User Experience Specialist

The Pew Charitable Trusts

1d • $75,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The User Experience (UX) Specialist is a key member of Pew Research Center’s digital team. This role focuses on improving the usability, accessibility, and engagement of Pew’s digital products—particularly the Center’s primary website and interactive data features. The UX Specialist will plan and conduct user research, translate findings into actionable design recommendations, and collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to create intuitive and inclusive user experiences. The ideal candidate brings a mix of analytical thinking, creativity, and a strong understanding of user-centered design principles. This position reports to the Associate Director, Design and Production.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of professional experience requiring user research (planning, conducting, analyzing) and/or UX design as one of the primary responsibilities.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher with primary area of study in Human Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Information Design/Architecture, Interaction Design, User-Centered Design, or a similar discipline.
• Portfolio showcasing user research, wireframes, prototypes and/or research projects demonstrating careful thought and in-depth knowledge of user experience design principles.
• Solid understanding of human factors, usability heuristics, and user experience design principles
• Understand and consistently apply the principles and best practices of accessibility and universal usability standards
• Experience researching specific audience types and adapting design for specific needs, goals, traits, and preferences
• Mature and excellent communication skills (especially listening) required

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of prototyping tools, such as Figma, a plus
• Knowledge of basic SEO principles and techniques (for example, optimizing page titles), a plus
• Knowledge of Adobe products including Illustrator and Photoshop, a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, analyze, and present results from user research such as usability testing and user interviews.
• Make information architecture and design recommendations based on UX principles, user needs, accessibility standards and user research findings.
• Create wireframes, prototypes and design specifications as needed.
• Consult with the designers, engineers, producers and researchers on a variety of interactive data visualizations, webpages, navigation menus, and other user interfaces.
• Gather and distribute user interaction data from our published reports.
• Assist in developing and maintaining website taxonomy and metadata to improve content organization and findability.
• Lead UX strategy discussions and support long-term digital initiatives.

Benefits

• Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.
• Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
• Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans
• Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.
• A 37.5-hour workweek.
• Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.
• Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework “flex weeks” each year for most staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level