Senior UX Designer/Researcher – Accessibility Specialist | Des Moines, Iowa | Remote Contract

Location

Des Moines, Iowa, United States – Remote

Job Category

• Information Technology (IT) & Software
• Creative, Design & Media
• Science & Research
• Education & Training
• Remote / Work-from-Home Opportunities

Job Overview

A digital modernization team supporting large-scale Iowa state initiatives is seeking a Senior UX Designer/Researcher – Accessibility Specialist for a 12-month remote contract. This is a dedicated UX research and design position focused on usability, accessibility, user testing, information architecture, and data-driven improvements to digital experiences.

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in UX research and design, with advanced proficiency in Figma, usability testing, journey and persona mapping, wireframing, interactive prototyping, and accessibility standards. Strong expertise in WCAG 2.2 Level AA, accessibility auditing, keyboard navigation, focus management, and heuristic evaluation is essential.

This opportunity provides experienced UX professionals with exposure to large-scale public-sector digital modernization initiatives and opportunities for continued career growth and professional development. Relevant accessibility, UX research, HCI, and design certifications or training can further strengthen career progression in UX design, research, and accessibility specialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct UX research and usability testing to identify user needs and experience improvements.
• Design user-centered digital experiences based on research findings and behavioral data.
• Develop user journeys, personas, and experience maps.
• Conduct information architecture analysis and card-sorting exercises.
• Create wireframes and interactive prototypes using Figma.
• Perform accessibility audits against WCAG 2.2 Level AA requirements.
• Evaluate keyboard navigation, focus management, and overall accessibility.
• Conduct heuristic evaluations and usability-lab activities.
• Analyze user behavior and research data to identify design improvements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and technical teams throughout the design process.
• Communicate UX research findings, recommendations, and design decisions clearly.
• Support accessibility-focused design improvements across digital modernization initiatives.
• Apply user-centered design methodologies to improve usability and accessibility.
• Contribute to data-driven UX decisions using available analytics and user behavior insights.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 8+ years of UX Research and/or UX Design experience.
• Advanced proficiency with Figma.
• Strong UX research and usability testing experience.
• Experience with user journey and persona mapping.
• Strong understanding of information architecture and card sorting.
• Experience creating wireframes and interactive prototypes.
• Advanced knowledge of WCAG 2.2 Level AA.
• Experience conducting accessibility audits.
• Knowledge of keyboard navigation and focus management.
• Experience with heuristic evaluation and usability labs.
• Strong stakeholder management and technical communication skills.
• Ability to translate research findings into practical design improvements.
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with heat maps and user behavior analytics.
• Experience with Crazy Egg, Hotjar, or similar analytics tools.
• Formal UX/HCI education, including HCI-related programs such as ISU HCI.
• Nielsen Norman Group training.
• Google UX Certification.
• Experience with the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS).
• Knowledge of HTML5, CSS/SASS, Angular, or .NET is a plus.

Coding Requirement: No coding is required for this position. .NET, SQL, and front-end development experience are not required.

Salary, Benefits & Career Growth

Salary and compensation details have not been provided in the job description.

The 12-month contract offers an opportunity to work on large-scale public-sector digital modernization initiatives while developing specialized expertise in UX research, accessibility, usability testing, information architecture, and data-driven design.

Professional development through UX/HCI education, accessibility training, WCAG expertise, Nielsen Norman Group training, Google UX Certification, and related certifications can support long-term career progression toward Senior UX Designer, UX Research Lead, Accessibility Specialist, UX Strategist, and Design Leadership roles.

Application Process

Application Process (Website)

No official job application website was provided in the job description.

Interested candidates should contact the recruitment representative directly using the email address below and share their relevant UX portfolio and professional information.

HR Email for Application

Send your updated CV directly 

Contact: Ajay