UX Design / Research Specialist

6-12+ Month Contract Position

Location - Rosemont, IL / Remote (must be local and be able to be onsite 2-3 times a month)

Our client is looking to add a UX Designer & Research Specialist who can embed user empathy, data-driven insight, and design excellence into every step of our digital experience. Youll partner with the existing UX designer in a collaborative, hands-on role to lift overall UX maturity, challenge assumptions, and improve usability across both external and internal systems.

Responsibilities :

Collaborate closely with the existing UX designer as well as work independently to develop design systems, patterns, and standards.

Translate insights and requirements into wireframes, flows, prototypes, and UI mockups using Figma (desktop + cloud).

Plan, conduct, and analyze usability studies, user interviews, surveys, and other research to uncover pain points, behaviors, and opportunities.

Synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable insights, personas, user journeys, and research reports.

Conduct design reviews, provide critique, and iterate based on feedback and test results.

Advocate for UX excellence by cultivating relationships with business owners, proactively communicating progress and insights, and effectively influencing stakeholders and product decisions to ensure user-centric outcomes.

Serve as a UX championpresenting research findings and design rationale to stakeholders at all levels to build understanding and inspire action.

Work on both external member portals and internal web apps, helping to converge UX across legacy and new tools.

Monitor usage, metrics, and feedback post-launch to iterate and validate design improvements.

Demonstrate ownership and strategic foresight by independently planning, scoping, and executing user research and design projects aligned with business goals.

Navigate ambiguity with flexibility and sound judgment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to an evolving environment.

Qualifications :

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

3+ years of experience in UX / UI design and research (or equivalent).

Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative user research (interviews, usability testing) and interpreting results.

Strong ability to turn research insights into design deliverables (wireframes, prototypes, flows).

Proficiency in Figma (desktop + cloud).

Excellent communication and persuasion skillsable to present findings to non-UX audiences, influence decisions, and proactively provide updates.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a lean team.

Detail orientation, strong problem-solving skills, and empathy for end users.

Familiarity with accessibility (WCAG) and inclusive design principles.

Portfolio that demonstrates both research thinking and design output.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

3+ years of experience in healthcare benefits.

2+ years of experience using Azure DevOps

2+ years of experience on CRM implementations

Experience working in a nonprofit, public sector, or small team environment.

Experience building or contributing to design systems or component libraries.

Formal education in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Design, or related field.

The anticipated hourly rate range for this position is ($60-70 / hr). Actual hourly rate will be based on a variety of factors including relevant experience, knowledge, skills and other factors permitted by law. A range of medical, dental, retirement and / or other benefits are available after a waiting period.