principles, and creating intuitive user flows.

• Prototyping & Design Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Accessibility & Inclusive Design: Demonstrated experience designing accessible and inclusive digital experiences adhering to ADA/WCAG standards.

• People Leadership: Experience managing and mentoring design teams, providing constructive feedback, and supporting career growth.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Content teams in a highly matrixed organization.

Preferred Skills:

• AI-Enabled Design: Exposure to or direct experience designing AI-enabled digital features, particularly in web environments, with an understanding of user trust and explainability.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with agile development processes and best practices for integrating UX within sprint cycles.

• Design Systems: Experience promoting and utilizing component libraries and design systems for scalable and consistent delivery.

• Technical Familiarity: Working knowledge of HTML/CSS/JavaScript is a plus, providing context for design implementation.

• Information Architecture (IA): Experience in structuring complex information for optimal user navigation and discovery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of senior-level design expertise, people management experience, and a keen understanding of emerging technologies like AI within the context of digital product development. The requirement for a strong portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of these skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Vision: Showcase examples of how you've translated business objectives and user needs into comprehensive UX strategies for complex digital products or platforms.

• Interaction Design & Execution: Include detailed case studies demonstrating your process from research and wireframing to high-fidelity design and prototyping, highlighting problem-solving and design decision-making.

• AI Feature Design: If possible, provide examples or conceptual work illustrating your approach to designing AI-enabled features, focusing on user experience, clarity, and trust.

• Accessibility Integration: Demonstrate how you incorporate accessibility (WCAG/ADA) and inclusive design principles into your design process and final deliverables.

• System Thinking: Showcase experience working with or contributing to design systems, component libraries, or established design patterns to ensure consistency and scalability.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of mapping complex user journeys and optimizing workflows for clarity and efficiency.

• Deliverable Standards: Evidence of creating clear, detailed UX deliverables including IA maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and comprehensive design specifications.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Illustrate how you document and communicate design decisions, rationale, and progress to product, engineering, and business stakeholders.

• Impact Measurement: Where applicable, demonstrate how you've considered or measured the impact of design solutions on user behavior, business goals, or operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a VP-level role, the portfolio should clearly articulate strategic thinking, leadership in design execution, and the ability to manage complex projects. Demonstrating experience with AI, accessibility, and design systems is particularly important given the role's focus.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base Salary: $115,000 - $190,000 USD per year.

• Note: This is an estimated range based on the provided information. Actual compensation will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Employee Benefits: Access to a wide array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

• Perks: Additional employee perks and benefits designed to support work-life balance and well-being.

• Incentive Compensation: Potential for commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, and other performance-based incentives.

• Short and Long-Term Incentive Packages: Opportunities for additional compensation tied to individual, team, and company performance.

• Professional Development: Support for skill development, learning, and career advancement opportunities.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for base pay. The total compensation package for this VP-level role is expected to be significantly higher due to the inclusion of various incentive programs, bonuses, and other benefits typical for senior leadership positions at a global financial services firm like Morgan Stanley.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1935

Team Structure:

• Distribution & Website Team: This team operates within Firmwide Marketing, focusing on scaling seamless digital experiences across distribution channels and platforms.

• Product Design Team: A specialized unit within the Distribution & Website team, responsible for user-centered design of external web platforms.

• Reporting Structure: The Vice President will likely report to a senior design or marketing leadership role, managing a team of designers. They will collaborate closely with Product, Technology, Marketing, Content, and Analytics teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands strong partnership with Product Managers, Engineers, and Content Strategists to ensure cohesive and high-quality digital experiences.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A core principle guiding the translation of business objectives and user needs into intuitive digital experiences.

• Agile Development: The team likely operates within agile frameworks, requiring UX to integrate seamlessly into iterative development cycles.

• Data-Driven Insights: Collaboration with Analytics teams to leverage user data and insights for design decisions and performance evaluation.

• Design Systems & Patterns: Emphasis on leveraging and contributing to established design systems for consistency and scalability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply rooted in its five core values: Do the right thing, put clients first, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back. This influences decision-making and day-to-day operations, particularly within client-facing digital platforms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Vice President - Senior Individual Contributor & People Manager

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into Director or higher-level design leadership roles, managing larger teams and broader portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, accessibility, or specific areas of financial services UX.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management, Digital Strategy, or other senior roles within Marketing or Technology.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through industry conferences, workshops, and on-the-job training in emerging design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established financial institution, combining strategic design leadership with people management. The focus on AI and digital transformation provides opportunities to be at the forefront of innovation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment

Office Location(s): 750 Seventh Ave, New York, NY

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Morgan Stanley emphasizes collaboration, with office spaces likely designed to facilitate team interaction, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), project management tools, and internal communication platforms.

• Operations Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with Product Managers, Engineers, Content Strategists, and Marketing professionals to drive design initiatives forward.

• On-site Presence: The "On-site" designation implies a requirement for regular attendance in the New York office to foster team cohesion and effective collaboration.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM EST) with expectations for flexibility to meet project deadlines and team needs. The on-site nature requires consistent availability during core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major financial hub like New York suggests a traditional corporate work environment focused on in-person collaboration, which is often valued for complex strategic roles and team development in finance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter review of application, focusing on core qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager to assess leadership potential, strategic thinking, team management approach, and fit with the design team's culture.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio. This typically involves showcasing 2-3 key case studies, detailing their process, design rationale, problem-solving approach, and impact. Expect questions about their role in the projects, design decisions, and how they handle challenges.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key partners from Product, Engineering, and Marketing to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate design into broader business objectives.

• Executive/Senior Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic vision, cultural fit, and overall leadership capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your UX strategy, interaction design, people management, and AI design experience. Tailor your selection to the job description's emphasis.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, the design solutions, the rationale behind your decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Leadership: If presenting team management experience, demonstrate how you've mentored, guided, and supported designers to achieve project goals.

• Showcase AI & Accessibility: If possible, include examples that specifically address your experience with AI-enabled features and your approach to accessibility and inclusive design.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your specific contributions, design trade-offs, how you handled feedback, and how you'd approach similar challenges at Morgan Stanley.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise to assess your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to work under time constraints. Focus on a structured approach, clear communication, and justification of your design decisions.

• Situational Questions: Prepare for questions about how you would handle common design challenges, manage stakeholder disagreements, mentor junior designers, or integrate new technologies like AI into existing platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, emphasizing not only design craft but also strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to navigate a complex corporate environment. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Likely used for various design tasks, including asset creation and manipulation (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, experience with dedicated prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Axure) might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and track performance.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal reporting dashboards for analyzing user data and presenting insights.

CRM & Automation:

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Jira/Confluence: Common tools for agile project management and documentation, essential for working with engineering and product teams.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard tools for presentations, documentation, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and a strong understanding of web analytics are critical. Familiarity with agile tools and the broader MarTech stack will enhance a candidate's ability to integrate design into the full product lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client First: All design decisions should ultimately serve the needs of Morgan Stanley's clients, ensuring a seamless and valuable digital experience.

• Do the Right Thing: Ethical considerations, data privacy, and compliance are paramount in design, especially within financial services.

• Lead with Exceptional Ideas: Encouragement of innovation, forward-thinking design solutions, and the exploration of new technologies like AI.

• Commit to Diversity and Inclusion: Designing for all users, ensuring accessibility and inclusive experiences that reflect the Firm's commitment to diversity.

• Give Back: A culture that values community and responsibility, which can translate into designing for social good or user well-being.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working collaboratively with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Content teams to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Design choices are expected to be supported by user research, analytics, and stakeholder feedback.

• Iterative Design: A process of continuous improvement, involving feedback loops, testing, and refinement of designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Culture likely encourages sharing best practices, design critiques, and insights through team meetings and internal forums.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are deeply embedded in its culture and are expected to guide the approach to design and collaboration, particularly in a client-centric industry like finance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Designing cutting-edge AI features while adhering to strict financial industry regulations and compliance requirements.

• Matrixed Organization Complexity: Navigating a large, global organization with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities to gain alignment on design direction.

• Scalability Across Global Platforms: Ensuring design consistency and usability across diverse user segments and regions on a global web property like morganstanley.com.

• Explaining AI to Users: Designing AI-driven experiences that are transparent, explainable, and build user trust, mitigating potential user apprehension.

• Team Management in a Hybrid/On-site Model: Effectively leading and mentoring a design team in an on-site environment, fostering collaboration and individual growth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Best Practices: Opportunity to become a leader in designing AI-enabled experiences within the financial services sector.

• Financial Services UX Expertise: Deepen understanding of the unique user needs and design considerations within the wealth management and investment banking domains.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal training programs offered by Morgan Stanley to enhance people management and strategic leadership skills.

• Industry Exposure: Access to industry conferences and forums relevant to UX, digital marketing, and AI in finance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a leading financial institution with a global digital footprint and a focus on emerging technologies. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to advance their careers in design leadership and specialized areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the UX strategy for a complex web platform. What was your approach, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on strategic thinking, process, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing an AI-powered personalized content recommendation system for a financial services website, considering user trust and explainability?" (Demonstrate understanding of AI UX principles and industry context.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Morgan Stanley's core values (e.g., Client First, Do the Right Thing) influence your approach to UX design?" (Showcase alignment with company ethos.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with Product Management and Engineering teams in an agile environment. How do you ensure design is integrated effectively?" (Emphasize cross-functional partnership.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role & Process -> Solution -> Impact/Results.

• Visuals: Ensure your slides are clean, professional, and visually appealing, showcasing high-quality design work.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).

• Highlight AI & Accessibility: If applicable, dedicate specific slides or sections to how you approached AI features or accessibility requirements within your projects.

• Storytelling: Be engaging and passionate when presenting your work. Explain your 'why' behind design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of UX principles, with a specific emphasis on AI, accessibility, and the financial services context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Vice President, UX Product Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in UX strategy, interaction design, people management, AI-enabled features, and accessibility, using keywords from the job description.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience in UX/Product Design and people management, and prominently features achievements and quantifiable results.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for each stage of the interview process, practicing your portfolio presentation, anticipating behavioral and situational questions, and researching Morgan Stanley's digital presence and values.

• Company Research: Deeply understand Morgan Stanley's business, its clients, its market position, and its commitment to digital innovation and client experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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