Sr. Director, UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Director, UX

Company: Ibotta

Location: Denver, Colorado, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-06-10

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and evolve the User Experience (UX) vision, strategy, and quality standards across Ibotta's consumer and B2B product portfolios, ensuring user-centricity is embedded from planning through measurement.

• Drive strategic partnerships with Product, Engineering, and Analytics leadership to integrate user-centered thinking into the core of product development and company strategy.

• Shape Ibotta's approach to product development in the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI), adapting the UX team's operating model, tools, and involvement.

• Champion research-informed decision-making at the executive level, safeguarding the discovery phase and advocating for user needs even under pressure for speed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical leadership function within Ibotta's technology organization, reporting directly to the CTO. The Sr. Director of UX will not only manage existing UX disciplines (Product Design, UX Research, Content Design) but also be instrumental in maturing the operational framework of UX at scale, particularly in light of AI advancements and a post-IPO, fast-paced environment. The emphasis on strategic partnership and upstream involvement in product development highlights a move towards embedding UX deeply into business decisions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and champion the UX vision, strategy, and quality standards across Ibotta’s consumer and B2B product lines, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.

• Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports, including two Directors, across Product Design, UX Research, and Content Design disciplines, fostering a high-performing and innovative team.

• Establish and enforce clear norms and processes for UX involvement throughout the product development lifecycle, from initial problem discovery and strategic framing to final delivery and post-launch analysis.

• Act as a strategic partner to peers in Product, Engineering, and Analytics, ensuring user-centered design principles are foundational to product strategy rather than an afterthought.

• Define and evolve Ibotta’s approach to product development in response to AI advancements, including optimizing the UX team’s operating model, adopting new tools, and identifying new points of contribution for UX.

• Advocate for research-informed decision-making at the leadership level, creating an environment that prioritizes user discovery and feedback, even when faced with competing demands for rapid delivery.

• Drive investment in critical UX infrastructure, including design systems, content standards, and research platforms, to enable scalable quality improvements without a proportional increase in headcount.

• Represent the UX function in senior and executive leadership forums, contributing a user-centric perspective to company-level strategic discussions and decision-making.

• Cultivate strong cross-functional relationships and organizational credibility to effectively influence product direction and strategic priorities at the highest levels of the company.

• Foster a team culture characterized by ownership, craft excellence, candor, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic leadership mandate requiring the Sr. Director to not only manage but actively mature the UX function. The focus on embedding UX upstream in the product lifecycle, partnering with executive peers, and adapting to AI signifies a proactive and influential role beyond traditional design management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a related field required. An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant discipline is considered a plus.

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX), product design, or a closely related field. This must include a minimum of 5 years in a leadership capacity, managing multi-disciplinary UX teams (encompassing Product Design, UX Research, and/or Content Design).

Required Skills:

• UX Vision & Strategy: Ability to define, articulate, and execute a compelling UX vision and strategic roadmap that aligns with business goals and user needs.

• Team Leadership & Development: Proven experience building, mentoring, and scaling high-performing UX teams, including managing other managers (Directors).

• Product Lifecycle Integration: Deep understanding of the product development lifecycle and the ability to establish effective UX touchpoints from discovery through delivery.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Demonstrated success in operating as a peer and strategic partner to Product, Engineering, and Analytics leaders, fostering collaboration and influence.

• AI & Future of UX: A well-informed perspective on how AI is transforming UX practice, including its impact on workflows, tools, design systems, and research methodologies.

• User-Centered Design Advocacy: Strong ability to champion user needs and research-informed decision-making at the executive level, balancing user advocacy with business objectives.

• System Thinking & Infrastructure: Experience driving investment in and development of foundational UX infrastructure such as design systems, content standards, and research platforms.

• Communication & Influence: Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership and translate complex UX concepts for diverse audiences.

• Ambiguity Navigation: Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments, balancing strategic long-term thinking with the pragmatic execution required in a fast-paced, post-IPO setting.

• Consumer & B2B Experience: Experience working across both direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-business (B2B) product contexts, or a demonstrated ability to adapt UX strategies across different user segments and business models.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in adtech or performance marketing domains.

• Experience with organizational design and evolution within a growing tech company.

• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and their application to UX processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are stringent, emphasizing not just tenure but demonstrable impact in building and maturing UX organizations. The explicit mention of AI integration and a perspective on its impact on UX practice is a key differentiator for this role, indicating Ibotta's forward-thinking approach. The preference for adtech/performance marketing experience suggests a need for domain familiarity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Impact: Demonstrations of how your leadership and strategic direction directly influenced product outcomes, business growth, or user satisfaction at a programmatic level.

• Organizational Maturity: Examples showcasing your experience in defining and implementing UX operating models, establishing quality standards, and evolving team structures to meet business needs.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Case studies illustrating your ability to partner effectively with Product, Engineering, and Analytics leaders, driving consensus and embedding user-centricity into strategic decisions.

• AI Adaptation: Evidence of proactive engagement with emerging technologies like AI, and how you've considered their implications for UX workflows, tools, and team capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• UX Operating Model: Clearly defined frameworks for how UX integrates into the product development lifecycle, from problem discovery and ideation through to delivery and iteration.

• Quality Standards & Frameworks: Documented standards for UX design, research, and content, including methodologies for ensuring consistency, usability, and effectiveness across product lines.

• ResearchOps & DesignOps Maturity: Examples of implemented processes for scaling UX research and design operations, including the development of design systems, research infrastructure, and efficient workflows.

• Performance Measurement: Methodologies for measuring and communicating the impact of UX initiatives on key business metrics (e.g., conversion rates, user engagement, customer satisfaction) and user outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional design portfolio is expected, this role requires a portfolio that extends to organizational strategy and leadership. Candidates should be prepared to showcase not just their design work but their ability to build and scale UX functions, define processes, and demonstrate strategic influence within a complex tech organization. The emphasis on AI and advanced tooling reflects the evolving nature of UX leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $225,000 - $265,000 USD per year.

Explanation: This range is based on the provided data for the US labor market and reflects a senior leadership position in a major tech hub, considering the required 10+ years of experience and significant leadership responsibilities. Actual compensation will be based on verified experience and may include a variable component and equity, as noted.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).

• 401k with company match.

• Generous Flexible Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Relocation bonus to support moves to Denver.

• On-site Denver office perks: Paid parking, complimentary snacks, and occasional catered meals.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for a senior leadership role to accommodate project needs and strategic initiatives. The hybrid work arrangement requires 3 days per week in the Denver office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the United States market and is a base compensation figure. The total compensation package is explicitly stated to include a variable component and equity, which are critical considerations for senior leadership roles in publicly traded companies like Ibotta. The benefits package is robust, with specific perks tailored to the Denver office environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Performance Marketing, Adtech, Consumer Rewards)

Company Size: Post-IPO, publicly traded company, listed as one of the largest tech IPOs in Colorado history. The company employs a significant number of people, with the UX team currently at 14 individuals, including two Directors.

Founded: 2012. Ibotta has a history of growth and innovation, evolving into a major player in the performance marketing landscape.

Team Structure:

• UX Team: A 14-person team comprising Product Design, UX Research, and Content Design disciplines, led by two Directors who will report to the Sr. Director, UX.

• Reporting Line: The Sr. Director, UX reports directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

• Peer Group: The role operates at a VP/SVP level, working closely with peers in Product Management, Engineering, and Analytics.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: UX is deeply integrated across product development teams, working collaboratively with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, Marketing, and other business stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Ibotta emphasizes data analysis and insights to inform product strategy and measure impact. The UX team is expected to be research-informed and contribute to data-driven decision-making.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: The company operates in a fast-paced environment, likely utilizing agile methodologies for product development, requiring UX to adapt and contribute efficiently within these frameworks.

• User-Centric Approach: A core tenet is making every purchase rewarding for shoppers, indicating a strong focus on understanding and serving user needs.

• Innovation & Evolution: The company is actively exploring how AI can reshape product development and user experiences, signaling a culture that embraces technological advancement.

Company Website: https://ibotta.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Ibotta's context as a rapidly growing, publicly traded tech company in Denver provides significant insight into the operational environment. The UX team is established but has room for maturation, especially concerning scaling and AI integration. The leadership structure places UX at a strategic level, reporting to the CTO and collaborating with other key functional VPs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior executive leadership role, specifically at the Director/VP level within the User Experience domain. It involves significant strategic oversight, team management, and influence over product and technology direction. The scope extends beyond managing a team to shaping the operational framework and strategic contribution of UX across the entire organization.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Director, UX reports directly to the CTO, positioning them as a key lieutenant within the technology organization. They will also work closely with other C-suite and VP-level executives in Product, Engineering, and Analytics, forming a critical leadership triad for product development.

Operations Impact: The role's primary impact is on the quality and effectiveness of Ibotta's user experiences across both consumer-facing applications and B2B platforms. By embedding user-centered design and research into strategic decision-making, this role directly influences product adoption, user engagement, customer loyalty, and ultimately, revenue generation through enhanced user value and efficient platform performance. The strategic integration of AI into UX processes will also shape future product innovation and competitive advantage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Organizational Leadership: Opportunity to significantly influence and scale the UX function, defining its long-term strategy, operating model, and impact within a growing public company.

• Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in company-level product and technology strategy, shaping the future direction of Ibotta's offerings and market position.

• AI & Future of UX: Leading initiatives to integrate AI into UX workflows, research methodologies, and product design, positioning oneself at the forefront of industry innovation.

• Mentorship & Executive Development: Opportunities to mentor emerging leaders within the UX team and gain experience in executive-level decision-making and cross-functional strategic alignment.

• Specialization & Domain Expertise: Deepening expertise in performance marketing, adtech, and consumer rewards, or expanding into broader technology leadership roles within Ibotta or the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career trajectory for this role is firmly in executive leadership. Growth opportunities are focused on expanding strategic influence, shaping organizational capabilities, and staying ahead of industry trends like AI integration. This role is a significant step towards broader VP or CPO (Chief Product Officer) roles within a tech organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a significant emphasis on in-office collaboration. The role requires 3 days per week at the Denver office.

Office Location(s): Denver, Colorado. The company offers a relocation bonus for candidates moving to the area, underscoring the importance of this location for the role.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Denver office serves as the central hub for hybrid teams, fostering in-person collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities. The expectation is active participation in these on-site interactions.

• Tools & Technology: As a tech-forward company, the office environment is expected to be equipped with modern technology and tools necessary for design, research, and collaboration. This may include advanced AV equipment for hybrid meetings, dedicated design spaces, and robust IT infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: The 3-day in-office requirement facilitates direct interaction with direct reports, peers, and other stakeholders, promoting stronger relationships, spontaneous problem-solving, and a cohesive team culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is approximately 40 hours, but the senior leadership nature of this role implies flexibility will be required to meet strategic objectives, attend executive meetings, and manage team needs, especially during critical project phases. The hybrid schedule is structured around specific days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) to maximize collaborative opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. The company is investing in the Denver office as a central point for collaboration, and candidates must be comfortable with this structured in-office presence. The relocation bonus further emphasizes the preference for candidates to be based in Denver.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct an initial review of applications, focusing on alignment with experience requirements, leadership scope, and strategic thinking.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into leadership philosophy, team management approach, strategic vision for UX, and experience with AI and organizational scaling.

• Peer Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, likely including the CTO, VP of Product, VP of Engineering, and potentially other Directors or VPs, to assess cross-functional collaboration skills, strategic alignment, and cultural fit.

• Executive Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a strategic case study or outline their approach to a key challenge (e.g., maturing UX operations, integrating AI, driving user-centricity in a fast-paced environment). This is where portfolio elements will be discussed.

• Final Round: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership or an executive team member to confirm fit and alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact Focus: Highlight initiatives where your leadership drove significant business or user outcomes. Quantify impact with metrics (e.g., conversion lift, engagement increase, cost savings).

• Organizational Maturity Examples: Showcase your experience in defining UX operating models, establishing quality standards, scaling teams, and implementing design/research systems.

• AI & Future-Forward Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your perspective on AI's role in UX, how you've adapted or would adapt processes, and your vision for AI-enhanced user experiences.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Narratives: Use case studies to demonstrate how you've partnered effectively with Product, Engineering, and other departments to achieve shared goals.

• Leadership Philosophy: Articulate your approach to team building, mentoring, fostering culture, and leading through change.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Problem Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach Ibotta's specific challenges, such as scaling UX, integrating AI, or balancing speed with quality.

• UX Operating Model Design: Prepare to outline how you would structure and optimize Ibotta's UX function, including team roles, processes, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice articulating complex UX concepts and advocating for user needs in ways that resonate with non-design executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Sr. Director role is rigorous and multi-faceted. It will heavily emphasize strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and the ability to articulate a clear vision for UX within Ibotta's specific context. A strong portfolio that demonstrates organizational impact and foresight regarding AI is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), InVision, Axure RP (or similar advanced prototyping tools).

• UX Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or internal research tools.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Miro, Mural.

• Design Systems: Experience with building, maintaining, and scaling design systems (e.g., using Storybook, Zeroheight, or custom frameworks).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, Adobe Analytics.

• Data Visualization & BI: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar tools for reporting on UX metrics and impact.

• A/B Testing Tools: Optimizely, VWO, Google Optimize, or internal experimentation platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by UX, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms is beneficial for understanding B2B and D2C customer journeys.

• Understanding of how data flows between systems and impacts user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools may vary, the emphasis is on proficiency with industry-standard design, research, and collaboration tools. The Sr. Director should be adept at leveraging analytics and experimentation platforms to measure UX impact and drive data-informed decisions. Experience with design systems and scaling operational processes through technology is highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in research, design, and business practices. Ensuring transparency in decision-making and data handling.

• Boldness: Encouraging innovative thinking, taking calculated risks, and pushing boundaries in user experience design and product strategy.

• Ownership: Fostering a culture where team members take responsibility for their work, outcomes, and continuous improvement, driving projects to successful completion.

• Teamwork: Promoting strong collaboration, mutual support, and shared success across the UX team and with cross-functional partners.

• A Good Idea Can Come from Anywhere: Encouraging diverse perspectives, valuing contributions from all levels, and fostering an inclusive environment where innovation can emerge from any source.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A primary focus on seamless collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, and Marketing to ensure a unified and user-centric product development process.

• Process Review & Feedback Culture: Encouraging regular feedback loops, design critiques, and retrospectives to continuously improve processes, output quality, and team effectiveness.

• Knowledge Sharing & Experimentation: Promoting an environment where best practices, learnings, and innovative approaches are shared openly, and where experimentation is encouraged to discover new solutions and efficiencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values are directly applicable to the UX leadership role. The emphasis on "A Good Idea Can Come from Anywhere" suggests an inclusive and empowering culture. The collaboration style will be critical for a leader who needs to influence across departments and drive consensus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maturing UX at Scale: Evolving the UX organization's operating model, processes, and infrastructure to effectively support Ibotta's growth and product complexity, especially in a post-IPO environment.

• Integrating AI into UX Practice: Navigating the rapid evolution of AI, defining its role in design, research, and product development, and ensuring the team is equipped to leverage it effectively without compromising user experience quality.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: In a fast-paced tech environment, ensuring that user-centered design and thorough research are prioritized while maintaining development velocity and meeting business objectives.

• Cross-Functional Influence & Alignment: Effectively influencing product and technology strategy at the executive level and ensuring consistent user-centricity across diverse product lines and business units.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone executive-level decision-making, strategic planning, and organizational development skills.

• Industry Trend Leadership: Becoming a thought leader in the application of AI to UX, and shaping the future of user experience in performance marketing and adtech.

• Mentorship & Team Growth: Developing and empowering a team of talented designers, researchers, and content strategists, contributing to their career growth and the overall strength of the UX discipline.

• Broad Business Acumen: Gaining deeper insights into the dynamics of a publicly traded tech company, performance marketing, and the broader adtech ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are strategic and organizational, requiring a seasoned leader capable of driving significant change and innovation. The growth opportunities are aligned with executive career progression, focusing on strategic impact and industry leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• UX Vision & Strategy: "How would you define and articulate a compelling UX vision for Ibotta, considering our consumer and B2B products and the evolving AI landscape?" (Prepare to discuss your framework for vision setting and strategic alignment.)

• Organizational Scaling: "Describe your approach to maturing a UX organization. What are the key pillars of an effective UX operating model, and how would you implement them at Ibotta?" (Be ready with examples of process definition, quality standards, and infrastructure development.)

• AI Integration: "What is your perspective on how AI will transform UX practice, and how would you prepare Ibotta's UX team to leverage AI effectively and responsibly?" (Showcase your forward-thinking approach and understanding of AI's impact on design and research.)

• Cross-Functional Leadership: "How do you build strong partnerships with Product, Engineering, and Analytics leaders? Describe a time you had to navigate competing priorities to ensure user needs were met." (Prepare specific examples of influence and collaboration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Core Values Application: "How do Ibotta's core values (Integrity, Boldness, Ownership, Teamwork, A Good Idea Can Come from Anywhere) translate into your leadership philosophy and day-to-day management of a UX team?" (Connect your experience and approach to their stated values.)

• Hybrid Work Environment: "What are your strategies for fostering a cohesive and productive team culture within a hybrid work environment, particularly for a senior leadership role?" (Address how you'd maximize engagement and collaboration on designated office days.)

• User-Centricity Advocacy: "How would you champion user-centered decision-making at the executive level, especially when faced with pressure for speed or competing business objectives?" (Demonstrate your advocacy skills and strategic communication.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Leadership & Impact: Present case studies that highlight your strategic contributions, team leadership, and measurable business/user outcomes, rather than just individual design work.

• Organizational Maturity Examples: Be prepared to walk through examples of how you've built processes, implemented design systems, or scaled research operations.

• AI Strategy Discussion: Clearly articulate your thoughts on AI's role and how you would incorporate it into your team's strategy and workflows.

• Tailor to Ibotta: Frame your examples and insights in the context of Ibotta's business (consumer rewards, B2B performance marketing, adtech) and its current stage (post-IPO, growth-focused).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on strategic leadership, organizational development, and the ability to articulate a vision for UX in the context of AI and a fast-paced, public company. Candidates should be ready to present their strategic thinking and leadership philosophy, not just design artifacts.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby application link.

• Portfolio Curation: Carefully select 2-3 key projects or initiatives that best demonstrate your strategic leadership, organizational impact, and experience in scaling UX functions. Focus on case studies that highlight your ability to influence product strategy, manage cross-functional relationships, and adapt to emerging technologies like AI. Quantify your achievements with relevant metrics whenever possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of UX experience, specifically your 5+ years in leadership roles managing multi-disciplinary teams. Emphasize achievements related to defining UX strategy, maturing operating models, driving user-centered decision-making, and navigating fast-paced, post-IPO environments. Integrate keywords such as "UX Strategy," "Product Design Leadership," "UX Research," "AI in UX," and "Cross-functional Collaboration."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, strategic vision for UX at Ibotta, and your approach to managing teams and fostering culture. Prepare to discuss how you would address Ibotta's specific challenges related to scaling UX and integrating AI. Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies with a focus on strategic impact and organizational maturity.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ibotta's business model (consumer rewards, B2B performance marketing, adtech), its recent IPO, and its stated core values. Understand their product offerings and competitive landscape. This will enable you to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest and alignment with the company's mission and 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.