Senior UX Research & Design Leader

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) seeks a Senior Director of User Experience (UX) Research and Design to lead the UX, Research, Design, and Content Strategy group within the Transformation and Technology Department. You will shape strategy, align priorities, and drive cross-portfolio outcomes across MBTA programs.

You will build and guide design teams, set standards, and partner with stakeholders to translate insights into measurable product and service improvements for riders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in computer science, graphic design, human computer interaction or related field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience leading major initiatives or cross-functional projects.
• Seven years of supervisory, managerial, or leadership experience.
• Expertise across UX disciplines and methods.
• Experience leading a team of functional and management staff.
• Experience in a matrixed organization with program, product, and engineering coordination.
• Ability to translate research/design insights into measurable outcomes.
• Proven ability to provide clarity in ambiguous problems and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Shape organization-wide UX vision, strategy, and practice.
• Build and lead design teams; align priorities across programs and stakeholders.
• Oversee performance management, hiring, and professional growth.
• Advocate for UX standards, frameworks, and best practices across the organization.
• Identify strategic research and service design opportunities informed by data.
• Support Transformation and Technology work with outcome orientation and cross-team collaboration.
• Serve as a senior advisor to MBTA departments and act as a strategic partner.
• Participate in rotating on-call duties and handle other duties as assigned.

Skills

UX leadership

Research methods

Design management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree (CS / Graphic Design / HCI)

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) seeks a Senior Director of User Experience (UX) Research and Design to lead the UX, Research, Design, and Content Strategy group within the Transformation and Technology Department. You will shape strategy, align priorities, and drive cross-portfolio outcomes across MBTA programs.

You will build and guide design teams, set standards, and partner with stakeholders to translate insights into measurable product and service improvements for riders