Senior UX Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Strategist

Company: 829 Studios

Location: United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Strategy & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic Hybrid Role: This position is a senior individual contributor role that blends upstream brand strategy with downstream UX execution, requiring a hybrid thinker-doer with strong agency experience.

• Client-Facing Expertise: You will be responsible for strategic client facilitation, building strong relationships, and confidently communicating strategic rationale and research findings to client teams.

• End-to-End UX Ownership: The role demands the ability to manage 4-5 projects concurrently, excelling in qualitative and quantitative UX research, competitive analysis, and translating insights into actionable website architecture.

• AI-Augmented Workflow: A key requirement is hands-on expertise in leveraging AI tools (LLMs like Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT) to accelerate research synthesis, content ideation, and strategy development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proven experience in translating quantitative data from analytics tools, heatmaps, and surveys into concrete, actionable UX recommendations is essential for driving high-performing digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior UX Strategist," the emphasis on bridging brand strategy with UX execution, managing client relationships, and collaborating with design, content, and development teams, positions this role within the broader "GTM Operations" and "Design Operations" umbrella. The requirement for understanding waterfall and agile processes also highlights an operational aspect of project delivery. The focus on AI integration signifies a forward-thinking approach to operational efficiency in design and strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Client Facilitation: Develop and nurture client relationships, deeply understanding their goals, personalities, and priorities to drive strategic alignment and successful project outcomes.

• Upstream Business & Brand Strategy: Conduct comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research, including competitive analysis, UX audits, user behavior analysis (heatmaps, Google Analytics), and industry trend assessment to inform strategic direction.

• Robust UX Research Execution: Lead end-to-end UX research initiatives, employing various methodologies such as in-depth interviews, workshops, surveys, and user testing to gather critical insights.

• Downstream UX Execution & Architecture: Translate research findings into measurable website goals, define user personas, create detailed user journey maps, and develop thorough sitemaps and information architecture.

• Wireframing & User Flow Development: Craft structural wireframes and user flows that seamlessly translate strategic insights into actionable, user-centered layouts and digital experiences.

• Process Evolution & Best Practices: Ensure adherence to UX best practices, and proactively identify opportunities to evolve processes, offerings, and deliverable formats for continuous improvement.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with internal teams (designers, content strategists, developers, producers, account managers) and external stakeholders, understanding both waterfall and agile project management methodologies.

• Integrated Digital Marketing Awareness: Possess an understanding of integrated digital marketing components and identify opportunities to incorporate other marketing disciplines beyond web when appropriate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep integration with project management and client relationship management, which are core to operational effectiveness within a GTM or Design Operations context. The emphasis on "evolving processes" and "best practices" underscores a proactive operational improvement mandate.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in Design, HCI, Marketing, Business Strategy, or a related field is implied by the nature of the role. Continuous learning through certifications or specialized courses in UX, strategy, or AI is highly valued.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in a similar agency environment, with a proven track record of bridging brand strategy and UX execution. Experience with client-facing roles, project leadership, and cross-functional team collaboration is essential.

Required Skills:

• Agency Experience: Strictly required; 5+ years of experience in an agency setting.

• Exceptional Presentation & Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to facilitate client workshops, present strategic rationale, and command executive presence.

• End-to-End UX Portfolio: A portfolio showcasing research-to-strategy artifacts, including personas, research summaries, user flows, sitemaps, and wireframes.

• Advanced Figma Expertise: Mastery of Figma for complex wireframing and prototyping.

• Applied AI & LLM Proficiency: Hands-on experience actively leveraging AI tools (Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT) for research synthesis, content ideation, and strategy workflow acceleration.

• Data-Driven UX Analysis: Proven ability to translate quantitative data from Google Analytics, heatmapping tools, and custom surveys into actionable UX recommendations.

• Project Ownership & Problem-Solving: Ability to confidently make decisions, lead projects with empathy and authority, and effectively solve complex challenges.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Understanding of website development processes (waterfall and agile) and integrated digital marketing principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with SEO strategy and implementation.

• Expertise in content strategy and copywriting.

• Experience with Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) platforms and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "agency experience," "end-to-end portfolio," and "project ownership" are critical indicators of the operational rigor and hands-on execution expected. The explicit mention of AI tools points to a need for candidates who can integrate cutting-edge operational efficiencies into their workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research-to-Execution Artifacts: Your portfolio must clearly demonstrate the end-to-end process, showcasing how you translate research insights into tangible strategic artifacts. This includes user personas, research findings summaries, detailed user journey maps, comprehensive sitemaps, and structural wireframes.

• Strategic Rationale Documentation: Evidence of how you articulate the strategic thinking and research behind your recommendations. This could be through case studies, presentation summaries, or annotated deliverables that explain the "why" behind your design and IA decisions.

• Client Presentation Examples: Samples or descriptions of client presentations where you've effectively communicated complex strategies, research findings, and proposed solutions, demonstrating your ability to command executive presence and drive stakeholder buy-in.

• Process Improvement Contributions: Examples of how you have identified opportunities to improve UX processes, offerings, or deliverable formats within previous roles or projects, showcasing a proactive approach to operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• UX Research Methodologies: Documented approaches to conducting both qualitative and quantitative UX research, including survey design, interview protocols, and user testing frameworks.

• Information Architecture Design: Clear documentation of how you create sitemaps, define navigation structures, and ensure logical information flow for large-scale websites.

• Wireframing & User Flow Design: Examples of detailed wireframes and user flows that illustrate user interactions and task completion paths, demonstrating a systematic approach to translating strategy into interactive design.

• AI Integration Workflows: Examples or descriptions of how you have integrated AI tools into your research synthesis, content ideation, or strategy development workflows, highlighting efficiency gains and output quality improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an "end-to-end portfolio" and specific artifact examples directly relates to demonstrating operational capabilities in research, strategy formulation, and execution. The emphasis on AI integration workflows highlights an operational need for leveraging new technologies to enhance efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 USD per year.

Salary Determination: Compensation will be determined based on factors such as years of experience, demonstrated skills, alignment with role requirements, and current market conditions at the time of hire.

Benefits:

• Remote Workplace: Option to work remotely across specified states in the US (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, SC, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA).

• Generous Paid Time Off: Increasing vacation benefits based on tenure, 12 Company Holidays, and Summer Fridays (Memorial Day through Labor Day).

• 401K with Match: A 401K plan with a 4% Safe Harbor employer match after one year of employment.

• Financial Literacy Services: Provided through the retirement provider to support financial well-being.

• Life Insurance Benefit: No-cost coverage for employees.

• Short-Term Disability Benefit: Coverage for illness or injury that prevents work.

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Choice of competitive medical, dental, and vision plans. 80% employer coverage for medical and dental premiums, 100% employer coverage for vision.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program: Option to participate for pre-tax savings on healthcare expenses.

• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax allocation for transportation expenses, potentially saving up to 40% annually.

• Continuing Education: Access to monthly team-led webinars, exclusive 829-cohort learning, digital course platforms, and funding for national conferences and events.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance (PTO, Summer Fridays) and professional development (Continuing Education), which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking a supportive and growth-oriented environment. The remote work options are extensive, indicating operational flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Integrated Digital Marketing Agency. 829 Studios operates within the dynamic digital marketing landscape, serving a diverse clientele from venture-backed startups to publicly traded companies and non-profits. This context implies a fast-paced, results-oriented environment focused on driving client success through innovative strategies.

Company Size: The company is recognized on lists like Inc. 5000 and Boston Business Journal's Fast 50, indicating significant growth and a substantial employee base, likely in the range of 100-500 employees. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes but still retains an agile and collaborative spirit.

Founded: Information not explicitly provided, but recognition on growth lists implies a company with a solid operational history and a proven business model.

Team Structure:

• Experience, Strategy & Design Team: The Senior UX Strategist is part of this specialized team, indicating a focus on user-centric design and strategic planning.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with designers, content strategists, developers, producers, and account managers, highlighting a matrixed or project-based team structure common in agencies.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, senior individual contributor roles typically report to a Team Lead, Director, or VP within their functional area.

Methodology:

• Logic with Magic: 829 Studios emphasizes a balance of data-driven strategy (logic) and creative execution (magic), suggesting a systematic yet innovative approach to client work.

• Data-Driven Strategy: A core methodology involves leveraging data analytics to inform strategic decisions and measure impact.

• Agile and Waterfall Processes: The team utilizes both waterfall and agile methodologies for project execution, requiring adaptability and understanding of different project management frameworks.

Company Website: https://www.829studios.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as an "integrated digital marketing agency" with a "logic with magic" approach implies a strong operational framework that supports both strategic planning and creative execution. The emphasis on data-driven strategies and hybrid project management methodologies is crucial for operations professionals to understand.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Individual Contributor (IC) role. It signifies a high level of expertise and autonomy in UX strategy and execution, demanding leadership in client interactions and project delivery without direct management responsibilities. It's a crucial step for professionals looking to deepen their specialized skills and influence.

Reporting Structure: The role operates within the Experience, Strategy & Design team, collaborating closely with other disciplines. The direct reporting line would likely be to a Manager or Director overseeing UX Strategy or the broader Design/Strategy department, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and company objectives.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Strategist directly impacts client success by creating high-performing, engaging digital experiences. This involves translating business goals into user-centric solutions, which is critical for driving client acquisition, retention, and overall business growth. Their work forms the foundational architecture for websites, influencing conversion rates and user satisfaction, thereby contributing significantly to client ROI.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of UX strategy, AI integration in design, or advanced research methodologies.

• Leadership in Client Engagements: Progressing to lead more complex and high-profile client projects, potentially mentoring junior strategists.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Taking initiative to refine and implement new operational processes and best practices within the Experience, Strategy & Design team.

• Transition to Management: For those interested, potential pathways to move into management roles overseeing UX teams or client strategy functions.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Leveraging the agency environment to gain exposure and develop skills in related areas like SEO, content strategy, or CRO.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior IC" designation is key for operations professionals. It signifies a role that requires significant operational expertise and the ability to drive projects independently, often acting as a de facto operational lead for their projects. The growth opportunities highlight paths for continued operational development and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: 829 Studios offers a flexible work environment, allowing employees to choose between working at their Boston office or remotely within designated US states. This hybrid approach caters to diverse working preferences and operational needs.

Office Location(s): Primarily Boston, MA, with remote work options available in a broad range of US states (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, ID, IL, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, SC, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA). This broad remote reach indicates a well-established infrastructure for distributed team operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Remote Culture: The company emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration, suggesting that remote team members are well-integrated into team activities and communication channels.

• Technology-Enabled Operations: As a digital marketing agency, expect a robust technology stack supporting remote collaboration, project management, and design tools.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The role inherently involves frequent interaction with various departments, fostering a dynamic and interconnected work environment despite remote or hybrid arrangements.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with the added perk of Summer Fridays, indicating a focus on work-life balance and efficient time management to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a "Remote Workplace" and the extensive list of eligible states are critical operational details for candidates. The company's recognition as a "Great Place to Work" suggests a positive and supportive operational culture that values employee well-being and engagement, even in a distributed setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, detailing your process, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work. Expect in-depth questions about your research methodologies, IA artifacts, and how you leverage AI.

• Skills-Based Assessments: Potential for a practical exercise or case study that evaluates your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to translate complex requirements into actionable UX strategies. This may involve a prompt to synthesize information or outline a strategic approach.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with team leads, potential collaborators (designers, developers), and hiring managers to assess your cross-functional acumen, communication style, and alignment with the team's operational workflows.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase End-to-End Process: Clearly illustrate your journey from initial research and discovery through strategy formulation to final UX artifacts (personas, user flows, sitemaps, wireframes).

• Highlight Strategic Rationale: For each project, articulate the business goals, user needs, and research insights that informed your decisions. Explain the "why" behind your approach.

• Demonstrate AI Integration: Include examples or case studies where you've effectively used AI tools (Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT) to enhance research synthesis, ideation, or strategy development. Quantify any efficiency gains or improvements in output.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics and data (e.g., from Google Analytics, user testing results) to demonstrate the success and impact of your work.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating mastery of specific required skills (e.g., research, IA, wireframing, AI application).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with agency work, complex website architecture, and client-facing responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Synthesis: Be prepared to quickly analyze provided information and synthesize key insights.

• Strategic Outline: Practice outlining a strategic approach to a given UX challenge, considering research, user needs, and business objectives.

• AI Application Scenarios: Think about how you would apply AI tools to accelerate specific parts of the UX strategy process.

• Communication Clarity: Focus on presenting your thought process clearly and concisely, as if explaining it to a client or a diverse internal team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio presentation" and "skills-based assessments" points to a practical, results-oriented evaluation process common in operational roles. The specific tips for demonstrating AI integration and quantifying impact are crucial for candidates to highlight their operational efficiency and effectiveness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced expertise required for complex wireframing and prototyping. Proficiency in creating detailed user flows and interactive prototypes within Figma is essential.

• AI / LLMs: Active, hands-on experience with tools like Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT is a core requirement for accelerating research synthesis, content ideation, and strategy workflows.

• Google Analytics: Proven experience in extracting and interpreting quantitative data to inform UX recommendations.

• Heatmapping Tools: Familiarity with tools like Hotjar, Crazy Egg, or similar to analyze user behavior on websites.

• Survey Tools: Proficiency in creating and deploying unbiased surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms) for quantitative user research.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: Essential for understanding user behavior, traffic sources, and conversion metrics.

• Heatmapping/Session Replay Tools: For visual analysis of user interactions.

• Custom Survey Data Analysis: Ability to analyze responses from custom surveys to identify trends and insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, expect to work with tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, or similar for project tracking and workflow management, especially given the mention of waterfall and agile processes.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for day-to-day communication and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and AI/LLMs as required tools highlights the modern operational stack expected. Proficiency in Google Analytics and heatmapping tools underscores the data-driven operational approach. Understanding how these tools integrate into project workflows (e.g., via project management software) is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core value is the reliance on quantitative data and research insights to guide strategic and operational decisions, ensuring a logical and measurable approach.

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client goals and audience needs to deliver high-performing, impactful digital experiences.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster a brilliant team environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives lead to innovative solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to evolving processes, refining offerings, and adopting new methodologies and technologies (like AI) to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Ownership & Accountability: Encouraging individuals to take ownership of their projects, confidently make decisions, and deliver results with empathy and authority.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encourages seamless collaboration between strategy, design, content, development, and account management teams to ensure cohesive project execution.

• Client Facilitation: A proactive and confident approach to client interactions, building strong relationships and driving consensus through clear communication and strategic guidance.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that likely supports internal webinars, cohort-based learning, and sharing best practices to elevate the team's collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "data-driven," "client-centricity," and "continuous improvement" directly aligns with the core values of effective operations teams. The "collaboration style" highlights the importance of cross-functional synergy, a critical element for operational success in an agency setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Concurrent Projects: Effectively prioritizing and delivering high-quality work across 4-5 projects simultaneously requires strong organizational and time management skills.

• Bridging Strategic Gaps: Successfully translating high-level brand strategy into tactical UX execution and ensuring consistency across complex websites.

• Client Expectation Management: Navigating diverse client needs and expectations while confidently advocating for research-backed strategic directions.

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating new AI tools and methodologies into existing workflows to maintain a competitive edge.

• Adapting to Diverse Project Requirements: Shifting context fluidly across different client industries, business models, and project scopes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI in UX: Opportunities to deepen expertise in applying generative AI and other AI tools specifically within UX strategy and research.

• Methodology Refinement: Learning and contributing to the evolution of UX research, IA design, and client facilitation processes within the agency.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining exposure to SEO, content strategy, and CRO through collaboration and company-provided training resources.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Funding and support to attend national conferences and events to stay current with industry trends and network.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for informal mentorship from senior leaders and opportunities to lead client initiatives, building leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges directly relate to the operational demands of a senior role in a fast-paced agency. The growth opportunities are well-defined and focus on skill enhancement, AI integration, and career progression, which are vital for retaining and developing talent in operational functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex client project where you had to bridge high-level brand strategy with detailed UX execution. How did you ensure alignment and what was the outcome?" Preparation: Focus on a specific case study from your portfolio. Detail your research process, the strategic framework you used, the IA artifacts you created, and how you presented these to the client. Quantify results if possible.

• "How have you leveraged AI tools (like Gemini, Claude, or ChatGPT) to accelerate your UX research synthesis or content ideation process? Provide a specific example and discuss the impact on efficiency or output quality." Preparation: Have a concrete example ready. Explain the prompt engineering, the AI's output, and how you refined or integrated it. Discuss if it saved time or improved the depth/breadth of your insights.

• "Walk us through your process for conducting end-to-end UX research for a large-scale website project. What methodologies would you employ, and how would you ensure the insights are actionable for IA and wireframing?" Preparation: Outline your typical research phases (discovery, user interviews, surveys, competitive analysis, etc.) and connect each to the creation of specific deliverables like personas, journey maps, and sitemaps. Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see the 'logic with magic' approach influencing your work as a Senior UX Strategist at 829 Studios?" Preparation: Research the company's mission and values. Frame your answer around how data-driven insights (logic) and creative problem-solving (magic) are essential for effective UX strategy and client success.

• "Describe your experience working in an agency environment. What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about this setting, especially in terms of collaboration and client management?" Preparation: Highlight your agency experience, emphasizing your ability to manage multiple projects, work with diverse clients, and collaborate effectively across disciplines.

• "How do you stay current with evolving UX best practices and new technologies like AI in the digital marketing space?" Preparation: Mention your commitment to continuous learning, referencing specific resources like industry blogs, conferences, online courses, and your proactive use of AI tools. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling with Data: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives. Start with the client's challenge, detail your strategic approach (backed by research and data), showcase your UX artifacts (personas, IA, wireframes), and conclude with the impact and learnings.

• Focus on Process and Rationale: Clearly articulate how you arrived at your decisions. Explain the reasoning behind your research methodologies, IA choices, and design directions.

• Highlight AI Integration: Dedicate a section or specific examples to demonstrate your practical application of AI tools, emphasizing efficiency gains and enhanced output.

• Demonstrate Client Facilitation Skills: If possible, include examples of client presentations or workshop facilitation within your case studies.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to showcase the success of your projects and the ROI you delivered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific requirements of the role, emphasizing the blend of strategy, research, AI application, and client-facing skills. The portfolio presentation strategy focuses on demonstrating operational effectiveness through storytelling, process clarity, and quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating end-to-end UX strategy, IA artifact creation, robust research methodologies, and specific examples of AI tool integration in your workflow. Ensure it highlights your agency experience and client-facing capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of agency experience, using keywords from the job description such as "UX Strategy," "Information Architecture," "UX Research," "Figma," "AI Prompting," "Client Facilitation," and "Google Analytics." Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic process, research findings, and AI application methodologies. Prepare specific case studies that showcase your ability to translate complex requirements into actionable UX strategies and demonstrate your presentation skills.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research 829 Studios' website, recent work, and company values. Understand their "logic with magic" approach and how your skills can contribute to their mission of propelling organizations. Be ready to discuss how your collaborative style aligns with their inclusive culture.

⚠️ 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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