Director of User Experience

Director of User Experience Blue Spire is looking to add another experienced Director of User Experience (UX) to our enterprise UX team, Green Pixel Studios in Citizens Bank. They will play a critical role in leading the design and delivery of digital customer experiences across our banking platforms. This role partners with existing UX Directors managing a team and focusing on improving usability, accessibility, and customer satisfaction through thoughtful design and data-driven decision-making. The candidate will bring deep expertise in digital UX strategy, team leadership and coaching, and cross-functional collaboration within a regulated industry. Primary responsibilities: Develop and execute UX strategies for web, mobile, and emerging digital channels. Align UX initiatives with business goals, customer needs, and regulatory requirements. Manage, coach, and mentor a variety of UX designers and Principals, researchers, and content strategists. Promote, expand and encourage a collaborative, inclusive, and feedback-driven design culture. Oversee the creation of user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs to promote quality and adherence to Citizens UX design process. Ensure consistency, quality, accessibility, and usability across digital touchpoints. Coach designers on how to translate UX research insights into actionable design improvements and product enhancements as part of a data-informed decision-making process. Work closely with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Compliance teams to create and deliver cohesive experiences. Facilitate and lead conversations and workshops with cross-functional teams to achieve alignment on UX approaches and recommendations. Maintain design systems and accessibility standards (WCAG, ADA). Ensure UX compliance with banking regulations and internal policies. Required Skills and Experience: Customer Empathy – Ability to understand and advocate for user needs across diverse customer segments. Clear Communication – Skilled at presenting ideas and design rationale to technical and non-technical audiences with a bias towards overcommunicating. Collaboration – Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and alignment within and across teams. Problem Solving – Creative and growth mindset with a practical approach to solving design and usability challenges. Adaptability – Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving digital environment. Team Development – Committed to identifying, coaching, and developing UX talent. Professional Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in UX design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Demonstrated success in designing and optimizing digital experiences, preferably in financial services. Strong portfolio showcasing digital UX strategy and execution. Proficiency in design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD). Experience with user research, usability testing, and accessibility standards. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in HFID, HCI, Psychology, or related field. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in large design teams or matrixed organizations. Familiarity with omnichannel banking platforms, fintech integrations and core banking systems. Certification in UX, Design Thinking, or Agile methodologies.