JOB DESCRIPTION
About CRS
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.
Job Summary
The User Experience (UX) Architect is responsible for implementing and overseeing user-centered design projects and activities related to CRS’ web applications/website. The UX Architect is a high-level digital strategist who will guide the digital efforts for CRS’ brand, sub-brands, and campaigns towards a unified online strategy that aligns with the agency’s goals; building awareness among our varied audiences, deepening engagement with current supporters, and raising more money to support our life-saving work overseas. The UX Architect plays a critical role in the redesign of our external facing websites.
This role will be supported by developers, designers, and content developers, but the incumbent should be as comfortable talking about marketing and fundraising as they are functionality and features.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
- Implement and oversee user-centered design methodologies to create intuitive, efficient, and delightful user experiences.
- Conduct comprehensive user research and analysis to gain deep insights into our target audience, their behaviors, goals, and pain points. Utilize these insights to inform, guide, and optimize design decisions.
- Guide internal stakeholders in the identification of their business goals and develop strategies and tactics required to meet them.
- Lead multiple project design activities which involves analytical research, concept development, and end user advocacy.
- Develop strategic recommendations and implementation plans for stakeholder review based on assessment, research, and data.
- Identify and develop information architecture, user flows, personas, wireframes, and mockups.
- Utilize and update as needed the master template of all CRS’s UX/UI contents, including typography, color, iconography, buttons, forms, responsive components, tiles, and navigation elements.
- Ensure design and user experience is accessible in accordance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.0.
- Review and maintain CRS style guides.
- Participate and represent CRS in industry-related development groups and communities to create optimal opportunities for learning resources and knowledge sharing.
- Mentor, support, and coach colleagues to keep staff up to date on online best practices.
- Design and implement new digital tools and strategies across all digital channels.
- Advise peers and senior colleagues on multiple teams to set and review goals, assess risks and outcomes, and analyze data.
- Create clear, detailed documentation of needs, requirements, and priorities.
- Design and implement new digital tools and strategies across all digital channels.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in related field
- Minimum of 6 years of digital strategy, online marketing/fundraising/advocacy, or agency experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Advanced knowledge with User Experience (UX) design
- Advanced knowledge with developing plans for usability testing and creating and utilizing Personas and Customer Journeys
- Advanced skills in organizational and stakeholder management
- Expert understanding of usability principles and user research methodologies
- Strong knowledge of information architecture, interaction design, and accessibility best practices including ability to create sitemaps and wireframes.
- Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in order to be able to communicate with front end designers and developers.
- Experience with online tools such as Drupal, WordPress, EveryAction/NP VAN, Google Analytics, tracking software such as HotJar, CrazyEgg, etc.
- Strong working knowledge of UX design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD.
- Working knowledge of photo manipulation tools such as Adobe Photoshop.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Working knowledge of project management and development practices.
- Advanced ability for independent action, decision making, and initiative with a strong and consistent attention to detail.
Required Languages – English is required; Spanish is a plus.
Travel – None
Supervisory Responsibilities – None
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
- Personal Accountability – consistently takes responsibilities for one’s own actions.
- Acts with Integrity – consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding and Mission. Is considered honest.
- Builds and Maintains Trust – shows consistency between words and actions.
- Collaborates with Others – works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
- Open to Learn – seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Key Working Relationships
Internal: Digital Team, Marketing and Communications Division, Charitable Giving, Mission and Mobilization, Overseas Operations, CG, MarCom, Executive Office, Support Services, Mission & Mobilization, Global People Resources, PIQA, and Overseas Operations.
External: Vendors, Consultants.
What we offer
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
Note: All candidates must be eligible to work in the US at the time of application.
***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
EOE/M/F/D/V – CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)
ABOUT US
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.
ABOUT THE TEAM
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.
CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer