About the position
CNN is looking for a Group VP of Product Design & User Experience Research. This role will be responsible for creating a premium and engaging customer experience for a suite of news subscription products and services on mobile and web. This role will be pivotal in shaping how our audiences engage with content. The ideal candidate will combine deep expertise in design, user experience, and research methodologies with a passion for storytelling through compelling design. This person will oversee a team of designers in crafting innovative, user-centric solutions to customer problems, ensuring alignment with CNN's broader strategic vision and business goals - and maintaining our commitment to deliver the highest of journalistic standards. By partnering deeply with news, features, video and more editorial teams, this person will leverage CNN's competitive advantages and integrate them into a cutting-edge experience. This person will be responsible for driving overall excellence of our digital products while adapting to evolving user behaviors and trends, championing a data-driven, customer-first approach to inform product discovery. The successful candidate will lead his/her team through CNN's next chapter of transformation at a critical time for journalism, fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and accountability while effectively managing with his/her proven capabilities in motivating and coaching a high performing team.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a comprehensive design and UXR strategy that enhances audience engagement across all digital platforms.
- Lead and mentor a diverse team of designers and UXR professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the design process from concept to execution, ensuring that user needs and business goals are met.
- Conduct user research initiatives, analyze user data, and translate insights into actionable design strategies.
- Collaborate with product management, editorial teams, and technology departments to define user experience goals and drive design consistency.
- Advocate for an inclusive design approach, ensuring accessibility and usability for all users.
- Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to keep the company at the forefront of design innovation.
- Establish metrics for evaluating design effectiveness and user satisfaction, using data to inform decisions and adjustments.
- Present design concepts and UXR findings to stakeholders, influencing decision-making and fostering support for initiatives.
Requirements
- Proven experience (10+ years) in design leadership roles, preferably in media or a related industry.
- Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects and user experience initiatives.
- Expert knowledge of user-centered design principles, methodologies, and best practices.
- Demonstrated experience in leading and managing multidisciplinary teams, hiring and developing top talent.
- Proficient in design software and tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and familiarity with front-end development principles.
- Experience with quantitative and qualitative UXR methods, including usability testing, surveys, and interviews.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts to diverse audiences.
- Strong analytical skills and a data-driven mindset.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Employee wellness program
- Life and disability insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Paid holidays and sick time
- Vacation
