UX/UI Designer

UX/UI DESIGNERWho We Are:CareerWise is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that creates life-changing opportunities for the youngest generation of America's workforce. We build industry-led, student-centered, modern youth apprenticeships through classroom and on-the-job learning providing flexible, alternative pathways to economic mobility. We have hundreds of CareerWise apprentices in the workplace, charting new paths to academic and career success. In addition, workforce and education leaders from across the country have visited CareerWise to learn about our youth apprenticeship model. As a result, our programs have launched in multiple states, leveraging our institutional knowledge, technology, and infrastructure.

Who We're Looking For:We are looking for a highly skilled UX/UI Designer to transform our digital platforms and create exceptional user experiences that support youth apprenticeships nationwide. As a team we are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have the opportunity to contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. We have an amazing group of smart, fun people who roll up their sleeves and get things done! You thrive in a high-energy, dynamic environment like ours, where collaboration, constructive debate, quick pivots based on real-time learning, and stepping in wherever your skills are needed are part of the daily rhythm.

Job SummaryThe UX/UI Designer, reporting to the Product Manager, will be responsible for leading the design transformation of CareerWise's digital ecosystem, including The Hub (our core apprenticeship platform), mobile experiences, and AI-powered tools. This is a 1-year full-time temporary position that will play a critical role in achieving our strategic goal of increasing user retention and supporting our national expansion. You will work closely with product, marketing, technology, and program teams to create user-centric designs that enhance engagement, simplify complex workflows, and drive the success of youth apprenticeship programs.

The UX/UI Designer will be instrumental in positioning CareerWise as the leader in accessible, engaging, and AI-native work-based learning technology, directly supporting our mission to create pathways to meaningful careers for young people.

What You'll Be Doing:USER EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATION | Lead the complete UX/UI overhaul of The Hub's core components including RTI tracking, competency evaluations, and user onboarding flows to create a modern, mobile-friendly, and intuitive experience for apprentices, supervisors, and program administrators.

GAMIFICATION & ENGAGEMENT DESIGN | Design and implement youth-focused gamification systems including badges, leaderboards, progress tracking, milestone celebrations, and personalized dashboards that increase user engagement and platform adoption.

AI-FORWARD INTERFACE DESIGN | Create seamless user interfaces for AI-powered features including personalized training plans, intelligent career pathway recommendations, smart content recommendations, and AI-driven support tools.

ONBOARDING & GUIDED EXPERIENCES | Develop comprehensive onboarding experiences with guided product tours, in-app guidance, role-specific user journeys, and interactive tutorials that reduce time-to-value for new users across all user types.

ACCESSIBILITY & COMPLIANCE DESIGN | Ensure all designs meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance standards while maintaining exceptional usability, working closely with the development team to implement accessible design patterns and conduct regular accessibility audits.

CROSS-PLATFORM DESIGN SYSTEMS | Establish and maintain a comprehensive design system that ensures consistency across web, mobile, and email experiences while supporting rapid feature development and scalability.

USER RESEARCH & TESTING | Conduct user research, usability testing, and design validation sessions with apprentices, supervisors, and program administrators to inform design decisions and measure the impact of design improvements on user satisfaction and retention.

Key competencies to be successful in this role:Experience designing for education technology, workforce development, or youth-focused platforms

Proficiency in modern design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) and prototyping tools

Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and design thinking methodologies

Experience with accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1/2.2) and inclusive design practices

Knowledge of gamification principles and engagement design for young adult audiences

Familiarity with AI/ML interface design patterns and emerging technologies

Understanding of mobile-first and responsive design principles

Experience with design systems and component-based design approaches

Ability to collaborate effectively with developers and help translate designs into technical requirements

Strong communication skills and ability to present design concepts to stakeholders

Demonstrates a commitment to the principles of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)

Lives out the CareerWise values and has a passion for the CareerWise mission and vision

Additional proficiencies:5+ years of UX/UI design experience with complex web applications and mobile platforms

3+ years of experience designing for education, workforce development, or social impact organizations

Experience with user research methodologies including interviews, surveys, and usability testing

Knowledge of HTML/CSS and understanding of front-end development constraints and opportunities

Experience designing for multi-tenant platforms or B2B2C applications

Experience with data visualization and dashboard design

Portfolio demonstrating measurable improvements in user engagement and retention

Experience working in agile development environments

Background in designing for diverse user groups including underserved youth populations

Understanding of apprenticeship, workforce development, or career services ecosystems

The above statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job being performed by employees assigned to this classification. The duties listed are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. With the evolution of the organization and this role, the responsibilities of this position may change at any time.

Location:This role is 100% remote, but it's a bonus if you live near one of our flagship cities of Denver or New York City. There will be occasions (possibly 2-4 times per year) for staff to travel for in-person meetings, user research sessions, and/or training. Exceptions will be made for special circumstances.

Compensation:The starting salary range for this role is: $75,000 - $85,000 annually; this role is exempt from overtime and the minimum wage provisions of the FLSA. This is a 1-year full-time temporary position with potential for extension contingent upon the availability of grant funds from a partner organization and based on organizational needs and performance. CareerWise offers a generous benefits package including group medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term disability, 100% vested 401k plan with a 3% employer contribution, and flexible time off.

How to Apply?Please submit a cover letter with your resume and let us know why you are interested in working at CareerWise along with what specific experience you have that uniquely qualifies you for this position. Please include a link to your portfolio showcasing relevant UX/UI work, particularly any projects involving education technology, youth engagement, or accessibility. We are excited to review your application materials.

Application Window:CareerWise anticipates the application window closing approximately 30 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require CareerWise to shorten or extend the application window. Please note that our offices will be closed for the end of year holidays from December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026. 

Working conditions and physical requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking, and standing. Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination for use of standard office equipment. Oral and auditory capacity required for interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone and online video conference platforms (like Google, Zoom, MS Teams, Webex, etc.)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at: careers@careerwisecolorado.org

$75000.0 - $85000.0 Annual Salary