Principal Designer

Thrivent • Minneapolis, MN

285d • $150,735 - $203,936

About The Position

We are seeking an accomplished and indispensable individual contributor to help lead teams in framing and solving complex problems that drive innovation and create new value through visionary design experiences. With your breadth of expertise, mentorship abilities, and thought leadership, you will elevate our company's reputation as an industry leader in design. Your strategic vision, storytelling prowess, and executive partnership will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organization and driving real change in how we approach our business.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Interaction Design, UI/UX Design, Web Product Design, Design Strategy, Communication Design, or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
• 12+ years of experience in a related field, with 5-8 years of experience in user experience, product innovation and research, design strategy, or entrepreneurship required.
• Proven experience in design leadership with a track record of driving innovation and creating new value through the release of visionary design experiences.
• Demonstrated experience working across multiple workstreams and developing new practices that drive increased value.
• Expert communication skills, with demonstrated proficiency engaging with executive stakeholders and creating a clarifying vision of experience.
• Proven application of human-centered design methodologies to complex user and business problems and deep understanding of business and technical constraints and their impact on digital experience.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to guide and mentor contributors and leaders both within and outside of design.
• Able to run user research and identify when to leverage it, with a good understanding of contemporary research theories, methodologies (especially user-centered design processes), and human factors.
• Extensive knowledge of how to leverage a design system and how to push the boundaries of the design system to achieve product and user goals.
• Thrives in dynamic environments and embraces ambiguity as an opportunity for innovation and growth.

Nice To Haves

• Exceptional communication skills, including advanced storytelling and persuasion techniques within a design context.
• Strategic design thinking and the ability to contribute to the overall design strategy of the organization.
• Knowledge and experience working in diversified financial service.
• Familiarity with advanced design research methodologies and leveraging insights for design decision-making.
• Relevant Agile experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams in framing and solving hard problems, using human-centered design practices, that drive innovative efforts that uncover new value through visionary design experiences.
• Champion design internally and externally, positioning our company as an industry leader.
• Lead across multiple workstreams and develop new practices that drive increased value and appreciation of design both internally and externally.
• Develop and articulate a compelling vision for the team, influencing at all levels of the organization.
• Direct cross-functional teams and establish executive partnerships, using storytelling and persuasion to connect strategy and vision with day-to-day practicality.
• Drive meetings and actions that reflect holistic, integrated understanding of organizational context and LOB-level strategy.
• Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, demonstrating confidence, charisma, and clarity in design discussions.
• Direct and mentor design teams.
• Work with partners and stakeholders to make real change in how the company approaches its business.
• Utilize strong design facilitation skills to foster collaboration within cross-functional teams, and storytelling to build trust and establish long-term relationships.
• Run research activities and leverage insights to drive innovation, focusing on entire user experiences or leading special/innovation projects to push boundaries and uncover new possibilities.
• Mentor and collaborate with junior team members, providing guidance and support in best practices and methodologies.
• Integrate new design patterns and practices, enriching the design methodology toolkit.
• Model Thrivent's leadership competencies - Model the Way, Rally the Team, and Deliver Outcomes.
• Support and/or develop an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.
• Shape and/or support a culture that represents the Thrivent purpose, promise and values, ensuring that Thrivent's trust and reputation remain strong with its clients.

Benefits

• Various bonuses (including, for example, annual or long-term incentives)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending account
• 401k
• Pension
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Disability insurance
• Supplemental protection insurance
• 20 days of Paid Time Off each year
• Sick and Safe Time
• 10 paid company holidays
• Volunteer Time Off
• Paid parental leave
• EAP
• Well-being benefits
• Other employee benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree