Staff Product Designer

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Apply human-centered design in meaningfully novel ways, while finding opportunities to support more design-driven decision making among digital product teams. 

• Contribute to strategic design thinking, influencing not only execution but also the overall digital design strategy. Ensure design decisions are aligned to the business strategy and direction. 

• Collaborate with other design leaders and staff (product management, design and engineering) to ensure a cohesive and innovative design approach.  

• Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, demonstrating confidence, charisma, and clarity in design discussions. Direct and mentor design teams. Influence digital experience strategy with product portfolio stakeholders and others within the organization. 

• Mentor and collaborate with junior team members, providing guidance and support in best practices and methodologies. 

• Utilize strong design facilitation skills to foster collaboration within cross-functional teams, and storytelling to build trust and establish long-term relationships. 

• Guide and conduct design research, leveraging insights for informed decision-making

• Integrate new design patterns and practices, enriching the design methodology toolkit.

• Models Thrivent’s leadership competencies – Model the Way, Rally the Team, and Deliver Outcomes.  ​ 

• Supports and/or develops an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.  Shapes and/or supports a culture that represents the Thrivent purpose, promise and values, ensuring that Thrivent’s trust and reputation remain strong with its clients.    

This role will interact with the following groups:

• Fellow design and product team (collaboration) 
• Product Designers, Associate Product Designers (mentorship) 
• Product, Design, and Engineering Managers (working sessions, collaboration) 
• Product, Design, and Engineering Directors (presentations) 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:   

 Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Interaction Design, UI/UX Design, Web Product Design, Web Development or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background. 

• 6-8 years of experience in a related field, with at least 5 years of experience in user experience, interaction design, product innovation and research in a product development team required. 

• Proven experience in leading projects and contributing to the development of multiple shipped digital products. 

• Ability to develop processes and approaches for tackling design problems, anticipating challenges, and uncovering innovative solutions. 

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain rationale for design decisions and clarify success metrics. 

• Demonstrated application of human-centered design with a keen understanding of business and technical impacts on digital design. 

• Self-directed and proactive, with a passion for driving progress and making meaningful contributions. 

• Able to turn research into action that solves the user definition of a problem. 

• Experience in cross-functional collaboration roles, with a focus on delivering business value. 

• 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. 

• Relevant agile experience. 

Preferred:   

• 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 services. 

• Familiarity with advanced design research methodologies and leveraging insights for design decision-making.