Team Lead, User Experience

Join the Ontario Science Centre (OSC) - one of Canada's most visited cultural attractions and a world-renowned educational institution. The OSC is seeking a Team Lead, User Experience (UX) responsible for leading the development, execution, and evaluation of our user experience and digital visual design across multiple channels, from website to mobile platforms. This pivotal role involves establishing and refining the user experience and digital visual design framework, processes, and metrics to ensure seamless and impactful digital interactions for both visitors and staff.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As a Team Lead, User Experience, you will:
• Lead the creation of visually compelling game assets, including characters and environments, from concept to implementation, utilizing both artistic skills (e.g., sketching, drawing) and technical expertise in software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to produce polished, production-ready assets.
• Research, develop, and implement user experience and digital design communication plans for broad-reaching and government-wide initiatives.
• Lead the digital team in developing user experience structures and features, setting standards for design, quality assurance, and testing new content and features.
• Manages budgets and coordinates with vendors and contractors to ensure effective, on-time, and on-budget execution of digital strategies.
• Collaborates with senior management, colleagues, and external stakeholders to ensure effective execution of digital strategies.
• Manages the approval process for digital design communication materials before release and distribution.

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Expertise in creating integrated UX and digital visual design projects across multiple platforms, utilizing best practices in user-centered design and ensuring a unified visual identity across all digital touchpoints, from web and mobile, to support and align with in-person experiences.
• Develop and refine user experience and visual storytelling elements that effectively connect audience needs, enhancing engagement through cohesive digital narratives across all digital platforms.
• Lead and oversee the development and implementation of a visually compelling digital ecosystem, including interactive games and digital assets (characters, environments, UI/UX elements), from concept through final execution.
• Manage the user experience and visual design process to ensure consistent alignment with web and digital game mechanics and narratives, maintaining a cohesive and engaging user experience.
• Create and implement visual design frameworks that support learning and engagement objectives within a digital interactive ecosystem.
• Conduct regular reviews and playtests to maintain visual quality and ensure effective integration with gameplay, achieving a high standard of user experience.
• Offer strategic advice and recommendations to business units to align digital transformations with organizational goals and ensure superior digital service delivery.
• Play a critical role in achieving key performance indicators related to digital engagement.

Leadership and Project Management

• Lead and oversee the planning and execution of digital creative projects, ensuring all deliverables align with project timelines, budgets, and organizational goals.
• Apply project management methodologies to coordinate tasks, track progress, and manage changes effectively, minimizing disruptions and ensuring project objectives are met.
• Facilitate effective collaboration among different teams and stakeholders, coordinating efforts to ensure seamless execution of UX, UI, and visual design projects across all platforms.
• Identify and mitigate risks by conducting risk assessments and implementing contingency plans to address potential challenges throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor and report on project status, providing regular updates to senior management and stakeholders, and adjusting plans as needed to address emerging issues or changes in project scope.
• Mentor and guide team members in project management best practices, fostering accountability and teamwork while using strong organizational and communication skills to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

Business Outcomes and Process Optimization

• Analyze and align digital creative strategies with organization objectives to enhance user engagement and drive business outcomes.
• Develop and recommend user-driven solutions and visual strategies that optimize digital experiences and support revenue-generating programs.
• Establish and manage work priorities, applying problem-solving techniques to address challenges and ensure efficient project delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align user experience and visual design strategies with business objectives, optimizing digital engagement and process efficiency.
• Optimize processes by implementing best practices for UX and visual design, reducing development time and improving overall efficiency.
• Enhance digital engagement by creating visually compelling and interactive elements that meet user needs and business objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of digital creative initiatives on business performance, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Strategic Communication, Negotiation and Partnerships

• Strong commitment to customer service excellence, teamwork and collaboration fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Communicate with structure and clarity to elicit cooperation from cross-functional teams and stakeholders, effectively managing expectations and driving project alignment.
• Strong communications, consultation, facilitation, and negotiation skills to lead team discussions, develop strategic solutions, and clearly document and explain user experience and digital creative decisions.
• Provide strategic advice to management on visual design initiatives to enhance interactive digital engagement and maximize learning impact.
• Prepare and present planning documents, reports, recommendations, and manage issues and status meetings, including editing project and user testing documentation to ensure clear communication of project progress and outcomes.