UX Designer & Research Specialist

6-12+ Month Contract Position Location - Rosemont, IL/ Remote (must be local and be able to be onsite 2-3 times a month) Our client is looking to add a UX Designer & Research Specialist who can embed user empathy, data-driven insight, and design excellence into every step of our digital experience. You’ll partner with the existing UX designer in a collaborative, hands-on role to lift overall UX maturity, challenge assumptions, and improve usability across both external and internal systems. Responsibilities: • Collaborate closely with the existing UX designer as well as work independently to develop design systems, patterns, and standards. • Translate insights and requirements into wireframes, flows, prototypes, and UI mockups using Figma (desktop + cloud). • Plan, conduct, and analyze usability studies, user interviews, surveys, and other research to uncover pain points, behaviors, and opportunities. • Synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable insights, personas, user journeys, and research reports. • Conduct design reviews, provide critique, and iterate based on feedback and test results. • Advocate for UX excellence by cultivating relationships with business owners, proactively communicating progress and insights, and effectively influencing stakeholders and product decisions to ensure user-centric outcomes. • Serve as a UX champion—presenting research findings and design rationale to stakeholders at all levels to build understanding and inspire action. • Work on both external member portals and internal web apps, helping to converge UX across legacy and new tools. • Monitor usage, metrics, and feedback post-launch to iterate and validate design improvements. • Demonstrate ownership and strategic foresight by independently planning, scoping, and executing user research and design projects aligned with business goals. • Navigate ambiguity with flexibility and sound judgment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to an evolving environment. Qualifications: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • 3+ years of experience in UX/UI design and research (or equivalent). • Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative user research (interviews, usability testing) and interpreting results. • Strong ability to turn research insights into design deliverables (wireframes, prototypes, flows). • Proficiency in Figma (desktop + cloud). • Excellent communication and persuasion skills—able to present findings to non-UX audiences, influence decisions, and proactively provide updates. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a lean team. • Detail orientation, strong problem-solving skills, and empathy for end users. • Familiarity with accessibility (WCAG) and inclusive design principles. • Portfolio that demonstrates both research thinking and design output. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • 3+ years of experience in healthcare benefits. • 2+ years of experience using Azure DevOps • 2+ years of experience on CRM implementations • Experience working in a nonprofit, public sector, or small team environment. • Experience building or contributing to design systems or component libraries. • Formal education in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Design, or related field. The anticipated hourly rate range for this position is ($60-70/hr). Actual hourly rate will be based on a variety of factors including relevant experience, knowledge, skills and other factors permitted by law. A range of medical, dental, retirement and/or other benefits are available after a waiting period. Apply tot his job