UX Researcher II

Reports to Executive Director of Technology & Information

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit global media apostolate that supports the work of Bishop Robert Barron and reaches millions of people to draw them into—or back to—the Catholic faith. Recognized globally as a leader in beautiful design, Word on Fire pairs theological depth with exceptional visual and aesthetic standards across all media platforms.

The UX Researcher is a skilled and collaborative team member who is responsible for researching, structuring, and building intuitive user interfaces for several high-profile, front-end heavy projects on our immediate horizon. By delivering research-backed wireframes and prototypes, the UX Researcher will directly empower our in-house design team and engineers to build the best web experiences.

Location: Irving, TX

Employment Type: Full-time

Responsibilities

• Proclaim Christ through User Experience: Conduct user research, behavioral tracking, and user surveys to extract actionable insights that accelerate Word on Fire’s digital apostolate and mission
• Architect Digital Journeys: Map out intuitive user journeys and design robust information architectures for flagship web properties, mobile applications, and emerging digital ecosystems
• Develop Structural Blueprints: Author high-quality, research-backed wireframes and functional prototypes for major front-end heavy projects, ensuring a user-centric foundation before visual design begins
• Prototype Authoring: Responsible for authoring beautiful, research-backed prototypes that establish clear structural layouts, providing a seamless foundation that can be easily perfected by our design team
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Partner seamlessly with Word on Fire's visual designers, providing them with structurally sound wireframes that optimize the production pipeline and reduce design friction
• Establish UX Infrastructure: Introduce and champion user interface research as a core internal competency within the Technology department, standardizing tools and workflows for usability testing 
• Maintain Code-Adjacent Documentation: Maintain clear internal documentation of user personas, research findings, and wireframe schemas for use by adjacent teams including design, marketing, and distribution  
• Manage Timelines and Project Goals: Manage assigned tasks and workflows, communicating proactively with technology leadership on capacity, project blockers, and milestones

Requirements

• 2 years of proven professional experience working as a dedicated UX Researcher, Product Designer, Web Designer, or equivalent position 
• Strong foundational competency in user interface design, with a proven ability to translate user research data, surveys, and complex structural workflows into clean, highly intuitive, and functional digital layouts
• Possesses a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating the direct translation of raw user research and data into clear, functional wireframes and prototypes
• Exceptional relational and communication skills required to work in tandem with high-performing in-house graphic and UI designers
• Ability to travel 3-5 times a year
• Commitment to the mission of Word on Fire

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience researching, wireframing, or designing interfaces for mobile applications and video streaming platforms
• Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and Tailwind CSS to better bridge the gap between structural design and engineering teams
• Working knowledge of JavaScript to conceptualize dynamic interface behaviors and high-fidelity prototype animations
• Familiarity with the work of Bishop Robert Barron and Word on Fire

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment which involves frequent repetitive motions of the hands and wrists
• Ability to work in an open-office environment with moderate noise levels (e.g., computers, printers, conversations/calls, and light traffic)
• Must be able to inspect documents, view computer screens for extended periods, and navigate software interfaces to perform duties as assigned
• Frequent communications with internal and external partners; must be able to exchange accurate information, requiring clear speech and the ability to hear or understand verbal communication

Compensation and Benefits

The estimated base pay range for this position is $75,000 - $95,000 annually. Word on Fire determines individual compensation on several factors, including but not limited to, experience, skills, alignment with the role’s responsibilities, and geographic location. This role may be eligible for annual merit increases based on individual performance.

Word on Fire also offers its team members a robust benefits package that includes:

• Work-from-home Wednesdays and up to 20 additional work-from-home days throughout the year
• Several 100% Word on Fire-paid insurance benefits: life, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Other insurance benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
• A retirement plan with a 3% target employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Paid parental leaves at 100% of base salary
• Access to Word on Fire’s incredible wealth of content and resources and more!

Word on Fire is founded upon and intent on prioritizing its Catholic religious mission and principles above all else. Word on Fire's religious mission may therefore require that it make employment decisions based on an individual's religion and adherence to the principles of the Catholic Church.