User Experience Strategist

at  The City of Vancouver

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

• Certification or degree in Information Technology or related field such as User Experience Design, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction design, Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, or Computer Science) and sound relevant work experience applying UX and inclusive design methodologies or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of UX methodologies and design thinking, and responsive web design
• Sound knowledge of Web accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.1), best practices, and legislation
• Sound knowledge of Front-end web development (HTML, CSS, JS, ARIA)
• Sound knowledge of Agile software development methodology
• Knowledge of generative AI principles, capabilities and trends from a privacy, compliance and service delivery perspective.
• Ability to conduct UX activities and deliverables (such as interviews, user stories, usability testing, concept maps, user journeys, task flows, storyboards, competitive analyses, information architectures, copywriting, wireframes, prototypes, visual designs, pattern libraries, expert/heuristic reviews, and design systems)
• Ability to utilize UX design tools (such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Invision, or Frontify)
• Ability to use accessible technology and testing tools (such as JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText, VoiceOver, Dragon Naturally Speaking, WAVE, and aXe)
• Ability to use Project, task, and bug-tracking tools (such as Microsoft Azure DevOps, Basecamp, and ServiceNow)
• Ability to use Documentation tools (such as Dropbox Paper and SharePoint)
• Ability to use Content management systems (such as OpenText CMS, Wordpress, or Drupal)
• Ability to use Graphic design tools (such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator)
• Ability to use Collaboration tools (such as Outlook, Cisco WebEx and Jabber)
• Ability to communicate effectively to understand context and build trust; Make complex and technical information and language simple and accessible for non-technical audiences; Advocate and communicate the value of UX and accessibility.
• Stays current on UX methodologies and tools; Make informed decisions based on user needs, available technology, and value for money; Understands how the digital economy is changing user behaviour and the public service landscape.
• Ability to Visualize, articulate, and solve complex problems and make evidence-based decisions; Apply technical knowledge and experience to create or design workable prototypes.
• Ability to understand and work within given constraints (such as technology, regulatory, and social user constraints); Challenge constraints that can be changed; Ensures product and service compliance; Adapt to changing situations and problems.
• Ability to understand users and their needs based on evidence; Translate user stories and propose design approaches or services to meet these needs; Engage with users; Put users first; Manage competing priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with project managers, business analysts, developers, and quality assurance specialists; Give and receive constructive feedback; Provide guidance to others.
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve UX and related business process and to define strategies and policies; Ensure business requirements are met.
• Ability to facilitate cross-functional ideation and requirements gathering workshops and activities and foster engagement from all participants.
• Ability to supervise junior staff and train small groups of people.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.
Business Unit/Department: IT, Digital Strategy & 311 (1070)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time
Position Start Date: March, 2025
Position End Date: June, 2026
Number of positions: 4
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

MAIN PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

The User Experience Strategist works independently to research, recommend, design, and deliver on cohesive and inclusive citizen-centric user experiences across digital channels that support user needs, business objectives, and the City’s digital strategy. The position exercises independent judgement in technical aspects of the role.
The Strategist is a member of Digital Channels within Technology Services – an inclusive, collaborative team of digital technology professionals that efficiently designs, develops, and operates high-quality digital products and services for the people of Vancouver that are user-focused, effective, and innovative.