Senior UX/UI Designer: Contractor Job Ad

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer: Contractor

Company: Teal Media

Location: Remote (U.S. Residents only)

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-03

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in crafting the overall visual user experience for web-based projects, focusing on social impact clients in sectors like health, education, climate, and social justice.

• The Senior UX/UI Designer will be responsible for producing key design deliverables including sitemaps, wireframes, full-fidelity visual comps, UI component libraries, and custom graphics.

• A core aspect of this position involves leading digital design projects with limited Art Director guidance, contributing significantly to idea generation, strategy, and execution.

• The role requires a deep expertise in Figma, including advanced prototyping, front-end animations, and design system implementation, to clearly represent designs and functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is Senior UX/UI Designer, the responsibilities and required skills indicate a strong emphasis on operationalizing design processes within a client-facing agency context. The role requires not just creative output but also project management, client communication, and a foundational understanding of CMS capabilities, aligning it with a "Creative Operations" or "Design Operations" function, albeit with a primary focus on execution and client delivery within a contract role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute design deliverables for one-off digital projects and retainers, taking the lead on projects with minimal Art Director input.

• Collaborate with Art Directors and project teams to finalize website sitemaps and assign page templates based on content strategy, while considering project scope and budget constraints.

• Contribute to website plans and briefs that define project tone, brand differentiation, audience goals, and unique functionality needs.

• Understand and effectively work within Teal Media’s established design and development framework.

• Conduct thorough reviews of deliverables with Art Directors, developers, and other team members, proactively scheduling meetings and seeking necessary input for thoughtful project pacing.

• Decisively refine design solutions based on client project goals, best practices, and constructive feedback.

• Lead the creation and presentation of wireframes and design concepts to clients, effectively communicating how they meet audience goals and business objectives.

• Confidently guide clients through the approval process, building consensus for design deliverables.

• Implement client and internal feedback with meticulous attention to detail and strategic application.

• Juggle multiple project priorities effectively, understanding when and how to transition between tasks to meet all deadlines.

• Communicate and collaborate with internal and external project team members, bringing a unique and fresh perspective to all projects.

• Take increased ownership within client communications and the visual design system, in collaboration with developers and Art Directors.

• Provide accurate and timely estimates for design work.

• Assist with discovery phases and client/user research on select projects.

• Maintain and apply knowledge of UX best practices and design principles, including visual hierarchy, interactivity, content strategy, and taxonomy.

• Own and document design intentions and decisions, assisting developers in formulating functional technical specifications.

• Design compelling visual expressions that refresh established brands or build new ones from the ground up.

• Possess foundational knowledge of Content Management Systems (CMS), preferably WordPress, to shape the front-end user experience.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of complex content architectures, including the management of custom fields, taxonomy structures, and post types.

• Expertly manage time and meet internal and client delivery dates promptly.

• Collaborate closely with developers to generate ideas and understand technical feasibility.

• Actively mentor junior designers through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

• Guide clients through deliverables and process steps to enable informed decision-making.

• Develop a mature and effective client management style when leading project workshops and consensus-building exercises.

• Maintain, use, and implement processes and methodologies set forth by creative team members to gain efficiencies within projects (e.g., Figma, Brand guidelines).

• Provide constructive feedback to Art Directors regarding the efficiency, clarity, or roadblocks caused by existing processes and methodologies.

• Actively create case studies and marketing materials to support Teal Media’s business development efforts by showcasing successful work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of senior design execution and project management within a contract structure. The emphasis on client communication, guiding clients, managing scope, providing estimates, and implementing feedback points to a need for strong operational execution skills alongside design acumen. The role requires not just creating designs but managing the design process from concept to client approval within defined project parameters.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in UX/UI design principles and execution is essential.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion in a client-facing agency or project-based environment. Proven experience managing complex digital projects and working with social impact clients is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma, including advanced prototyping, front-end animations, and design systems.

• Deep understanding of UX best practices and design principles (visual hierarchy, interactivity, content strategy, taxonomy).

• Proven ability to produce comprehensive design deliverables: sitemaps, wireframes, full-fidelity visual comps, UI component libraries, and custom graphics.

• Strong client management and communication skills, with the ability to guide clients through design processes and gain consensus.

• Demonstrated experience in idea generation, strategy development, and execution of digital design projects.

• Ability to understand and work within established design and development frameworks.

• Excellent time management and prioritization skills, with a proven track record of meeting deadlines.

• Collaborative mindset with strong inter-departmental communication skills.

• Ability to provide accurate work estimates.

• Foundational knowledge of Content Management Systems (CMS), with a preference for WordPress.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research and discovery phases.

• Familiarity with animated graphics (static and animated).

• Experience in web development or digital marketing environments.

• Agency experience, particularly within a fast-paced creative agency.

• Proficiency in project management tools such as Teamwork, Basecamp, or Slack.

• Familiarity with Agile and Waterfall project management methodologies.

• Experience mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are heavily weighted towards technical design proficiency (Figma, prototyping, design systems) and client-facing operational skills (client management, estimations, communication, consensus-building). The "Preferred Skills" introduce project management tool familiarity and broader project methodology knowledge, common in operations-adjacent roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, with a particular emphasis on web-based applications and digital experiences.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating the complete design process from initial ideation and wireframing through to final visual design and implementation considerations.

• Examples of sitemaps, wireframes, and full-fidelity visual comps that clearly illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach.

• Demonstrations of UI component libraries and design systems developed for clarity, consistency, and scalability.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you document design intentions and decisions, and how you collaborate with developers to translate these into functional technical specifications.

• Examples of how you have implemented client and internal feedback strategically, demonstrating attention to detail and a thoughtful approach to iteration.

• Evidence of your understanding and application of UX best practices and design principles within your project workflows.

• If available, include examples of how you've worked with or within CMS frameworks (preferably WordPress) to shape front-end user experiences.

• Demonstrate understanding of complex content architectures and how they influence design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are designed to assess not just creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage the design process operationally. This includes documenting decisions, collaborating with technical teams, iterating based on feedback, and understanding the underlying technical constraints of CMS and content architecture, which are critical for efficient project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75 - $85 per hour. This rate is based on the provided information and industry benchmarks for senior-level contract UX/UI designers in remote U.S. positions, factoring in the specified 30-40 hours per week.

Benefits:

• This is a contract position, and typical contractor benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off) are generally not provided by the hiring company. Contractors are responsible for securing their own benefits.

• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects for social impact clients.

• Flexible remote work arrangement.

Working Hours:

• Expected to be available during Teal Media’s core working hours: 9 am ET - 6 pm ET.

• Some flexibility may be offered for candidates in Pacific Time (PT) and Mountain Time (MT) zones.

• The role is structured for 30-40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a contract role, the compensation is hourly, and traditional employee benefits are not included. The primary "benefit" is the nature of the work and the flexibility of remote employment. The salary range is competitive for senior-level contract UX/UI design roles in the U.S. market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Creative & Design Agency, specializing in work for social impact organizations.

Company Size: Teal Media is a woman-founded and woman-led firm with a diverse staff, indicating a size that allows for close-knit teams and potentially agile decision-making, but large enough to handle significant client projects.

Founded: The founding date is not specified but the company's description suggests a mature agency focused on "purposeful design" and social change.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX/UI Designer will be part of the Creative Department.

• They will report directly to an Art Director or Creative Director.

• This role involves significant collaboration with developers, strategists, and other project team members.

Methodology:

• Teal Media emphasizes "purposeful design" to transform organizations, inspire action, and enable progress for clients committed to positive social change.

• They offer a range of services including brand strategy, web design and development, and creative support.

• The company culture prioritizes its people and seeks clients who share these values.

• Processes are in place to foster collaboration, efficiency, and continuous learning within the creative team.

Company Website: tealmedia.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Teal Media positions itself as a mission-driven agency, focusing on social impact. The company culture appears to value collaboration, diversity, and a strong sense of purpose in their work. For a Senior UX/UI Designer, this means working on projects with a clear social mission and collaborating within a team that is passionate about these goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This contract role is positioned at a Senior level within the UX/UI design discipline. It implies a high degree of autonomy, ownership, and the ability to execute complex projects with minimal oversight. It represents a senior individual contributor role focused on design execution and project delivery.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to an Art Director or Creative Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the creative department. This structure allows for guidance and review while expecting the Senior Designer to drive project execution independently.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX/UI Designer's impact is directly tied to the successful visual and user experience design of client projects. By translating client goals into effective digital solutions, they contribute to the client's ability to achieve their social impact objectives, thereby enabling Teal Media's mission. Their ability to manage project scope, estimates, and client expectations also impacts the operational efficiency and profitability of the agency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced prototyping, animation, design systems, or CMS integration within the context of social impact projects.

• Project Leadership: Potentially take on more complex or lead design roles on larger initiatives, further developing client management and strategic contribution skills.

• Mentorship: Actively mentor junior designers, fostering leadership and knowledge-sharing capabilities.

• Contract Extension/Future Roles: Successful performance in this contract role could lead to extensions or opportunities for future engagements with Teal Media, or provide strong references for other senior design roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "Senior" designation implies a level of expertise and responsibility akin to permanent positions. Growth here is less about traditional hierarchical advancement and more about deepening specialized skills, taking on more complex project leadership, and building a strong reputation within the agency and for future opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully remote, with potential for collaboration in virtual coworking sessions.

Office Location(s): Remote within the United States. Core working hours are aligned with Eastern Time (ET), with some flexibility for Pacific Time (PT) and Mountain Time (MT) zones.

Workspace Context:

• Work is conducted entirely remotely, requiring self-discipline and effective use of digital collaboration tools.

• The environment is collaborative, involving regular interaction with Art Directors, Creative Directors, developers, and clients via virtual meetings and communication platforms.

• Access to Teal Media's design and development frameworks and potentially project management tools like Teamwork, Basecamp, or Slack is expected.

Work Schedule:

• 30-40 hours per week.

• Primarily aligned with Teal Media’s core working hours (9 am ET - 6 pm ET).

• Some flexibility is noted for candidates in PT/MT time zones, suggesting an emphasis on output and availability during key collaboration times rather than strict adherence to ET hours for all tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this role requires strong self-management and proficiency with virtual communication and collaboration tools. The core working hours requirement suggests that while remote, there's an expectation of synchronous availability for critical team interactions and client meetings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required skills and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Interview: A more in-depth session where you'll present your portfolio, discuss specific case studies, and explain your design process, problem-solving approach, and client management strategies. Expect questions related to Figma expertise, UX principles, and handling client feedback.

• Skills/Technical Assessment: May involve a design challenge or a discussion about technical feasibility with a developer or Art Director to gauge your understanding of design systems, CMS, and front-end considerations.

• Cultural Fit & Final Interview: Discussions to assess your alignment with Teal Media's values (purposeful design, collaboration, continuous learning, detail orientation) and confirm your understanding of the contract scope and working hours.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your senior-level UX/UI design skills, client management capabilities, and experience with complex digital projects. Prioritize projects that align with social impact clients if possible.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process (sitemaps, wireframes, user flows, visual comps), the tools used (especially Figma), design decisions made, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Figma Expertise: Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in Figma, including advanced features like prototyping, animation capabilities, and design system implementation.

• Emphasize Client Collaboration: Detail how you managed client communication, presented deliverables, incorporated feedback, and navigated consensus-building. Use examples of challenging client interactions and how you resolved them.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or qualitative results to demonstrate the success of your designs and their contribution to client objectives.

• Address CMS/Content Architecture: If you have experience with WordPress or complex content architectures, be ready to discuss how this informed your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: If a design challenge is provided, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly. Allocate time for research, ideation, sketching, and creating a concise presentation of your solution, emphasizing your process and rationale.

• Technical Discussion: Be prepared to discuss the technical feasibility of your designs, particularly concerning CMS integration, responsive design, and front-end animations. Understand how your designs can be implemented efficiently.

• Process & Methodology: Articulate how you approach project management, time estimation, and collaboration within a team and with clients. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with Teal’s frameworks and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely scrutinize both design execution and operational project management. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creative skill but also their ability to manage projects, communicate effectively with clients, and understand the technical underpinnings of web design. A strong, process-oriented portfolio is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be the primary tool for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and creating design systems. Deep expertise is required, including advanced features like prototyping, front-end animations, and component libraries.

• Design & Development Frameworks: Familiarity with Teal Media's proprietary or established design and development frameworks is essential for seamless project execution.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in tools like Teamwork, Basecamp, or Slack is listed as a preferred qualification, indicating their use in managing client projects and internal communication.

• CMS: Foundational knowledge of Content Management Systems, particularly WordPress, is required for shaping the front-end user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is highlighted as a critical tool, demanding advanced proficiency. The mention of "Teal’s design and development framework" suggests a need for adaptability and quick learning of internal processes. Familiarity with project management tools and WordPress is also key for operational success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purposeful Design: A core value driving all work. Designs should not only be beautiful and functional but also serve a clear purpose aligned with client missions for social change. This requires understanding the "why" behind projects.

• Collaborative Team Orientation: Emphasizes helping colleagues, sharing resources and ideas, and creating flexible systems that support collective work. Valuing diverse perspectives is crucial for creativity and problem-solving.

• Curiosity and Continuous Learning: A drive to research, implement new design approaches, and constantly improve. This includes sharing knowledge and being honest about learning needs.

• Detail Orientation: A meticulous approach to design, infusing delight and excitement into the user experience through subtle touches, animations, and accentuating client differentiators. Understanding how details contribute to the overall design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Requires close collaboration with Art Directors, Creative Directors, developers, and strategists. This involves active participation in brainstorms, sharing inspiration, and bringing fresh thinking to projects.

• Client-Centric Approach: A mature and gentle client management style is expected, especially when leading workshops and exercises to build consensus and guide decision-making.

• Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: Actively sharing knowledge with colleagues and mentoring junior designers is a key aspect of team contribution.

• Process Improvement: A willingness to provide feedback on existing processes and methodologies to enhance efficiency and collaboration within project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes a strong mission-driven approach, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to continuous improvement and detail. Candidates should demonstrate how their work ethic and collaboration style align with these values, particularly in a remote setting and within a contract engagement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Diverse Client Needs: Working with various social impact organizations means adapting to different levels of digital maturity, unique brand identities, and distinct audience goals.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Ensuring that innovative design solutions are feasible within CMS limitations (especially WordPress) and development frameworks requires careful planning and collaboration.

• Managing Remote Collaboration and Communication: Maintaining effective teamwork, clear communication, and project momentum across different time zones and without in-person interaction requires strong self-discipline and proactive engagement.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines on Multiple Projects: The ability to juggle competing priorities, provide accurate estimates, and deliver high-quality work on time is critical in a fast-paced agency environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Social Impact Design Expertise: Gain extensive experience designing for critical sectors like health, education, climate, and social justice, understanding the unique UX/UI considerations for these audiences.

• Master Advanced Figma Capabilities: Further refine skills in complex prototyping, front-end animations, and building robust design systems within a professional agency context.

• Develop Client Management and Presentation Skills: Enhance abilities in guiding clients, building consensus, and confidently presenting design solutions that drive project approval.

• Gain Exposure to Agency Operations: Understand how design integrates with broader agency functions like strategy, development, and business development through case study creation and project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational realities of agency work, particularly in a remote, contract setting. Growth opportunities focus on deepening specialized design skills while also developing crucial soft skills like client management and project execution within a mission-driven context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex digital project you led from concept to completion. What was your role, what challenges did you face, and how did you ensure the design met client goals and user needs?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach translating client objectives and user research into actionable sitemaps and wireframes? Provide an example." (Assess strategic thinking and foundational UX skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating and presenting a full-fidelity visual design. How do you incorporate feedback from Art Directors and clients?" (Focus on execution, iteration, and client management.)

• "Describe your experience with Figma. What are some advanced features you utilize for prototyping, animations, or design systems?" (Gauge technical expertise.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are technically feasible within a CMS like WordPress and complex content architectures?" (Assess practical understanding of implementation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with social impact clients at Teal Media?" (Assess alignment with company mission.)

• "How do you embody Teal's values of 'Purposeful Design' and 'Collaborative Team Orientation' in your work?" (Evaluate cultural fit.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with developers and Art Directors." (Understand team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role, the process you followed (discovery, ideation, design, testing, iteration), the solutions you developed, and the tangible outcomes.

• Highlight Figma Mastery: Be prepared to share your screen and demonstrate specific Figma features, workflows, or complex components you've built.

• Emphasize Client Interaction: Use examples to show how you managed client expectations, presented concepts, incorporated feedback, and achieved consensus.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success and impact of your designs.

• Address the "Why": Connect your design decisions back to the client's mission and user needs, showcasing your understanding of purposeful design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of advanced design skills, effective client management, and an understanding of operational processes (estimation, feedback implementation, CMS considerations). The ability to articulate design decisions through a strategic lens and align with Teal Media's mission is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 of your strongest UX/UI design projects, emphasizing those that demonstrate leadership in project execution, client management, and complex digital solutions. Ensure case studies clearly illustrate your process from ideation to final design, with a strong focus on Figma proficiency and any relevant CMS experience.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Figma expert," "UI component libraries," "design systems," "client management," "wireframing," "sitemapping," "prototyping," and "WordPress." Quantify achievements where possible, detailing project scope, impact, and your specific contributions.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and client collaboration strategies. Prepare specific examples to answer potential interview questions about handling feedback, managing deadlines, and working within frameworks. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your approach to purposeful design.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Teal Media's website, their client portfolio (especially any social impact organizations), and their stated values. Understand their approach to purposeful design and how your skills can contribute to their mission.

⚠️ 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.