Sr. UX Designer

NovoEd, Inc.
Full-time

šŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Designer

Company: NovoEd, Inc.

Location: Remote - Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

šŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead end-to-end design initiatives for scalable, collaborative, and social online learning experiences within the EdTech sector.

  • Drive product strategy and roadmap discussions, translating complex user needs into elegant, user-centered solutions.

  • Own 1-2 major design projects concurrently, from initial problem exploration through to final implementation and handoff.

  • Conduct user research and usability testing to validate design decisions and ensure optimal user engagement with the NovoEd platform.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering teams to define scope, explore design approaches, and ensure feasibility and quality.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is for a Senior UX Designer focused on product development within the EdTech industry, specifically for an online learning platform. The emphasis on "ownership and autonomy" indicates a need for a self-starter who can independently manage design projects and influence product strategy.

šŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and iterate on user experiences for NovoEd's talent development platform, focusing on features that enhance learning, collaboration, and business performance for global clients.

  • Serve as the primary design lead for key projects, independently managing the design process, stakeholder communications, and solution definition.

  • Partner with Product Managers to deeply understand user problems, define project scope, explore diverse design solutions, and present well-reasoned recommendations.

  • Produce high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and production-ready assets, working closely with engineering teams to ensure successful implementation and maintain design integrity.

  • Execute qualitative and quantitative user research, including user interviews and usability testing, to gather insights and validate design decisions.

  • Proactively identify and resolve design challenges, aligning stakeholders, proposing innovative solutions, and adjusting scope as needed to meet project goals.

  • Contribute significantly to the product vision and roadmap by providing strategic design input and advocating for user-centricity in product development.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant level of ownership and strategic input, common for senior roles in agile, product-focused companies. The mention of "Fortune 500 companies, universities, and training organizations" suggests a B2B SaaS context with a need for robust, enterprise-grade user experiences.

šŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for senior-level UX roles. Demonstrable equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/Product Design, with a proven history of designing and launching successful digital products at scale.

Required Skills:

  • Extensive experience in the full UX design lifecycle, including user research, wireframing, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and prototyping.

  • Expert-level proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma, including advanced features like component libraries and design systems.

  • Demonstrated ability to work within and contribute to established design systems, ensuring visual and interaction consistency across products.

  • Strong visual design skills with a keen eye for detail, typography, color theory, and pixel-perfect execution.

  • Deep understanding of web and mobile responsive design principles and best practices.

  • Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) and a commitment to inclusive design principles.

  • Understanding of HTML/CSS and their implications on design feasibility and implementation.

  • Proven experience in conducting user interviews and usability testing to gather actionable insights.

  • Ability to independently lead design projects, manage stakeholder relationships, and drive decisions effectively. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing AI-powered features that enhance user workflows and personalize experiences.

  • Familiarity with Generative AI (GenAI) tools to accelerate design workflows.

  • Experience in the EdTech or learning platform industry.

  • Experience with collaborative design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

  • A strong understanding of agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, design systems, and accessibility (WCAG 2.1) are critical technical requirements. The "preferred qualifications" section elaborates on soft skills like independent ownership, collaborative leadership, strategic communication, and adaptive problem-solving, which are crucial for a senior role operating with autonomy.

šŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of UX design work, demonstrating end-to-end project ownership from problem definition to successful implementation.

  • Case studies that clearly articulate complex real-world problems, the strategic thinking applied, and the resulting elegant, user-centered design solutions.

  • Detailed examples of wireframing, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes created using tools like Figma.

  • Evidence of user research methodologies employed (e.g., user interviews, usability testing) and how insights informed design decisions.

  • Demonstrations of how design systems were utilized, maintained, or contributed to, ensuring visual and interaction consistency.

  • Examples of designs that adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) and inclusive design principles.

  • Work demonstrating responsive web and mobile design capabilities. Process Documentation:

  • Case studies should detail the design process followed for each project, including phases like problem framing, exploration, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

  • Documentation of how user feedback and research findings were synthesized and integrated into design iterations.

  • Clear articulation of how design decisions were made, balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

  • Examples of collaboration with product management and engineering teams, illustrating workflow integration and communication strategies.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just design artifacts but the strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and impact of the designs. The emphasis on Figma, design systems, and accessibility aligns with industry best practices for scalable products.

šŸ’µ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Sr. UX Designer role in Canada, particularly for a fully remote position, the estimated salary range is CAD $100,000 - $150,000 annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level UX professionals in Canada, considering factors such as experience level (5-10 years), specialization in product design, and the demand for remote talent. The specific offer will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and alignment with the company's needs.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Benefits Package provided through Deel (a global employment platform, often including health insurance, paid time off, and other standard benefits for remote employees).

  • Fully remote work environment, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

  • Collaborative work environment fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing.

  • Opportunities for fun remote collaborative events, such as virtual interactive classes and team-building activities.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week. Given the remote and global nature of NovoEd's operations, some flexibility may be expected to accommodate cross-time zone collaboration, but the core hours will align with typical professional expectations.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for Sr. UX Designers in Canada. Benefits are detailed as provided, with specific mention of Deel, which is common for international remote hires.

šŸŽÆ Team & Company Context

šŸ¢ Company Culture

Industry: EdTech (Education Technology) and Talent Development Software. NovoEd operates in a competitive landscape, focusing on experiential learning, professional development, and corporate training solutions.

Company Size: NovoEd is described as a "small, agile team." While the exact number isn't provided, this suggests a company size likely in the range of 50-200 employees, characteristic of a growing tech company with a focused product offering. This size often means greater individual impact and less bureaucracy.

Founded: Founded in 2012, originating from Stanford's social algorithm laboratory. This origin story highlights a strong academic and research-based foundation, likely influencing a data-driven and innovation-focused culture.

Team Structure:

  • The UX team is likely small and integrated within product development. As a Senior UX Designer, you will be a key individual contributor, potentially leading design for specific product areas or features.

  • You will report into a Head of Product, Design Lead, or similar role, and will work closely with Product Managers and Software Engineers in agile squads or cross-functional teams.

  • Collaboration is a core tenet, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional partnerships to drive product outcomes. Methodology:

  • Data-driven decision-making is implied by the company's origin and the emphasis on user research and impact.

  • Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring fast iteration, flexibility, and close team collaboration.

  • User-centered design principles are central to the product development process, ensuring solutions meet user needs effectively.

  • Focus on scalable, collaborative, and social online learning experiences points to a methodology that prioritizes engagement and effective knowledge transfer.

Company Website: https://www.novoed.com/ (Assuming this is the correct URL based on the company name and domain derived).

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by agility, a strong foundation in research, and a user-centric approach within the EdTech space. The "small, agile team" description is key to understanding the work environment and the expectation of individual contribution and ownership.

šŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It signifies a position where the designer is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, take ownership of significant product areas, and contribute to strategic decisions. It's a step beyond mid-level roles, requiring leadership in design thinking and execution.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX Designer will likely report to a Product Lead, Design Manager, or Head of Product. They will work in close partnership with Product Managers and Engineering teams, forming agile squads. This structure allows for direct collaboration and influence on product development.

Operations Impact: The Sr. UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of the NovoEd platform. By designing user-centered experiences that solve complex problems in talent development, they directly contribute to NovoEd's ability to deliver measurable outcomes for its clients and drive business growth. Their strategic input on product direction further amplifies this impact.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Design role as the company scales or product areas expand.

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven learning experiences, complex collaborative tools, or enterprise-level platform design.

  • Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in product strategy, roadmap planning, and potentially influencing company-wide design standards and best practices.

  • Mentorship: As a senior member, opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to building the design function within NovoEd.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: As a senior role in a growing company, the emphasis is on leadership through influence and execution, with clear paths for increased responsibility and specialization within the product design domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This means the employee will work from a home office or co-working space, eliminating the need for daily commutes and offering significant flexibility.

Office Location(s): Remote within Canada. This indicates that candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada and reside within the country. While specific cities aren't listed, the role can be performed from any location within Canada.

Workspace Context:

  • The work environment is remote and collaborative, facilitated by digital tools. Expect frequent use of video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative design platforms.

  • Access to robust design and collaboration tools (e.g., Figma, Slack, project management software) is expected.

  • Opportunities for interaction with colleagues will be through virtual channels, including team meetings, design critiques, and remote social events.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical. However, given the remote, global nature of NovoEd and its clients, there may be a need for occasional flexibility to accommodate meetings or urgent tasks with team members or stakeholders in different time zones. The remote setup generally allows for some degree of schedule flexibility within the work week.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature from Canada is a key defining characteristic. The work environment relies heavily on digital collaboration tools and proactive communication to maintain team cohesion and productivity.

šŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Step 1: Application & Recruiter Intro: After applying, a recruiter will reach out for an introductory call to assess initial fit, discuss the role, and understand your background and career aspirations. Be prepared to briefly highlight your most relevant senior UX experience and your interest in NovoEd's mission.

  • Step 2: Phone Interview: If the initial call is successful, you'll have a phone interview with a hiring manager or senior team member. This stage will delve deeper into your experience, design process, and problem-solving skills.

  • Step 3: Virtual Interviews (3-7 people): This is the most comprehensive stage, involving multiple virtual interviews with various stakeholders, potentially including Product Managers, Engineers, fellow Designers, and leadership. These interviews will assess your technical skills, design craft, collaboration style, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Expect to present your portfolio and discuss specific case studies.

  • Step 4: Final Evaluation: A final review will assess your overall fit for the role, team, and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your senior-level UX capabilities, problem-solving skills, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with NovoEd's focus on learning platforms, collaboration, and enterprise solutions.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions made, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your design.

  • Showcase Figma Proficiency: Highlight your advanced Figma skills, including component libraries, design systems, and collaborative features.

  • Emphasize User-Centeredness & Accessibility: Clearly demonstrate how user research informed your decisions and how you incorporated accessibility (WCAG 2.1) and inclusive design principles.

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

  • Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design rationale, trade-offs you made, and how you handled challenges or feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study presentation during the virtual interviews. This might involve analyzing a design problem, proposing solutions, or critiquing an existing experience.

  • Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex design decisions or strategic approaches.

  • Research NovoEd's product thoroughly. Understand its core value proposition, target audience, and competitive landscape. Think about potential areas for UX improvement.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process is typical for senior roles. The advice focuses on showcasing strategic thinking, process, and impact in the portfolio, which is critical for a Senior UX Designer.

šŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory for wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and design system management.

  • Prototyping Tools: In-depth knowledge of Figma's prototyping capabilities is essential. Experience with other tools like InVision, Adobe XD, or Sketch may be transferable but Figma is the primary requirement.

  • User Research & Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or even video conferencing tools for moderated sessions).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Product Analytics Tools: Understanding how to interpret data from tools like Mixpanel, Amplitude, Google Analytics, or similar platforms to inform design decisions and measure impact.

  • Data Visualization Tools: While not directly designing dashboards, understanding how data is presented and interpreted can be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

  • Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello for managing design tasks and workflows, and Slack or Microsoft Teams for communication.

  • Design System Management: Experience with tools or processes for maintaining and evolving design systems.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as an "expert-level" requirement. Understanding how design integrates with analytics and project management tools is crucial for a senior role in an agile environment.

šŸ‘„ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs in all design decisions.

  • Collaboration: Valuing cross-functional teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving with Product, Engineering, and other stakeholders.

  • Craftsmanship & Quality: A dedication to high-quality design execution, attention to detail, and pixel-perfect standards.

  • Innovation & Learning: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and methodologies, and a continuous drive to improve skills and product offerings.

  • Impact-Driven: Focusing design efforts on delivering measurable business outcomes and value to clients.

Collaboration Style:

  • Partnership: Working closely with Product Managers to define problems and scope, and with Engineers to ensure feasibility and quality implementation.

  • Iterative Feedback: Participating in and providing constructive feedback during design critiques and team reviews.

  • Proactive Communication: Regularly communicating progress, challenges, and insights to relevant stakeholders.

  • Agile Integration: Seamlessly integrating design within agile development sprints, adapting to changing priorities and requirements.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on user-centricity, collaboration, and impact aligns with typical values for successful product design teams in tech companies. The "small, agile team" context suggests a culture where direct communication and strong working relationships are key.

⚔ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Innovation with Feasibility: Designing cutting-edge features (e.g., AI-powered) while ensuring they are technically feasible and align with product goals and timelines.

  • Scaling Design Systems: Evolving and maintaining design systems for a growing product suite to ensure consistency and efficiency.

  • Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and building strong relationships with a distributed team across different time zones.

  • Ambiguity in Early Stages: Navigating early product exploration phases where requirements may be unclear, requiring strong synthesis and strategic problem-solving skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI & GenAI Exploration: Gaining hands-on experience designing and integrating AI/GenAI features, a rapidly evolving area in tech.

  • Product Strategy Involvement: Deeper engagement in product roadmap planning and strategic decision-making.

  • Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to building a strong design culture.

  • Industry Trends: Staying abreast of advancements in EdTech, UX design, and AI through conferences, webinars, and self-directed learning.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in dynamic tech environments. The growth opportunities are geared towards advancing strategic influence and technical specialization, particularly in emerging areas like AI.

šŸ’” Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex problem you solved using user-centered design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on articulating your strategic approach, research, and impact.)

  • "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" (Demonstrate your ability to make trade-offs and advocate for solutions.)

  • "Tell me about a time you had to influence stakeholders who disagreed with your design direction. How did you approach it?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills.)

  • "How would you approach designing a new AI-powered feature for a learning platform like NovoEd?" (Think about user needs, potential AI applications, ethical considerations, and integration challenges.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about NovoEd's mission and our approach to experiential learning?" (Research NovoEd's website, product, and mission thoroughly.)

  • "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Provide examples of your collaboration style and how you build relationships.)

  • "Describe your experience working within or contributing to design systems." (Be ready to discuss your understanding and practical application of design systems.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact/Outcomes -> Learnings.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, and relevant diagrams. Ensure they are clear and easy to understand.

  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most critical aspects of each project.

  • Engagement: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and the impact of your work. Practice presenting your case studies to simulate the interview environment.

  • Figma Demo: If possible, be prepared to briefly showcase your Figma file or a specific feature you're proud of.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and strong communication skills, all crucial for a senior UX role. The portfolio presentation strategy is key to effectively showcasing their work.

šŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. UX Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the Greenhouse application portal linked on the job posting.

  • Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight 5+ years of relevant UX/Product Design experience, emphasizing achievements in designing scalable, user-centered digital products. Use keywords from the job description like "Figma," "design systems," "user research," and "accessibility."

  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, up-to-date, and prominently features your strongest projects using Figma. Focus on case studies that demonstrate end-to-end ownership, strategic thinking, and measurable impact. Be ready to walk through 1-2 key projects in detail.

  • Research NovoEd: Understand NovoEd's mission, product, target audience, and competitors. Think about how your skills and experience align with their goals, particularly in the EdTech space.

  • Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Rehearse your answers to common UX interview questions and practice presenting your portfolio case studies.

āš ļø 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have 5+ years of experience in product design with a strong portfolio demonstrating user-centered solutions and complex problem-solving. Proficiency in Figma, design systems, and accessibility standards is required, along with the ability to work independently in an agile environment.