Senior Lead Educational Program Designer

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of competency-based higher education products that emphasize skill acquisition and personalized learning pathways.
• Drive cross-university coordination between academic, operations, and program development stakeholders.
• Resolve complex program design problems by considering variables at both the program and college levels.
• Champion product designs that promote social mobility, equity, and industry relevance.
• Apply systems-thinking to optimize student engagement, financial sustainability, and resource requirements.
• Act as a consultant to leadership and an expert advisor on tools and technologies that achieve scale.
• Manage change and communicate complex solutions to stakeholders to generate excitement and alignment.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in product, interaction, or visual design/development.
• 3+ years of experience in online learning development or educational product design.
• 3+ years of experience contributing to P&L budget management.
• A design portfolio showcasing product design prowess, creativity, and depth of thought.
• Proven experience working effectively on cross-organizational teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in Education, Business, IT, or Health Professions.
• Background in metrics-driven, evidence-based decision making.
• Experience creating mobile-first, social-by-design, or gamified learning experiences.
• Proficiency in Design Thinking methodologies.
• Demonstrated understanding of the higher education environment and change management.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental healthcare.
• Health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA).
• Retirement savings plan and life insurance.
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) and flexible paid sick time.
• 11 paid holidays and up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
• Discounted WGU tuition.

About the Company

Western Governors University (WGU) is a leading accredited online university dedicated to expanding access to higher education. Founded by a coalition of U.S. governors, WGU pioneers competency-based degree programs that allow students to learn at their own pace, focusing on mastery of skills rather than time spent in a classroom.