Advanced Specialist, UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Advanced Specialist, UX Designer

Company: Pearson

Location: Hoboken, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX/Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-24T20:37:46

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-8 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design of user experiences for higher education digital products, focusing on web and mobile platforms.

• Develop high-fidelity designs, user flows, and interactive prototypes, ensuring seamless handoffs to engineering.

• Contribute to and maintain a scalable design system, promoting consistency and accessibility across products.

• Lead user research and usability testing initiatives to gather insights and validate design decisions.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, content strategists, researchers, and engineers in a cross-functional team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution, with a strong focus on user-centered design principles within the higher education technology sector. The mention of AI-driven experiences and Socratic principles suggests a forward-thinking approach to educational technology.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design of complex, end-to-end user experiences from discovery through launch and iteration for key product areas and user journeys.

• Partner with product managers to define and frame design problems, identify opportunities, and establish clear success metrics for new features and products.

• Create detailed high-fidelity designs, including user flows, screens, and interactive prototypes, ensuring exceptional craft and attention to detail for engineering handoffs.

• Contribute new patterns and components to the design system, considering scalability, accessibility, and cross-platform consistency.

• Plan and conduct user research and usability testing, or collaborate with researchers, translating insights into actionable design and product recommendations.

• Present design work and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, advocating for user needs and influencing product direction.

• Facilitate design workshops and collaborative sessions to build shared understanding and alignment among cross-functional stakeholders.

• Leverage data and analytics to validate design decisions and iteratively improve experiences through A/B testing and experimentation.

• Mentor junior designers through design critiques, pair-designing sessions, and constructive feedback.

• Design for AI-driven teaching and learning experiences, considering ethical implications and pedagogical effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role with significant ownership and influence over product strategy and design execution. The expectation to mentor junior designers and contribute to AI-focused educational tools indicates a leadership and innovation component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degree requirements are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 5-8 years of product design experience with a strong portfolio showcasing craft excellence, strategic thinking, and measurable impact on user experience and business outcomes.

Required Skills:

• User Experience (UX) Design: Proven ability to design intuitive and engaging user experiences across web and mobile platforms.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Expertise in planning, conducting, and synthesizing user research to inform design decisions.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating high-fidelity designs, interactive prototypes, and detailed specifications.

• Design Systems: Experience in contributing to and maintaining scalable design systems, ensuring consistency and accessibility.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively partner with product managers, engineers, content strategists, and researchers.

• Problem Framing & Strategic Thinking: Capability to define complex design problems, identify opportunities, and develop strategic solutions.

• Communication & Presentation: Strong skills in presenting design work and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels.

• Portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects, process, and measurable impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing AI-powered experiences.

• Familiarity with learning science, Socratic principles, or pedagogical rigor in educational contexts.

• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven design iteration.

• Mentorship experience for junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 5-8 years, coupled with the "Advanced Specialist" title, indicates a mid-to-senior level position. The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates "measurable impact" is crucial for applicants. The preference for AI experience points to the company's strategic direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Depth: Showcase 3-5 significant product design projects that demonstrate a full design lifecycle, from problem definition and user research to final design and post-launch iteration.

• Problem/Solution Articulation: Clearly articulate the user problem, business goals, and your specific role and contributions to the solution.

• Process Documentation: Detail your design process, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, prototyping tools, and rationale behind design decisions.

• Visual Design Craft: Present high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes that highlight your aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail.

• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs using relevant metrics (e.g., conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times, engagement metrics).

• Design System Contribution: If applicable, include examples of contributions to design systems, component design, or pattern development.

• Accessibility Focus: Demonstrate an understanding and application of accessibility principles in your designs.

Process Documentation:

• Discovery & Research: Evidence of user research planning, participant recruitment, interview/testing facilitation, and synthesis of findings.

• Ideation & Design: Examples of wireframes, user flows, journey maps, low-fidelity to high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Collaboration & Handoff: Documentation of how you collaborated with engineering and product teams, including detailed design specifications and asset handoff processes.

• Iteration & Optimization: Show examples of how designs were iterated upon based on user feedback, data, or A/B testing results.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only showcase design skills but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to drive measurable outcomes. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their process and the impact of their work in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided salary range for this full-time position is $110,000 - $135,000 annually. This range is subject to various factors including skill set, experience level, and specific location, as mandated by several US states.

Benefits:

• Annual Incentive Program: Eligibility for an annual bonus, reflecting performance-based rewards.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Access to a wide array of benefits, details available at pearsonbenefitsus.com. This typically includes medical, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Likely includes a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Standard benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.

Working Hours: The role is considered full-time, typically corresponding to 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a degree of flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific and legally mandated for certain US locations. The mention of an "annual incentive program" indicates a performance-based bonus structure. The explicit link to pearsonbenefitsus.com suggests comprehensive benefits are a key offering.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), Publishing, Digital Learning Solutions. Pearson is a global leader in education, providing a wide range of learning products and services.

Company Size: 18,000+ employees worldwide. This indicates a large, established organization with significant resources and reach.

Founded: Pearson has a long history, dating back to 1844, evolving into a major player in educational publishing and digital learning. This implies stability and a deep understanding of the education market.

Team Structure:

• Product Teams: Designers are embedded within cross-functional product teams, working closely with Product Managers, Content Strategists, UX Researchers, and Engineers.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Design Lead or Manager within the Higher Education division, with direct collaboration across multiple product lines.

• Collaboration: Emphasizes a highly collaborative environment where designers are integral to the entire product development lifecycle, from strategy to execution.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: Core to the design process, focusing on understanding and meeting learner and educator needs.

• Agile Development: Likely operates within Agile or Lean methodologies, requiring iterative design and close collaboration with development sprints.

• Design System Driven: A strong emphasis on a unified design system for consistency, scalability, and efficiency.

• Data-Informed Design: Utilizes user research, analytics, and A/B testing to validate and refine designs.

• AI Integration: A strategic focus on integrating AI into learning experiences, emphasizing ethical considerations and pedagogical effectiveness.

Company Website: https://pearson.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Pearson's extensive history and global presence provide a stable yet innovative environment. The company's current strategic focus on digital transformation and AI in education is a significant aspect for potential candidates to understand. The embedded team structure suggests a high degree of integration between design and product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as an "Advanced Specialist, UX Designer," indicating a senior individual contributor position. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to lead design efforts for complex product areas.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, designers are typically embedded within product teams and may report to a Design Manager or Lead within the Higher Education division. The role involves close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering leads.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer plays a critical role in shaping the learning experiences of millions of students and educators globally. Their work directly influences user engagement, learning outcomes, and the overall success of Pearson's digital products. The focus on AI-driven and human-centered learning experiences highlights the potential for significant impact on the future of education.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: Opportunity to lead design for major product initiatives and mentor junior designers, developing leadership skills.

• Specialization in EdTech & AI: Deepen expertise in designing for the education sector, particularly within the cutting-edge field of AI in learning.

• Design System Evolution: Contribute to the strategic direction and expansion of Pearson's design system.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain experience working across diverse teams and influencing product strategy at a senior level.

• Career Progression: Potential pathways to Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or Product Design Manager roles within Pearson.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth, not just in design execution but also in strategic influence and leadership within the EdTech space, particularly in AI. The opportunity to shape "the future of learning" is a significant career differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office presence.

Office Location(s): Hoboken, New Jersey. This location likely serves as a key hub for design and product teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration, team meetings, and workshops in the Hoboken office.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) and collaboration platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a diverse team of designers, researchers, product managers, and engineers, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

• Focus Time: The hybrid model also allows for focused work and deep thinking during remote days.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with the flexibility afforded by a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Hoboken offers a balance between structured collaboration and remote flexibility, which is common in modern tech environments. Candidates should inquire about the expected frequency of in-office days and the nature of the collaborative activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects and design process. A design challenge or case study may be involved to assess problem-solving skills and design approach.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other Designers to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and domain knowledge.

• Leadership Interview: Final interview, potentially with a senior design leader or hiring manager, to assess strategic thinking, cultural fit, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your senior-level expertise, problem-solving abilities, and impact in areas relevant to Pearson's mission (education, AI, digital learning).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the "why" – the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Process: Detail your design process, emphasizing user research, ideation, iteration, and collaboration. Show your thinking, not just the final polished screens.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics are unavailable, discuss how you would measure success or what insights you gained.

• Address AI & Education: If possible, include projects related to AI, learning platforms, or educational technology to demonstrate relevant experience and interest.

• Accessibility & Design Systems: Explicitly mention and showcase your experience with accessibility standards and design systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Pearson's Context: Research Pearson's mission, products, and current strategic initiatives, particularly their focus on AI in education.

• Practice Problem Framing: Be ready to break down ambiguous problems into actionable design tasks.

• Articulate Design Decisions: Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design choices, linking them to user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Think about how you would work with cross-functional partners and articulate your collaborative approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both design craft and strategic impact. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities, so thorough preparation is essential. Understanding Pearson's specific context in AI and education will be a key differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Highly probable as the primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration due to its industry prevalence.

• Sketch: May be used, particularly if there's a legacy design system or established workflows.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop): Useful for asset creation, illustration, and visual treatments.

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Axure, or Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities.

User Research & Testing Tools:

• UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze: For remote usability testing and feedback collection.

• SurveyMonkey, Google Forms: For user surveys.

• Miro, Mural: For collaborative whiteboarding, journey mapping, and workshop facilitation.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Jira, Confluence: For tracking work, documenting specifications, and team communication.

• Slack, Microsoft Teams: For daily communication and team collaboration.

• Google Workspace / Microsoft 365: For document creation, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Analytics & Data Visualization (for informing design):

• Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics: To understand user behavior on digital platforms.

• Tableau, Power BI: Potentially used by product teams to share data insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for this role. Familiarity with a range of tools across the design and research spectrum demonstrates adaptability and a comprehensive understanding of the product development workflow. The ability to interpret data from analytics tools to inform design is also valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A drive to understand users, explore new technologies (like AI), and continuously learn.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Craft Excellence: Commitment to high-quality design, attention to detail, and delivering polished, effective solutions.

• User Advocacy: Championing the needs and perspectives of learners and educators throughout the design process.

• Impact & Persistence: A focus on delivering meaningful outcomes and the determination to see complex projects through to completion.

• Ethical Design: Particularly relevant given the AI focus, a commitment to designing responsibly and with pedagogical intent.

Collaboration Style:

• Embedded Team Model: Designers are integral members of product teams, working daily with PMs, engineers, and researchers.

• Open Communication: Encourages direct and honest feedback through design critiques, pair sessions, and regular check-ins.

• Shared Ownership: Product teams share responsibility for success, fostering a sense of collective accountability.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Debates and decisions are often supported by user research, data, and an understanding of learning science.

📝 Enhancement Note: Pearson emphasizes a culture that values both innovation (AI in education) and rigorous execution (craft excellence, user advocacy). The collaborative, user-focused environment is key to success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI in Education: Navigating the complexities of integrating AI ethically and effectively into learning experiences, ensuring pedagogical soundness and avoiding unintended consequences.

• Scaling Design Systems: Evolving and maintaining a comprehensive design system that supports a diverse range of educational products and platforms.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Ensuring that designs meet user needs while also driving business objectives and supporting Pearson's mission.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design vision and rationale to diverse stakeholders with varying technical and business perspectives.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping up with rapid advancements in AI, learning science, and digital education technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & Learning Science Expertise: Deepen knowledge in cutting-edge AI applications for education and pedagogical principles.

• Design Leadership: Develop skills in mentoring, leading design initiatives, and influencing product strategy.

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Explore and apply advanced research techniques, ethical design frameworks, and experimentation strategies.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunity to attend conferences or engage with thought leaders in EdTech and AI.

• Career Pathing: Clear opportunities for advancement within Pearson's design organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to tackle challenging, future-forward problems in education technology, particularly in the AI space. The growth potential is tied to both technical skill development and leadership impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product you designed from concept to launch. What was the problem, your process, and the measurable impact?"

• "How do you approach designing for AI-driven features, especially in an educational context? What ethical considerations do you prioritize?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to advocate for a design decision that was initially met with resistance. How did you build conviction?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Pearson's mission and our work in transforming education with AI?"

• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional team? Describe your ideal working relationship with PMs and Engineers."

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for all learners?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the quantifiable results.

• Show Your Thinking: Don't just show polished screens. Explain your decision-making process, your research insights, and how you iterated.

• Tailor to Pearson: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with complex digital products, AI, education, or design systems.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific design choices, research methodologies, and challenges encountered.

• Conciseness is Key: Present your strongest projects efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time. Aim for 3-5 projects that cover a range of skills and experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem Framing: Be prepared to break down a broad problem into specific design challenges.

• User-Centricity: Demonstrate how you would research and understand the target users (students, educators).

• AI Integration: Think about how AI could be applied thoughtfully and ethically to improve learning experiences.

• Design System Thinking: Consider how your proposed solutions might integrate with or extend an existing design system.

• Communication: Practice clearly articulating your thought process and design rationale under time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research Pearson's current initiatives in AI and higher education. Demonstrating an understanding of ethical AI design and pedagogical principles will be highly advantageous. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so practicing the narrative and being prepared for in-depth questioning is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Advanced Specialist, UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Pearson careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX/Product Design, user research, design systems, AI design, and the education sector. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your senior-level skills, strategic thinking, and impact. Ensure it clearly articulates your process, contributions, and measurable outcomes, with a focus on relevant areas like AI and education.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on telling compelling stories about your projects, explaining your design decisions, and quantifying your impact. Be ready to discuss your approach to AI in education and user-centered design.

• Research Pearson: Familiarize yourself with Pearson's mission, products, and their current work in digital transformation and AI in higher education. Understand their values and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.