Sr UX Designer - Verizon - Freelance

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr UX Designer - Verizon - Freelance

Company: AKQA

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Contract

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Design Operations

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive best-in-class UX design strategies and execution for Verizon's digital platforms, focusing on user-centricity and business objectives.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, researchers, and marketing stakeholders, to translate complex requirements into intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Champion a data-informed design process, leveraging user research, analytics, and A/B testing to iterate and optimize digital product interfaces and workflows.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of design systems, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency across Verizon's digital ecosystem.

• Proactively identify opportunities for UX improvements and innovations that enhance user satisfaction, engagement, and conversion rates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a freelance, contract position focused on UX Design for Verizon, managed by AKQA. Given the "Sr" title and the nature of working with a large client like Verizon, the responsibilities will likely involve strategic input, complex problem-solving, and potentially leading design initiatives within specific product areas. The hybrid work model implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end UX design process for Verizon's digital products, from conceptualization and wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and user testing.

• Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights and validate design decisions.

• Develop user personas, journey maps, and information architecture to define the user experience strategy and guide design solutions.

• Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard design tools to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Collaborate with visual designers to ensure a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing user interface that aligns with Verizon's brand guidelines.

• Partner with engineering teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs and to provide ongoing design support throughout the development lifecycle.

• Participate in design reviews, providing constructive feedback and advocating for user needs.

• Stay abreast of the latest UX trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to continuously improve design quality and innovation.

• Contribute to the evolution of AKQA's UX capabilities and methodologies, sharing knowledge and best practices within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on senior role requiring a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and the ability to execute across the entire design lifecycle. The focus on Verizon implies a need to understand complex digital ecosystems and large-scale user bases.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in UX design, with a significant portion focused on digital product design for large-scale platforms or clients.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UX design principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• Strong proficiency in industry-standard UX design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision).

• Demonstrated experience in conducting user research, usability testing, and information architecture.

• Ability to create wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Experience working in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating strong collaboration and self-management skills.

• Portfolio showcasing a strong track record of successful UX design projects with measurable impact.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for telecommunications or large enterprise clients.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and how they relate to UX design.

• Experience with design systems and component libraries.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Experience with A/B testing and data analysis to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level suggests a need for candidates who can operate independently and contribute strategically. The hybrid requirement emphasizes the need for strong remote collaboration and communication skills. A compelling portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of UX principles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of UX design projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving.

• Projects should showcase the candidate's process, including research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Clear articulation of the user problem, design challenges, and the candidate's role in addressing them.

• Evidence of how designs solved specific user needs or business objectives, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Examples of interaction design, information architecture, and user flow mapping. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and present a structured UX design process, from discovery to delivery.

• Examples of how research findings were translated into design solutions.

• Documentation of iterative design cycles and how feedback was incorporated.

• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, marketing) throughout the design process.

• Understanding of how to integrate UX design within agile development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just presenting final designs; it must illustrate the strategic thinking, research methodology, and iterative process that led to the successful outcomes. Demonstrating impact through metrics is highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a freelance/contract position, compensation will be commensurate with experience and the specific project scope. Based on industry standards for Senior UX Designers in New York City with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive hourly rate or project fee will be offered. Typical ranges for similar roles in New York City can fall between $60 - $100+ per hour, depending on the agency, client, and specific project demands.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with a leading global brand (Verizon) through a renowned agency (AKQA).

• Exposure to high-impact digital products and large-scale user bases.

• Potential for ongoing freelance engagements based on performance and project needs.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Professional development opportunities through project experience and AKQA's network.

Working Hours: This is a freelance role, with an expected commitment of approximately 40 hours per week. Specific working hours will be coordinated with the AKQA project team and Verizon stakeholders to align with project timelines and hybrid work requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a freelance role, benefits are typically managed by the contractor. The salary estimate is based on standard freelance rates for senior UX designers in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City, considering the client (Verizon) and agency (AKQA) prestige.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing / Digital Experience Design / Technology Consulting. AKQA operates at the intersection of technology, design, and marketing, helping brands create innovative digital experiences. WPP is a global leader in communications services.

Company Size: AKQA is part of WPP, a large global network. AKQA itself has hundreds of employees across numerous global offices, indicating a substantial and well-resourced organization.

Founded: AKQA was founded in 2001. This long history suggests a mature and established agency with deep expertise and established processes.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a dedicated project team at AKQA, working closely with other designers, strategists, project managers, and client leads.

• This team will be embedded within or closely collaborating with Verizon's digital product development teams.

• The structure will be client-service oriented, with a focus on delivering high-quality design solutions within project timelines and budgets. Methodology:

• AKQA is known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to digital transformation, emphasizing human-centered design, agile methodologies, and cutting-edge technology.

• The agency likely employs a blend of design thinking, lean UX, and agile development practices to ensure effective and efficient project delivery.

• Collaboration and iteration are key components of their methodology, ensuring designs are user-validated and aligned with business goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture is generally described as innovative, collaborative, and focused on pushing creative boundaries. Working with a client like Verizon implies a need for professionalism, strong process adherence, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Designer. This level signifies a high degree of autonomy, strategic input, and leadership potential within design projects. The individual is expected to mentor junior designers and influence design direction.

Reporting Structure: As a freelance contractor, the designer will report to an AKQA Project Lead or Design Director for project-specific direction and performance. They will also work closely with Verizon product and engineering teams, taking direction from product owners and stakeholders on project requirements.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact will be directly tied to the success of Verizon's digital products. Effective UX design can lead to increased user engagement, higher conversion rates, reduced customer support costs, and improved brand loyalty. The role is critical in ensuring Verizon's digital offerings are competitive and user-friendly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like interaction design, UX research, design systems, or accessibility.

• Client Portfolio Expansion: Gain experience working with a prestigious client like Verizon, which can open doors to future high-profile projects.

• Leadership Development: Take on lead design roles on projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to AKQA's design strategy.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network within AKQA and with Verizon stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role, "growth" is often measured by the complexity and impact of projects, as well as the potential for repeat engagements. The opportunity to work with a major client like Verizon offers significant professional development and portfolio enhancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The job description states, "We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days." This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. Specific office location details for AKQA's New York office would be provided during the onboarding process.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model requires a well-equipped home office setup for remote days, along with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative office environment on designated in-office days.

• Access to AKQA's office resources, meeting rooms, and collaborative spaces will be available on in-office days.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, creative, and client-focused, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate project needs and client demands. Specific in-office days will be communicated by the AKQA project team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model necessitates strong communication and time management skills to balance remote and in-office work effectively. Understanding the specific in-office day requirements will be crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you present your selected UX case studies, detailing your process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your designs. Be prepared to discuss your role, decisions, and outcomes.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potentially a practical exercise or case study to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with design tools.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with AKQA project leads and potentially Verizon client representatives to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level UX capabilities and align with the requirements of this role (e.g., complex digital platforms, user-centric solutions).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, iteration), your design decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize your UX methodology, research techniques, and how you collaborated with teams.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would approach similar problems for Verizon.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is presented, focus on understanding the core problem, identifying key user needs, and outlining a structured approach to solving it.

• Clearly articulate your assumptions and rationale for design decisions.

• Prioritize efficiency and clarity in your solution, demonstrating your ability to deliver under time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical stage for UX roles. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects in detail, demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking and business acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential, with Figma and Sketch being industry leaders.

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace. Essential for hybrid and remote work environments.

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello. Familiarity with how design integrates into agile workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics. Understanding how to interpret data to inform design decisions.

• User Feedback Tools: Hotjar, UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey. For gathering qualitative and quantitative user insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX designer's core tools, understanding how UX interfaces with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma or Sketch is highly expected for a Senior UX Designer role in today's market. Familiarity with analytics and user feedback tools demonstrates a data-driven approach to design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Collaboration: Fostering a spirit of teamwork and open communication with designers, product managers, engineers, and clients.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to create groundbreaking digital experiences.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design output and client service.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing research and analytics to inform design strategies and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with diverse teams to achieve common goals.

• Constructive Feedback: Participating in and providing feedback in a way that drives improvement and innovation.

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing flexibility and adapting designs based on feedback and evolving project requirements.

• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture emphasizes innovation and collaboration. A successful candidate will be able to integrate well into a team, contribute creatively, and work effectively in a client-facing role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the diverse and sometimes competing needs of AKQA, Verizon, and end-users.

• Complex Digital Ecosystems: Designing for large-scale, complex digital platforms with established user bases and technical constraints.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion in a hybrid work model.

• Fast-Paced Project Cycles: Delivering high-quality design work within tight project deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Industry Leaders: Working with Verizon provides exposure to best practices in large-scale digital product development.

• Agency Expertise: Learning from AKQA's diverse talent pool and their leading-edge methodologies.

• Project Variety: The freelance nature offers opportunities to work on different aspects of Verizon's digital presence, broadening skill sets.

• Continuous Skill Enhancement: Staying current with evolving UX tools, techniques, and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ability to adapt to a hybrid work environment and manage complex project requirements will be key to overcoming challenges and maximizing growth opportunities in this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced on a large-scale digital product and how you approached it." (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and outcomes.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for a telecommunications app, considering user needs and business goals?" (Demonstrate your design thinking and strategic approach.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive?" (Discuss your knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices.)

• "How do you collaborate with product managers and engineers to bring a UX design to life?" (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AKQA and our work with clients like Verizon?" (Show you've done your research.)

• "How do you thrive in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss your strategies for effective remote and in-office collaboration.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design work. How did you handle it?" (Assess your openness to feedback.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly outline: Problem, Your Role, Process, Solution, and Results.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about your design journey and the impact you made.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decisions and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to articulate your design philosophy and how it aligns with user-centricity and business objectives. Emphasize how your experience with complex projects makes you a strong candidate for the Verizon account.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AKQA careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Curation: Select 3-5 key UX design projects that best showcase your senior-level expertise, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Ensure these projects highlight your process, research, and outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in UX design, digital product development, client-facing roles, and any relevant experience with large-scale platforms or the telecommunications industry. Use keywords from the job description.

• Presentation Practice: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design process, and quantifying results. Practice discussing your role and decisions confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AKQA's work, their approach to design, and any publicly available information about their collaboration with Verizon. Understand their values 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.

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