Design Strategist, Executive Education

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Strategist, Executive Education

Company: Arizona State University

Location: Tempe, Arizona, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Learning Design & Instructional Technology

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs and develops innovative, scalable learning experiences for diverse learners across academic, career, and professional pathways, with a focus on high-impact, complex programs.

• Applies evidence-based learning science, modern pedagogical practices, and emerging educational technologies, including AI and automation, to create engaging and effective learning environments.

• Collaborates extensively with faculty, subject matter experts, product teams, and industry partners to deliver high-quality learning experiences through various platforms and modalities.

• Contributes to strategic initiatives within ASU’s Learning Enterprise, focusing on workforce-aligned programs, executive education, and expanding access to educational opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Arizona State University's Learning Enterprise, a division focused on expanding access to education and career opportunities. The "Design Strategist, Executive Education" title suggests a strong emphasis on creating learning solutions for professional development, corporate training, and advanced academic programs, often requiring collaboration with external partners and a focus on measurable outcomes. The integration of AI and automation highlights a forward-thinking approach to instructional design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with faculty, subject matter experts (SMEs), and internal stakeholders to design and develop high-quality learning experiences in synchronous in-person, live online, hybrid, and asynchronous formats.

• Lead or contribute to complex design projects, including those involving external partners, workforce-aligned programs, or accelerated development timelines, demonstrating strong project management capabilities.

• Apply backward design principles to ensure alignment between learning objectives, instructional materials, and assessments, creating cohesive and effective learning pathways.

• Develop course materials and activities within the Learning Management System (LMS), specifically Canvas, and other designated learning platforms, ensuring robust and user-friendly digital learning environments.

• Build and integrate multimedia learning assets using rapid authoring tools such as Articulate Rise, Storyline, and H5P, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention.

• Ensure all course materials meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, promoting inclusivity for all learners.

• Design assessments and learning activities that support skill development and authentic learning outcomes, enabling learners to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios.

• Integrate AI-enabled tools into course design and development workflows, exploring AI-supported learning experiences like automated feedback and adaptive content.

• Evaluate emerging learning technologies and recommend their application across a range of learning contexts, staying at the forefront of educational innovation.

• Maintain and update existing courses within the portfolio to ensure relevance, quality, and alignment with evolving learner and market needs, driving continuous improvement.

• Use learner engagement and success data to inform course revisions and improvements, demonstrating a data-informed approach to instructional design.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including multimedia specialists, instructional technologists, and course managers, to ensure high-quality course delivery and consistent design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blended approach to instructional design, combining traditional pedagogical methods with cutting-edge technologies like AI. The focus on "high-impact," "complex," and "strategic" projects indicates that the role requires not only design skills but also project leadership and stakeholder management abilities within a large educational enterprise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in instructional design, learning experience design, or a closely related field, with a demonstrated track record of developing scalable and innovative learning solutions.

Required Skills:

• Instructional Design Methodologies: Proven expertise in applying frameworks such as backward design, ADDIE, or similar systematic approaches to course development.

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Proficiency in utilizing and developing content for LMS platforms, with specific experience in Canvas being a significant asset.

• Rapid Authoring Tools: Hands-on experience with Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, H5P, or comparable tools for creating interactive and engaging learning modules.

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Accessibility: Strong understanding and practical application of UDL principles and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to ensure inclusive learning experiences.

• Learning Science & Pedagogy: Solid grasp of adult learning principles, modern pedagogical practices, and educational psychology to inform design decisions.

• Multimedia Development: Ability to integrate multimedia elements effectively into learning experiences to enhance engagement and comprehension.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with faculty, SMEs, product teams, and external partners.

• Data-Informed Design: Capability to analyze learner data, engagement metrics, and feedback to drive course revisions and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Skills:

• AI Integration in Learning: Experience exploring, evaluating, and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into instructional design workflows and learning experiences.

• Synchronous & Asynchronous Design: Demonstrated experience designing effective learning experiences for both live online/in-person (synchronous) and self-paced (asynchronous) environments, as well as hybrid models.

• Project Management: Experience leading or contributing to complex, cross-functional projects, including those with accelerated timelines or external partner involvement.

• Quality Assurance (QA): Familiarity with QA processes for learning materials and course delivery.

• Emerging Technologies: Proactive interest and ability to evaluate and recommend new educational technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level of 5-10 years, combined with the "Instructional Technologist 3" job family designation, suggests a mid-to-senior level role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase ownership of design projects, strategic contributions, and a deep understanding of modern instructional design practices, including AI integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Learning Design: Showcase 3-5 distinct projects that demonstrate your instructional design process from needs analysis to evaluation. Each case study should highlight the problem, your proposed solution, the tools and methodologies used, and the measurable impact on learner outcomes or engagement.

• Demonstration of Modalities: Include examples of learning experiences designed for various modalities: asynchronous online, synchronous online/in-person, and hybrid formats.

• Evidence of UDL/Accessibility Implementation: Provide specific examples or documentation demonstrating how UDL principles and accessibility standards were integrated into your designs.

• Technology Integration Examples: Showcase projects where you effectively integrated learning technologies, including LMS content development, rapid authoring tools, and potentially AI-driven features.

• Data-Driven Improvement Examples: If possible, include examples where learner data or feedback was used to iterate and improve a learning experience.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your systematic approach to designing learning experiences, including needs assessment, learning objective definition, content strategy, activity design, assessment creation, and evaluation planning.

• System Implementation & Automation: Detail your experience with implementing and developing content within Learning Management Systems (like Canvas) and using authoring tools. Discuss any experience with automation tools or AI in the design process.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Articulate how you measure the effectiveness of learning experiences and use performance data to inform continuous improvement cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on innovation, AI, and strategic initiatives, candidates should highlight projects that demonstrate a forward-thinking approach, problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex design challenges. A portfolio that clearly outlines the "why" behind design decisions and quantifies impact will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Arizona State University offers a retirement savings plan, likely a 403(b) or similar, with potential employer matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Includes vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays, aligning with university policies.

• Tuition Assistance: Potential for tuition benefits for employees and/or dependents, a common perk at educational institutions.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and access to learning resources to support career growth.

• Work-Life Balance Initiatives: ASU often promotes a healthy work-life balance through flexible work arrangements where feasible and employee wellness programs.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily scheduling, subject to operational needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range appears to be for a mid-level Instructional Designer or Technologist. Benefits at a large university like ASU are generally robust, focusing on health, retirement, and employee development. Candidates should inquire about specific details regarding retirement matching, tuition remission, and any wellness programs. The "Working Hours" note reflects standard full-time expectations with potential for some schedule flexibility within an on-site context.

dT Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Educational Technology / Lifelong Learning

Company Size: ASU is a very large institution, employing over 100,000 students and tens of thousands of faculty and staff. The Learning Enterprise itself is a significant division within this vast organization, focusing on extending educational access and impact globally.

Founded: Arizona State University was founded in 1885. The specific "Learning Enterprise" division has evolved more recently to address the changing landscape of education.

Team Structure:

• The Design Strategist will be part of the "Learning Design team" within ASU’s "Learning Enterprise." This team likely comprises various instructional designers, multimedia specialists, instructional technologists, and project managers.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager overseeing the Learning Design team, with potential for matrixed reporting on specific projects managed by different product or initiative leads within the Learning Enterprise.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The team utilizes learner engagement data, performance metrics, and feedback surveys to continuously analyze and improve learning experiences.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A systematic approach to instructional design is employed, likely following established frameworks to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in course development.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: The role specifically calls for integrating AI and automation tools, indicating a focus on streamlining processes and enhancing instructional efficiency.

Company Website: https://learning.asu.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: ASU's Learning Enterprise operates with a mission to expand access to education and career opportunities, positioning itself as a leader in innovative higher education. The culture is described as "Scrappy," "Driven," "Intentional Architects," "Leading from the heart," and "Candid collaborators," indicating a fast-paced, results-oriented, supportive, and communicative environment. This culture is crucial for operations professionals who need to navigate complex projects and collaborate effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Design Strategist within the "Instructional Technologist 3" job family. This typically signifies a mid-level to senior position, requiring significant autonomy, design judgment, and the ability to manage complex projects. It’s a role that moves beyond basic course development to strategic design thinking and implementation.

Reporting Structure: The Design Strategist will report to a manager within the Learning Design team. They will also work collaboratively with various stakeholders across the Learning Enterprise and potentially external partners, requiring strong cross-functional communication and influence.

Operations Impact: The Design Strategist's work directly impacts the scalability, quality, and effectiveness of learning experiences offered by ASU's Learning Enterprise. Their contributions are critical to fulfilling the university's mission of expanding access to education and career opportunities, influencing learner success, and driving innovation in educational technology. This role bridges the gap between pedagogical theory and practical application in large-scale educational programs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Advanced Design: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI in education, advanced learning analytics, or specialized program design (e.g., executive education).

• Leadership & Project Management: Potential to lead larger, more strategic design initiatives, manage cross-functional teams on complex projects, or move into senior design strategist or program management roles.

• Skill Development: Access to ASU's extensive professional development resources, workshops, and training programs, allowing for continuous learning in instructional design, technology, and emerging educational trends.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and learn from experienced leaders within the Learning Enterprise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Instructional Technologist 3" classification and the emphasis on strategic initiatives and AI integration suggest this role is a significant step up from entry-level instructional design. Growth potential is strong, particularly for those who can demonstrate leadership in complex projects and innovation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on ASU’s Tempe campus, indicating a traditional university office environment. While the work is on-site, the nature of learning design often involves focused, individual work alongside collaborative team sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Tempe campus. ASU has multiple campuses, but this specific role is tied to the Tempe location.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a blend of individual office/desk space for focused design work and shared collaborative spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and design reviews.

• Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized software and hardware for multimedia development will be provided.

• Opportunities for interaction with instructional designers, instructional technologists, faculty, and other professionals within the Learning Enterprise are inherent to the role, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, but core hours for team collaboration and meetings will need to be observed. The nature of project deadlines might occasionally require focused work outside of standard hours, though this is generally managed through effective planning and workload distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at the Tempe campus is a key factor. While ASU offers a dynamic environment, candidates should be comfortable with a campus-based setting and the collaborative, yet structured, nature of university operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically involves a review of your application, resume, cover letter, and portfolio by the Talent Acquisition team and hiring manager to assess alignment with minimum and desired qualifications.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): May focus on your background, experience, understanding of instructional design principles, and initial assessment of your fit with the role and team. Expect questions about your experience with specific tools and methodologies.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A crucial stage where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, explaining your process, rationale, and outcomes. You may also be given a design challenge (e.g., outlining a course module based on a prompt) to assess your practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and application of UDL/accessibility principles.

• Second Interview (On-site/Video): A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members. This interview often explores your approach to collaboration, stakeholder management, handling challenging design scenarios, and your understanding of ASU's Learning Enterprise mission and values.

• Final Interview/Reference Checks: May involve meeting with senior leadership and thorough reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong case studies that best represent your skills in designing for diverse modalities, integrating technology, and applying learning science. Ensure they align with the job description's emphasis on executive education, AI, and complex projects.

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the target audience, the design process followed, the tools and technologies used, key design decisions and their rationale, and the measurable results or impact. Use visuals where appropriate (e.g., screenshots, mockups).

• Highlight AI & Innovation: Explicitly showcase any projects where you explored or integrated AI tools or other emerging technologies, detailing your approach and learnings.

• Demonstrate UDL/Accessibility: Be ready to walk through specific examples of how you incorporated UDL principles and met accessibility standards.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure a clear, concise, and engaging delivery. Be prepared for detailed questions about your design choices and problem-solving strategies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, carefully analyze the prompt, target audience, learning objectives, and constraints.

• Apply Your Framework: Use a structured instructional design process (e.g., backward design) to outline your solution.

• Focus on Practicality & Impact: Consider how your design would be implemented, what resources would be needed, and how its effectiveness would be measured.

• Articulate Your Rationale: Be ready to explain why you made specific design choices, referencing learning science and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should invest significant time in curating and refining their portfolio to highlight their strategic thinking, technical proficiency, and ability to deliver impactful learning experiences, particularly those involving AI and complex program design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management System (LMS): Canvas is explicitly mentioned and will be a primary platform for course development and delivery. Proficiency in navigating, administering, and developing content within Canvas is essential.

• Rapid Authoring Tools: Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, H5P are highlighted. Expertise in creating interactive modules, simulations, and engaging content using these tools is expected.

• Design & Multimedia Software: While not explicitly listed, experience with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), video editing tools, and potentially audio editing software would be beneficial for creating rich learning assets.

• AI & Automation Tools: The role emphasizes integrating AI. Candidates should be familiar with or eager to learn about AI tools relevant to content generation, assessment, personalization, or workflow automation in education.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Analytics: Utilizing built-in analytics within Canvas to track learner progress, engagement, and performance.

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for analyzing learner data and feedback. Experience with more advanced analytics platforms could be a plus.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports on course effectiveness and learner outcomes for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how learning platforms integrate with student information systems or CRM-like databases within an educational context could be advantageous.

• Familiarity with workflow automation principles, potentially through Zapier or similar tools, to streamline design or development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Canvas and Articulate Suite (Rise/Storyline) is non-negotiable. The emphasis on AI suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of AI applications in education and demonstrate a willingness to experiment with and adopt new AI-powered tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Scrappy: A willingness to tackle challenges head-on, innovate, and persist through obstacles to achieve the mission of expanding educational access. This means being resourceful and proactive.

• Driven: A commitment to continuous improvement and pushing boundaries to enhance learner experiences and outcomes. Operations professionals are expected to be motivated by results and innovation.

• Intentional Architects: A focus on meticulous planning, deep pride in building robust solutions, and a balance between long-term vision and daily execution. This applies to designing efficient operational processes and scalable learning solutions.

• Leading from the Heart: A genuine care for people, fostering an environment of unconditional support, and investing in continuous growth for colleagues and learners. Empathy and strong interpersonal skills are key.

• Candid Collaborators: Openness to sharing ideas and feedback at all levels, engaging in constructive debate, and maintaining direct, honest communication. This fosters a culture of transparency and collective improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with diverse teams (faculty, SMEs, tech, product) requiring strong communication and the ability to translate technical/pedagogical concepts across disciplines.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open discussion of design processes and offers constructive feedback to refine workflows and learning experiences.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing best practices, innovations, and learnings within the Learning Design team and broader Learning Enterprise.

📝 Enhancement Note: ASU's Learning Enterprise values a proactive, innovative, and people-centric approach. Operations professionals in this environment should be comfortable with a fast-paced culture that encourages open communication, continuous learning, and a strong sense of purpose tied to educational empowerment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Designing cutting-edge learning experiences while ensuring they can be effectively scaled across a large university and diverse learner base. This requires strategic thinking and robust process design.

• Integrating AI Responsibly: Navigating the ethical considerations and practical implementation of AI in education, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from the learner experience and maintains academic integrity.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating effectively with faculty, SMEs, industry partners, and internal teams, each with potentially different priorities and expectations, requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously evaluating and integrating new educational technologies and pedagogical approaches in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to specialize in areas like AI in learning design, advanced analytics for educational programs, or large-scale course portfolio management.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant conferences (e.g., EDUCAUSE, OLC Accelerate) and pursuing certifications in instructional design or educational technology.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Access to mentorship programs and leadership training designed to prepare individuals for roles with greater strategic impact and team management responsibilities within the Learning Enterprise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges at the forefront of educational technology and lifelong learning. Success will depend on adaptability, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "Describe your process for designing a complex executive education program from initial concept to launch. How would you ensure alignment with business objectives and measurable learning outcomes?" (Be prepared to discuss backward design, stakeholder input, and iterative development.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Walk me through a time you had to collaborate with a difficult subject matter expert or faculty member on a learning design project. How did you manage the relationship and ensure a successful outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding common ground.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Culture Alignment: "ASU's Learning Enterprise values being 'Scrappy' and 'Driven.' How do these values resonate with your professional approach to instructional design and operations?" (Connect your experiences to these values, highlighting initiative and results.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal collaborative environment within an instructional design team. How do you contribute to a culture of candid collaboration and knowledge sharing?" (Emphasize teamwork, open communication, and proactive contribution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Improvement Case Study: Choose a case study that clearly illustrates a significant problem you solved or an improvement you made to a learning experience through your design process. Detail the "before" and "after," highlighting your strategic thinking.

• Metrics Presentation: For each case study, present quantifiable results (e.g., completion rates, assessment scores, learner feedback trends, reported application of skills) and explain how these metrics demonstrate the effectiveness of your design.

• Interactive Demonstration: Be prepared to navigate through your portfolio examples, highlighting specific design elements, interactive features, or technological integrations that showcase your skills. Articulate the pedagogical rationale behind these choices.

• Company-Specific Considerations: Tailor your presentation to show how your skills and experience align with ASU's mission and the specific needs of the Learning Enterprise, especially regarding AI integration and executive education.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should anticipate questions that test their practical application of instructional design theories, their ability to manage complex projects and stakeholders, and their understanding of how learning design contributes to broader organizational goals within a university setting. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the ASU Workday Jobs Hub link provided in the job posting.

• Portfolio Customization: Review your portfolio and select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that best align with the role's requirements, emphasizing executive education, AI integration, and complex project design. Ensure each case clearly outlines the problem, your process, tools used, and measurable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Instructional Design," "Learning Experience Design," "Canvas," "Articulate Rise/Storyline," "AI in Education," "Universal Design for Learning," and "Executive Education." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, stakeholder management strategies, and problem-solving approaches using the STAR method. Prepare a concise and compelling presentation of your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ASU's Learning Enterprise mission, values ("Scrappy," "Driven," etc.), and recent initiatives. Understand how the Design Strategist role contributes to these broader goals, particularly in expanding access to education and career opportunities.

⚠️ 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.