UX Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Strategist

Company: Ascensus

Location: Remote, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Strategy & Design

Date Posted: June 02, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (10-15+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the long-term user experience (UX) vision and strategy for complex, program-level initiatives across web, mobile, and emerging AI platforms, ensuring alignment with business objectives and client needs.

• Drive user-centered design culture, process improvements, and innovation throughout the organization, fostering strong collaboration across Product, IT, Analytics, and Design teams.

• Translate deep business understanding, client insights, market trends, and emerging technologies into actionable UX direction and a compelling north-star experience for product teams.

• Utilize expert-level design thinking, agile, and lean methodologies to solve large-scale, intricate problems and create intuitive, impactful client experiences.

• Serve as a senior individual contributor with broad strategic influence, presenting experience visions and recommendations to leadership and senior stakeholders to guide execution and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant strategic influence, focusing on long-term vision and cross-functional leadership rather than direct team management. The emphasis on AI, web, and mobile experiences within a financial services context (Ascensus's industry) is a key differentiator.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive UX strategy, core principles, and a cohesive north-star experience vision for Ascensus's most complex, program-level initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy.

• Present clearly articulated experience visions, strategic recommendations, and data-driven insights to executive leadership and senior stakeholders to secure buy-in and guide strategic decision-making.

• Foster deep partnerships with leadership across Product Management, Information Technology (IT), and Analytics to thoroughly understand core business objectives and user needs, identifying new opportunities for strategic UX intervention.

• Collaborate closely with UX Research teams to conduct discovery work, synthesize research findings, develop comprehensive journey maps, engage in service design initiatives, and frame strategic opportunities.

• Guide and mentor product teams in prioritizing user needs, ensuring robust accessibility standards are met, and championing long-term experience value in every product iteration.

• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and competitive landscapes to inform and evolve the UX strategy, ensuring Ascensus remains at the forefront of digital experience.

• Lead experience and design reviews, providing strategic direction, constructive feedback, and quality oversight to ensure alignment with the established experience vision and Ascensus's design standards.

• Drive the adoption of a user-centered design culture and advocate for continuous process improvements and innovation across the organization, influencing upwards, downwards, and laterally.

• Utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to rigorously inform design decisions, validate strategic direction, and ensure that implemented solutions achieve their intended business and user impact.

• Actively contribute to other assigned tasks and projects, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to support broader organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic vision setting, cross-functional leadership, and hands-on guidance within the UX discipline. The emphasis on "program-level initiatives" and presenting to "senior stakeholders" indicates a high level of autonomy and impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in a creative or technical field is required.

• Graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant field is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of progressively responsible experience in User Experience (UX) strategy, design, and leadership.

• Demonstrated experience solving complex UX problems for large-scale clients and developing thoughtful, innovative web and mobile experiences. Required Skills:

• UX Strategy: Proven ability to define and articulate long-term user experience visions and strategic roadmaps.

• Design Thinking: Expert-level proficiency in applying Design Thinking methodologies to problem-solving and innovation.

• Figma: High proficiency in using design and prototyping software, specifically Figma, for creating advanced user interfaces and workflows.

• Agile & Lean Methodologies: Deep understanding and practical application of Agile and Lean principles in a product development context.

• AI Enablement for UX: Knowledge and strategic insight into leveraging AI to enhance user experiences.

• Web & Mobile UX Patterns: Comprehensive understanding of best practices, design patterns, and emerging technologies for both web and mobile platforms.

• HTML/CSS: Foundational understanding of HTML and CSS to inform design decisions and collaborate effectively with development teams.

• User Research & Synthesis: Experience partnering with UX research for discovery, synthesis, journey mapping, and opportunity framing.

• Communication & Storytelling: Stellar communication skills, including compelling storytelling, impactful visualization, and effective use of qualitative and quantitative data to influence stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Exceptional ability to build strong, collaborative relationships and manage expectations across diverse teams (Design, Product, IT, Analytics).

Preferred Skills:

• Service Design: Experience in service design principles and application.

• Accessibility Standards: Deep knowledge of accessibility best practices and implementation.

• Quantitative & Qualitative Data Analysis: Proficiency in using data to drive design decisions and measure impact.

• Prototyping: Advanced skills in creating interactive prototypes to test and communicate design concepts.

• Competitive Analysis: Extensive knowledge of the competitive landscape within the financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is substantial, indicating a need for a seasoned professional. The explicit mention of Figma and AI UX patterns points to specific tool and technological proficiencies expected. The blend of strategic thinking, methodological expertise, and strong communication skills is paramount for this senior role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio demonstrating extensive experience in solving the most complex UX problems across large-scale digital platforms (web and mobile).

• Case studies showcasing the strategic thinking behind UX decisions, not just the final visual output.

• Evidence of defining and executing a long-term UX vision or strategy for a significant product or program.

• Examples of how data (qualitative and quantitative) was used to inform strategy and measure the impact of UX initiatives.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in applying Design Thinking, Agile, and Lean methodologies to real-world projects. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have driven process improvements within UX teams or cross-functional product development lifecycles.

• Illustrate your approach to standardizing UX practices, ensuring quality, and fostering innovation.

• Present how you have integrated user research findings and data analytics into design and strategy workflows.

• Provide examples of how you have facilitated collaboration and communication across diverse teams to achieve strategic UX goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, emphasizing strategic impact, problem-solving complexity, and the application of core methodologies. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and demonstrate measurable outcomes will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Strategist with 10-15+ years of experience in a remote capacity within Pennsylvania, the estimated salary range is $140,000 - $190,000 annually. This range is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and interview performance. Ascensus may also offer performance-based bonuses. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA).

• Financial Security: 401(k) with Company Match, 529 College Savings Plan with Company Match.

• Time Off & Leave: Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer and Charitable-giving Programs.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for Professional Development, In-house Training, Tuition Reimbursement.

• Recognition: Reward Programs.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week.

• The role offers flexibility to manage work hours effectively, particularly given its remote nature, but requires consistent availability during core business hours for collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior UX Strategy roles in the US, adjusted for a remote position in Pennsylvania. Ascensus offers a comprehensive benefits package, with a strong emphasis on financial planning and professional growth, aligning well with the expectations for a senior-level role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (specifically, retirement, college savings, and other long-term financial planning solutions). Ascensus is a leading independent recordkeeping, third-party administration, and compliance services provider.

Company Size: Ascensus is a large organization, with a significant number of employees, indicating a structured environment with established processes and a broad reach. This size suggests ample opportunities for impact and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: Ascensus was founded in 1977, providing a long history and deep expertise in the financial services sector. This longevity implies stability, a strong understanding of client needs, and a culture built on trust and reliability.

Team Structure:

• The UX Strategist will report to the SVP, UX, indicating a direct line to senior leadership within the User Experience department.

• The role involves extensive collaboration with Product Management, IT, Analytics, and other UX designers, suggesting a matrixed or project-based team structure where cross-functional partnerships are essential.

• The UX team likely comprises various specialists, including researchers, designers, and strategists, working together to deliver cohesive user experiences. Methodology:

• Ascensus likely employs a blend of Agile and Lean methodologies for product development, with UX deeply integrated into these frameworks.

• Data analysis and user insights are critical drivers for decision-making, as indicated by the need to use qualitative and quantitative data.

• The company emphasizes a user-centered design culture, aiming to translate business strategy and client needs into actionable UX direction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ascensus operates within a regulated and client-focused industry. The company's culture is likely characterized by a commitment to quality, integrity, and client success, reflecting its long history and mission. The size and industry suggest a need for strategic thinkers who can navigate complex organizational structures and deliver impactful, scalable solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is firmly at the Senior Individual Contributor level, equivalent to a Principal or Lead UX Strategist. It involves defining strategic direction, influencing senior leadership, and guiding complex initiatives, rather than managing a team directly. The scope of influence is broad, impacting long-term product vision and organizational process.

Reporting Structure: The UX Strategist will report directly to the SVP, UX. This direct reporting line provides visibility and access to executive decision-making, enabling significant influence on the company's UX strategy. Collaboration will be extensive with peers in Product, IT, and Analytics.

Operations Impact: The UX Strategist's impact is critical to Ascensus's mission of helping millions achieve their financial goals. By shaping user experiences for web, mobile, and AI platforms, this role directly influences client engagement, satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, the business's ability to drive revenue and achieve its strategic objectives. A well-defined UX strategy leads to more effective product adoption and client loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven UX, financial technology (FinTech) UX, or complex platform strategy, potentially leading to Principal UX Strategist roles or architecting new UX domains.

• Mentorship & Influence: Serve as a thought leader and mentor to junior UX professionals, shaping the overall UX practice and culture at Ascensus.

• Strategic Impact: Continue to drive high-impact, program-level initiatives that have significant organizational and market influence. Opportunities to contribute to broader digital transformation strategies.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent Ascensus at industry conferences, contributing to thought leadership and professional networking within the UX and FinTech communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for a seasoned UX professional to exert strategic influence and drive meaningful change within a large, established organization. The growth path focuses on deepening strategic impact and thought leadership rather than traditional people management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility and the ability to work from a home office. Ascensus emphasizes maintaining an uninterrupted workspace and reliable internet connectivity (25 Mbps or better) for remote employees.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the primary work location is designated as Pennsylvania, United States. This may indicate a preference for candidates residing within or willing to relocate to Pennsylvania, or it could be an administrative designation for tax and legal purposes.

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility & Autonomy: Remote work provides a high degree of autonomy in managing one's workday, allowing for a personalized work environment conducive to focused strategic thinking and complex problem-solving.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect to utilize a suite of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Figma) for communication, project management, and design reviews, facilitating seamless interaction with distributed teams.

• Cross-functional Interaction: While remote, the role demands active engagement with various departments, requiring proactive communication and digital collaboration to foster a connected and productive work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The standard full-time work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week.

• While remote work offers flexibility, candidates must ensure availability during core Ascensus business hours to facilitate synchronous collaboration, attend meetings, and respond to urgent requests. Effective time management is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role necessitates strong self-discipline, excellent digital communication skills, and a reliable home office setup. The emphasis on Pennsylvania as a location might be relevant for occasional team gatherings or compliance, but the primary work mode is remote.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 complex case studies that demonstrate your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and impact on large-scale projects. Be prepared to discuss your process, decision-making rationale, and measurable outcomes.

• Hiring Manager & Team Interviews: Interviews with the SVP, UX, and potentially other senior members of the UX, Product, or IT teams. These will delve deeper into your strategic approach, collaboration style, and understanding of financial services UX.

• Skills-Based Assessment: You may be asked to complete a UX strategy exercise or a take-home assignment to evaluate your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to apply methodologies like Design Thinking or Agile.

• Final Round: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Strategy: Highlight the "why" behind your design choices. Emphasize how you translated business goals and user needs into strategic UX direction.

• Showcase Complexity: Select projects that demonstrate your ability to handle large-scale, intricate problems and drive significant impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data (user metrics, business KPIs, conversion rates, engagement levels) to illustrate the success and ROI of your UX strategies.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives, outlining the problem, your approach, the solutions, and the results.

• Tailor to Ascensus: Research Ascensus's products and target audience. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills align with their specific challenges and goals in the financial services sector.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare for challenges that require you to define a UX strategy for a new feature, product, or a problem within the financial services domain.

• Methodology Application: Be ready to articulate how you would apply Design Thinking, Agile, or Lean principles to a given scenario.

• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting user data and business metrics to inform strategic recommendations.

• Communication: Rehearse articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely, as you would need to present your strategy to diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily emphasize strategic thinking, portfolio demonstration, and the ability to articulate impact. Candidates should prepare detailed case studies that exemplify their ability to lead and influence UX strategy at a senior level.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in advanced features, component libraries, and design systems is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Adobe XD) might be beneficial for diverse project needs.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for real-time communication and team coordination.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing project workflows and tracking progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing user data and presenting insights to stakeholders.

• Web Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar for tracking user behavior and measuring the impact of UX initiatives.

• User Feedback Platforms: Experience with tools for collecting and analyzing user feedback (e.g., surveys, feedback widgets).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) store client data and how UX design can impact CRM utilization and effectiveness.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how UX design can streamline user workflows and potentially integrate with automation tools to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools highlighted are Figma for design and collaboration platforms for remote work. A strategic UX role also requires strong analytical skills and an understanding of how UX impacts broader business systems like CRMs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People Matter: A commitment to valuing and respecting colleagues and clients, fostering an inclusive environment, and prioritizing client success in all UX initiatives.

• Quality First: A dedication to delivering high-quality, well-researched, and meticulously designed user experiences that meet rigorous standards.

• Integrity Always®: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional interactions, data handling, and strategic recommendations, particularly crucial in the financial services sector.

• User-Centered Approach: A deep-seated belief in understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring their needs and goals are at the forefront of all strategic decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A reliance on qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategy, validate hypotheses, and measure the effectiveness of UX interventions.

• Continuous Improvement: An ethos of constantly seeking ways to enhance processes, refine strategies, and elevate the user experience through innovation and iteration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Proactive and collaborative engagement with Product, IT, Analytics, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive strategy and execution.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, active listening, and constructive feedback exchange to foster innovation and problem-solving.

• Influence and Alignment: A style that focuses on building consensus, articulating clear value propositions, and aligning diverse perspectives towards common strategic objectives.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share expertise, mentor junior team members, and contribute to a collective learning environment within the UX discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ascensus's core values (People Matter, Quality First, Integrity Always®) are central to its culture. For a UX Strategist, these translate into a client-focused, high-quality, and ethical approach to designing experiences, emphasizing collaboration and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Large Organizations: Effectively influencing strategy and driving change within a large, established organization like Ascensus requires strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution: Translating long-term UX vision into actionable steps for product teams, ensuring alignment across multiple projects and timelines.

• Integrating AI Strategically: Identifying and implementing AI-driven UX solutions that provide genuine value to users and the business, moving beyond novelty to practical application.

• Data Interpretation in Financial Services: Extracting actionable insights from complex financial data and user behavior to inform UX strategy in a highly regulated industry.

• Maintaining Remote Collaboration: Fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and effective collaboration in a fully remote environment, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Strategy: Deepen expertise in areas such as AI in UX, service design, complex system design, and behavioral economics as applied to financial planning.

• Industry Trends & Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and UX best practices, particularly within the FinTech and retirement services sectors.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior designers and contributing to the strategic direction of the UX function.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gain deeper insights into Product Management, IT architecture, and data analytics to enhance strategic collaboration and understanding of business drivers.

• Professional Certifications & Conferences: Opportunities to attend industry conferences and pursue relevant certifications to enhance professional development and industry standing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior strategic role in a large corporation, emphasizing influence and complex problem-solving. The growth opportunities are geared towards increasing strategic impact, specialization, and leadership within the UX domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a long-term UX vision for a complex product or service. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic framework, stakeholder alignment, and impact metrics.)

• "How would you approach integrating AI capabilities into Ascensus's user experience to enhance client financial goal achievement?" (Prepare to discuss specific AI applications, user benefits, and strategic considerations.)

• "Given our focus on retirement and college savings, how would you use Design Thinking to identify unmet user needs and translate them into innovative UX solutions?" (Demonstrate your understanding of Design Thinking phases and application to Ascensus's domain.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as Ascensus's biggest UX challenges and opportunities?" (Show your understanding of the company's business and user base.)

• "How do you foster a user-centered design culture within cross-functional teams, especially in a remote setting?" (Highlight your collaboration and influence strategies.)

• "Ascensus values 'Integrity Always®'. How does this value influence your approach to UX strategy and design?" (Connect your professional ethics to company values.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The Narrative Arc: Structure each case study with a clear beginning (problem/opportunity), middle (your strategic approach, process, and solutions), and end (measurable results and impact).

• Strategic Rationale: For each design decision, be prepared to articulate the strategic reasoning, supported by user research, data, or business objectives.

• Quantifiable Outcomes: Clearly present the impact of your work using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced support tickets, or enhanced engagement.

• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used (especially Figma) and how they facilitated your process, but keep the focus on strategic thinking and outcomes.

• Conciseness: Aim for 2-3 impactful case studies, dedicating sufficient time to each without rushing. Be ready for follow-up questions that probe deeper into your involvement and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic depth, a strong understanding of Ascensus's business, and the ability to articulate impact through portfolio examples. Be ready to discuss both methodology and tangible results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the Ascensus careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in UX strategy, large-scale problem-solving, and your work within comparable industries or complex digital environments.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 10-15+ years of experience, emphasizing achievements related to defining UX vision, driving process improvements, and influencing stakeholders. Use keywords from the job description like "UX Strategy," "Design Thinking," "Figma," and "Agile."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key case studies that showcase strategic thinking, problem-solving, and measurable impact. Prepare to discuss your approach to AI in UX and your understanding of the financial services landscape.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ascensus, its products, its mission, and its stated values. Understand its position in the financial services market and identify potential UX challenges and opportunities relevant to your strategic approach.

⚠️ 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.