DIFF WORKS - Freelance Web and UX Designer

UI Designer is needed in Oakland, United States.

Client: DIFF WORKS

Location: Oakland, CA

Contract: Contract

Job Description

We are seeking a versatile and skilled Web & UX Designer to join our team on a contract basis. The ideal candidate blends strong user experience principles with hands-on web design, light front-end development, and practical CMS knowledge. You will be instrumental in designing, building, and optimizing high-performing client websites and landing pages that are both user-friendly and visually compelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Strategy: Apply UX best practices to conduct user research, create sitemaps, wireframes, and prototypes, ensuring all designs are user-centered and meet client objectives.
• Web Development & Implementation: Design and build functional websites and landing pages using various Content Management Systems (WordPress, Webflow, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify).
• Coding & Customization: Write and modify front-end code (HTML and CSS) to customize themes, ensure cross-browser compatibility, and implement unique design elements.
• Visual & Graphic Design: Execute light graphic design tasks, including image optimization, icon creation, and ensuring visual branding consistency across all web assets.
• Performance Optimization: Implement basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices directly into the web structure and content to improve site visibility and performance.
• Collaboration & Presentation: Clearly present design choices, technical requirements, and strategic recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience combining web design, UX design, and front-end development. Strong portfolio showcasing live website projects is required.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Expertise in design tools (Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD).
• Proficiency with HTML and CSS.
• Demonstrable experience building sites on at least two major CMS platforms (WordPress, Webflow, Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify).
• Core Skills: Strong understanding of UX principles, responsive design, information architecture, and basic SEO.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to manage client feedback and project timelines independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with JavaScript for enhanced interactivity.
• Familiarity with marketing automation or conversion rate optimization (CRO) best practices.
• Experience in the agency or freelance environment working with multiple clients simultaneously.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG).

Additional Information

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week

Application Question: Please provide a link to your web and UX design portfolio.

Education: Bachelor’s (Preferred)

• Graphic design: 2 years (Required)
• UI design: 2 years (Required)
• Motion graphics: 2 years (Required)
• User research: 2 years (Required)
• WordPress, WebFlow, Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify: 2 years (Required)

Location

• Oakland, CA 94607 (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oakland, CA 94607