Director, Performance User Experience

Position Summary

The Director of Performance User Experience leads efforts to optimize user experience with a strong emphasis on performance metrics across our digital products and platforms. This role is instrumental in ensuring that products and experiences not only meet high standards of usability and user satisfaction but also achieve key performance indicators such as conversion rates, page load times, and overall digital performance. The Director of Performance User Experience will oversee a team of web developers, CRO professionals, and third-party partners to integrate performance optimization seamlessly into our digital experiences.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Planning & UX Design:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive UX strategy that prioritizes performance metrics and aligns with business goals.
• Conduct user research and usability testing to inform design decisions and improve the overall user experience.
• Guide the UX/UI design process to create user-centric digital experiences that drive engagement and conversion while not sacrificing web accessibility.
• Ensure all digital assets are visually appealing, functional, and align with brand guidelines.

Research & Testing:

• Utilize user research, usability testing, and data analysis to understand user behaviors and inform UX and performance optimization strategies.
• Implement A/B testing, multivariate testing, and other experimentation methodologies to validate UX and performance improvements.
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics such as conversion rates, bounce rates, session durations, and other relevant KPIs to identify opportunities for optimization.
• Make data-driven decisions to optimize digital strategies and improve ROI.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to UX design, performance optimization, and digital product development.

Infrastructure Management & Compliance:

• Ensure the technical infrastructure supports current and future digital initiatives, including website hosting, content management systems (CMS), and third-party integrations.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and partners, including digital agencies and technology providers.
• Ensure all digital platforms are secure, compliant with industry standards, and accessible.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Oversee the user experience, design, development, and maintenance of the company’s websites and web applications.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team including web developers and conversion rate optimization professionals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including IT, marketers, and executives to integrate performance optimization into all stages of digital product development.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  Supervise 2-4 employees

Requirements:

Experience:

• 8-12 years of experience in User Experience, Design Thinking, and Digital Product research, strategy, and design.
• 4-7 years of experience in digital marketing, web development, UX/UI design, and product development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing web development projects and digital teams.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in a leadership role overseeing UX design, performance optimization, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of UX/UI principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable improvements in user experience and performance metrics.
• Experience with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and performance monitoring tools.
• Proficiency in A/B testing platforms, usability testing methods, and performance optimization techniques.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and insights to inform decision-making.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and a passion for digital innovation.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of web technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal).
• Expertise in UX/UI design principles and tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure, Figma).
• Experience in product development processes, from ideation to launch.
• Proficiency in WCAG and Accessibility compliance standards.
• Proficiency in Agile methodologies and ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.
• Proficiency in digital analytics and SEO tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush).

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in UX design, HCI, computer science, business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Travel: Travel seldom required

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Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies.  Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University’s total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family.  For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.

Compensation Range:

National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality, diverse workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 5,000 faculty and staff and serves over 41,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community and a commitment to diversity. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our diverse student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

National University offers an opportunity to work in an innovative environment that supports diversity.

National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a diverse mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University. We are focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, color, ancestry, age, family care status, veteran status, marital status, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and other legally protected group status.