User Experience (UX) Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Experience (UX) Designer

Company: Uniting NSW.ACT

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Technology

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 3-7 Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 from home)

🚀 Role Summary

• Strategic UX Leadership: Drive user experience strategy and design thinking across internal and customer-facing digital platforms within a purpose-driven organization.

• End-to-End Design Ownership: Lead UX discovery, research, wireframing, prototyping, and the development of design systems to create intuitive and inclusive digital experiences.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with product managers, developers, and business stakeholders to embed user-centered design principles and influence outcomes.

• Practice Uplift: Act as a subject matter expert to champion and elevate UX best practices throughout the organization, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes strategic influence and practice leadership rather than direct management, aligning with a senior individual contributor or specialist role. The hybrid work model offers flexibility while maintaining in-office collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead UX discovery and design thinking activities, including workshops, user interviews, and co-design sessions.

• Translate user insights into actionable deliverables such as personas, journey maps, and future-state experience designs.

• Create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and contribute to the evolution of design systems.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to validate designs and ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

• Collaborate closely with developers, product managers, and business stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of user-centered designs.

• Influence and guide UX best practices across multiple initiatives and programs.

• Support agile delivery processes through backlog development, user story creation, and roadmap planning.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the digital technology team.

• Champion user-centered thinking across the organization, acting as a trusted subject matter expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic influence, requiring a candidate who can both create and advocate for best-in-class user experiences. The emphasis on "influencing outcomes at both a strategic and delivery level" suggests a need for strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 3-7 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design: Proven expertise in creating intuitive, inclusive, and engaging digital experiences.

• Visual Design & Prototyping: Strong skills in visual design, wireframing, and creating high-fidelity prototypes.

• Design Systems: Experience in developing, maintaining, or contributing to design systems.

• User Research & Testing: Demonstrated ability to conduct user research (interviews, surveys) and usability testing.

• Design Thinking & Facilitation: Proficiency in leading design thinking workshops and facilitating collaborative sessions.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent ability to engage with and influence diverse stakeholders, including technical and non-technical audiences.

• Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.

• Problem-Solving: Analytical and solutions-focused approach to design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for diverse and inclusive user groups.

• Confidence working across both internal and customer-facing platforms.

• Experience in Agile development environments.

• Familiarity with enterprise transformation programs.

• Basic understanding of front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience range (3-7 years) suggests a mid-level to senior designer role. The preferred skills indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves, particularly experience with Agile and transformation programs, which are common in large organizations undergoing digital evolution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, comprehensive portfolio is mandatory.

• Showcase a range of work demonstrating expertise in:

  • Visual Design: High-quality UI design examples.
  • Prototyping: Interactive prototypes illustrating user flows and interactions.
  • Design Systems: Examples of contributions to or creation of design systems, component libraries, or style guides.
  • User-Centered Design Process: Case studies detailing your process from discovery and research through to final design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to design processes, including:
  • Discovery & Research: Evidence of user research methodologies and insight synthesis.
  • Ideation & Design: Examples of wireframing, user flow mapping, and prototyping.
  • Testing & Iteration: Show how user feedback was incorporated to refine designs.
  • Collaboration: Illustrate how you worked with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare case studies that clearly articulate their problem-solving process, design decisions, and the impact of their work, particularly emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided, based on industry benchmarks for a User Experience Designer with 3-7 years of experience in Sydney, Australia, the estimated annual salary would likely fall between AUD $90,000 and $130,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Tax-Free Salary Packaging: Access up to $18,550 in tax-free benefits annually, maximizing take-home pay.

• Wellbeing Programs: Access to Fitness Passport for discounted gym memberships and other wellness initiatives.

• Employee Discounts: Exclusive discounts through the "U Rewards" program.

• Meaningful Work: Opportunity to contribute to a leading human services organization with a strong social mission.

• Professional Development: Potential for growth and learning within a supportive environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are assumed to be 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical market rates for this role in Sydney. The tax-free salary packaging is a significant financial benefit for Australian employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Social Services / Not-for-Profit (NFP) / Community Services. Uniting NSW.ACT is a leading provider of aged care, disability services, community services, chaplaincy, and advocacy.

Company Size: Uniting is a large, established organization, indicating a structured environment with diverse programs and a significant digital footprint.

Founded: Uniting has a long history, suggesting a stable organization with a deep-rooted mission.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of the Digital Technology team.

• This role operates with a high degree of autonomy.

• While there are no direct reports, the UX Designer is expected to lead and uplift UX practice across the organization.

Methodology:

• The role operates within a digital technology team that likely follows modern development methodologies, with a stated preference for Agile environments.

• Emphasis on user-centered thinking and continuous improvement.

• Design processes will involve discovery, research, prototyping, and testing.

Company Website: https://www.uniting.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a large NFP like Uniting offers the opportunity to make a tangible social impact. The culture emphasizes values like compassion, inclusion, and courage, which should be reflected in a candidate's approach and portfolio.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer or a Lead UX Specialist. It requires significant experience and the ability to influence practices without direct managerial authority. The expectation is to act as a subject matter expert and drive the adoption of UX methodologies.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report into the Digital Technology team, likely to a Head of Digital, Digital Product Lead, or similar senior digital/technology management role.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer will have a direct impact on the effectiveness and user-friendliness of both internal systems (improving employee efficiency and experience) and customer-facing platforms (enhancing service delivery and user satisfaction). This role is crucial for driving digital transformation and ensuring technology serves the organization's mission effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Practice Leadership: Opportunity to shape and mature the UX practice within Uniting, potentially leading to a UX Manager or Head of Design role in the future.

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

• Cross-Program Exposure: Gain experience across a wide range of digital initiatives within a large, diverse organization.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or product team members in UX principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "leading and uplifting UX practice" suggests significant growth potential for a candidate looking to make a strategic impact and grow their leadership capabilities within the UX domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Uniting operates from a central Sydney CBD location, indicating a professional office environment. The role is hybrid, combining office-based collaboration with remote work flexibility.

Office Location(s): Pitt Street, Sydney CBD. This central location offers accessibility and proximity to various amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The role is part of the Digital Technology team, implying a tech-forward environment.

• Collaboration is key, with expectations for in-office days to facilitate workshops, brainstorming sessions, and team interactions.

• Access to standard office technology and design tools (Figma, Adobe CC, Miro/Mural, Jira/Confluence) is expected.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (likely 40 hours/week) are expected, with the hybrid model providing flexibility for remote work days. The closing date for applications is May 15, 2026.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering a balance between collaborative in-office work and the autonomy of remote work. Candidates should be comfortable with this arrangement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical process for a role like this would include:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of CV and cover letter.

2. Portfolio Review & Screening Call: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio and initial discussion of experience.

3. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Louise Massie, focusing on UX philosophy, process, and fit.

4. Technical/Design Challenge: A practical exercise (e.g., a mini case study, critique, or design problem) to assess design skills and thinking.

5. Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key collaborators (developers, product managers) to assess fit and collaboration style.

6. Final Interview/Offer: Potential final discussion with senior leadership and offer extension.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in visual design, prototyping, design systems, and user research.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (discovery, ideation, design, testing), your design decisions, and the outcomes/impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Inclusivity & Accessibility: Showcase projects where you specifically considered and implemented inclusive design principles and accessibility standards.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used (Figma, Adobe CC, etc.) within your case studies.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio and answer questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Uniting NSW.ACT's mission, services, and target user groups to inform your approach.

• Focus on Process: For any design challenge, emphasize your process and how you would approach the problem, even if you can't fully solve it in the allotted time.

• Embrace Constraints: Acknowledge any limitations (time, information) and discuss how you would navigate them.

• Articulate Rationale: Clearly explain the reasoning behind your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates must prepare a compelling and well-organized portfolio that showcases their end-to-end UX capabilities, with a particular focus on the requirements outlined in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be a primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Proficiency with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, etc., is likely expected for asset creation and graphic design elements.

• Miro / Mural: Essential for collaborative workshops, brainstorming, journey mapping, and ideation sessions.

Project Management & Collaboration:

• JIRA / Confluence: Used for backlog management, user story tracking, and team collaboration/documentation.

Other Potential Tools (Bonus Points):

• Experience with front-end technologies (HTML/CSS/JS).

• Familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, InVision).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and experience with collaborative tools like Miro/Mural are crucial. Familiarity with JIRA/Confluence indicates the need to integrate design work into development workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: Uniting operates with a strong emphasis on its core values:

• Compassion: Empathy and care in all interactions.

• Inclusion: Valuing diversity and ensuring everyone feels welcome and respected.

• Courage: Taking initiative, speaking up, and confronting injustice.

• Respect: Treating all individuals with dignity.

• Imagination & Boldness: Driving innovation and creative solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• User-Centered: A strong focus on understanding and advocating for user needs.

• Cross-Functional: Close collaboration with Product, Development, and various business units.

• Influential: Ability to persuade and guide stakeholders, even without direct authority.

• Proactive & Autonomous: Expected to work independently and take initiative.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and work style align with Uniting's core values, particularly compassion, inclusion, and courage, and how they foster these in their design practice.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Embedding UX Culture: Helping to embed user-centered thinking and UX best practices across a large, established organization that may have varying levels of digital maturity.

• Influencing Without Authority: Effectively driving design decisions and UX standards across different departments and stakeholder groups without direct reporting lines.

• Balancing Internal/External Needs: Designing for both internal employee-facing tools and external customer-facing platforms, each with unique user needs and business objectives.

• Navigating Complexity: Working within a large non-profit structure with diverse programs and potentially complex legacy systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• UX Practice Development: Opportunity to significantly shape and grow the UX function within Uniting.

• Social Impact: Contributing to meaningful digital solutions that enhance the lives of vulnerable communities.

• Continuous Learning: Exposure to diverse projects and technologies within a large organization.

• Professional Networking: Building relationships with a broad range of stakeholders across operations, technology, and service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the strategic and interpersonal skills required. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to build a UX practice and make a substantial impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your philosophy on user-centered design and how you advocate for users.

• Expect questions about how you approach UX discovery and translate research into design solutions.

• Prepare to describe how you handle stakeholder management and influence decisions, especially when there are conflicting priorities.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Uniting's mission, values, and the services they provide. Understand their commitment to social justice and community impact.

• Be ready to explain how your values align with theirs (compassion, inclusion, courage).

• Discuss your experience working in hybrid or remote environments and how you maintain collaboration.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by showcasing your end-to-end process.

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role, the design process, your decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Be Ready to Defend: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and how you handled challenges.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight instances where you worked effectively with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should tailor their preparation to Uniting's mission-driven context and the specific requirements of a senior UX role in a large NFP. Demonstrating an understanding of their user base (clients, communities, staff) will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Experience Designer position:

• Submit your CV and Cover Letter through the designated application platform (as direct applications are not accepted).

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is polished, well-organized, and clearly showcases your end-to-end UX process, visual design skills, prototyping capabilities, and experience with design systems and user research. Highlight projects demonstrating inclusivity and accessibility.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the specific skills and experience mentioned in the job description, particularly your years of experience, proficiency in key tools (Figma, Adobe CC, Miro), and experience with user research and stakeholder engagement.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Uniting NSW.ACT's mission, values, and services. Understand their commitment to social impact to effectively articulate your alignment during interviews.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your UX philosophy, design process, and how you handle challenges related to influencing stakeholders and embedding UX best practices. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes inferences based on industry standards and the provided information. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization, Uniting NSW.ACT, before making application decisions. Ensure your application is submitted via the specified platform by the closing date of May 15, 2026.