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 & Development / Instructional Technology

Date Posted: September 11, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Collaborate with faculty, subject matter experts (SMEs), product teams, and industry partners to create high-quality learning experiences delivered through various platforms and modalities.

• Apply evidence-based learning science, modern pedagogical practices, and emerging educational technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation tools, to enhance learner experience and instructional efficiency.

• Lead or contribute to strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects requiring a high degree of autonomy, stakeholder management, and design judgment within ASU's Learning Enterprise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within ASU's Learning Enterprise, indicating a strategic focus on expanding access to education and career opportunities through innovative learning solutions. The "Design Strategist" title, coupled with responsibilities in executive education, career and professional learning, and Universal Learner Courses, suggests a need for deep understanding of adult learning principles, program scalability, and impact measurement. The emphasis on AI integration points to a forward-thinking approach to educational technology.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with faculty, subject matter experts (SMEs), and internal stakeholders to design and develop high-quality learning experiences across modalities, including 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.

• Apply backward design principles to ensure alignment between learning objectives, instructional materials, and assessments for effective skill development and authentic learning outcomes.

• Develop course materials and activities within the Learning Management System (LMS), specifically Canvas, and other designated learning platforms.

• Build and integrate multimedia learning assets using rapid authoring tools such as Articulate Rise, Storyline, and H5P, ensuring compliance with accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) standards.

• Integrate AI-enabled tools into course design and development workflows, exploring AI-supported learning experiences like automated feedback, adaptive content, and scalable assessment strategies, while adhering to ASU's Principled Innovation framework for responsible AI use.

• Maintain and update existing courses within the portfolio to ensure relevance, quality, and alignment with evolving learner and market needs, using learner engagement and success data to inform revisions.

• Conduct quality assurance (QA) reviews and pre-launch preparations to ensure course launch readiness and consistent design standards across offerings.

• Collaborate effectively with instructional designers, online course managers, faculty experts, product teams, technology specialists, senior stakeholders, and external partners.

• Share best practices and innovations in instructional design with the Learning Design team, and stay current with emerging research and trends in instructional design, learning science, and educational technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core instructional design execution and strategic thought leadership. The emphasis on AI integration and "Principled Innovation" suggests the need for candidates who can not only use current tools but also explore and advocate for cutting-edge educational technologies ethically and effectively. The requirement to "lead or contribute to complex design projects" and "engage with senior stakeholders" indicates a need for strong project management and communication skills beyond typical instructional design tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required. Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field, specifically in instructional design, learning development, or a related educational technology role.

• Demonstrated experience applying instructional design methodologies such as backward design and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

• Experience designing and developing asynchronous online courses, synchronous immersion experiences, and hybrid combinations.

• Experience integrating multimedia, interactive learning elements, and technology-enhanced learning strategies.

• Experience applying data-informed approaches to course design and continuous improvement.

• Experience working with or evaluating artificial intelligence tools in instructional design workflows.

• Experience collaborating with faculty, subject matter experts (SMEs), and interdisciplinary project teams. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS), particularly Canvas.

• Expertise in rapid authoring tools such as Articulate Rise, Storyline, and H5P.

• Strong understanding of evidence-based learning science and modern pedagogical practices.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards such as WCAG.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups including faculty, SMEs, and external partners.

• Ability to apply backward design principles to course development.

• Experience in designing for Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

• Proficiency in multimedia integration and interactive learning element development.

• Experience with data-informed approaches to course design and continuous improvement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in corporate education and training, learning and development (L&D), executive education, and career education.

• Experience evaluating and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into instructional design workflows and learning experiences.

• Knowledge of ASU's Principled Innovation framework.

• Experience with quality assurance (QA) processes for course development.

• Familiarity with emerging educational technologies and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Desired Qualifications" strongly suggest that candidates with experience in corporate or executive education, and a proactive approach to AI integration, will be highly competitive. The requirement for "5 years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field" combined with the explicit mention of specific tools and methodologies implies a need for practical, hands-on experience rather than purely theoretical knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Instructional Design: Showcase projects demonstrating the application of learning science, pedagogical frameworks (e.g., backward design), and UDL principles to create engaging and effective learning experiences.

• Technology Integration Examples: Include examples of how you've integrated multimedia, interactive elements, and authoring tools (Articulate Rise, Storyline, H5P) into course design. Highlight any use of AI in curriculum development or learner support.

• Data-Driven Improvement Examples: Present instances where learner data, engagement metrics, or feedback were used to inform course revisions and drive continuous improvement. Quantify the impact of these changes where possible.

• Accessibility Compliance: Demonstrate understanding and application of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) in course materials and design.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Prepare to discuss your process for designing learning experiences from initial concept to final delivery, including how you identify needs, define objectives, select modalities, and develop content.

• AI Integration Strategy: Be ready to articulate your approach to evaluating, integrating, and ethically applying AI tools within instructional design workflows to enhance learner experience and efficiency.

• Quality Assurance & Iteration: Outline your methods for ensuring the quality and relevance of learning materials, including QA processes, feedback loops, and iterative design approaches for course updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "high-impact, complex learning experiences" and "strategic initiatives," a portfolio demonstrating project leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable outcomes will be crucial. The emphasis on AI integration means candidates should be prepared to showcase specific examples or a clear framework for how they leverage AI in design and development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $73,000 per year, depending on experience (DOE).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package offered by Arizona State University, which typically includes:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 403(b) or 401(a) with employer contribution).

  • Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).

  • Life insurance and disability coverage.

  • Tuition remission or discounts for employees and potentially dependents.

  • Professional development opportunities and training.

  • Access to university facilities and resources. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is based on ASU's Tempe campus, indicating an on-site work arrangement. While specific flexibility is not detailed, standard university office hours would apply, with potential for occasional evening or weekend work if project demands require it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to this role at ASU. A "comprehensive benefits package" at a large university like ASU generally includes robust health insurance, retirement plans with employer matching, and significant paid time off. Candidates should research ASU's specific employee benefits for a complete understanding. The stated salary range is competitive for an Instructional Designer/Learning Experience Designer with 5-10 years of experience in higher education or a related field in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / EdTech / Executive Education

Company Size: ASU is a very large institution, employing over 100,000 students and a significant number of faculty and staff, positioning it as a major employer. The Learning Enterprise itself is a substantial division focused on expanding educational access.

Founded: Arizona State University was founded in 1885. The Learning Enterprise is a more recent strategic initiative to scale educational access and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role is within ASU's Learning Enterprise, specifically the Learning Design team.

• The Design Strategist will collaborate with faculty, subject matter experts (SMEs), product teams, and industry partners.

• Reporting structure likely involves a lead instructional designer or a director within the Learning Design team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving multimedia specialists, instructional technologists, course managers, and potentially external business units or partners. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using learner data, engagement metrics, and feedback to inform course revisions and continuous improvement.

• Evidence-Based Learning Science: Application of research-backed principles in instructional design.

• Modern Pedagogical Practices: Utilization of contemporary teaching and learning strategies.

• Emerging Technologies: Exploration and integration of new tools, including AI and automation, to enhance learning experiences and efficiency.

• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) & Accessibility: Commitment to creating inclusive learning environments that meet accessibility standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ASU's Learning Enterprise operates with a "scrappy," "driven," and "intentional" mindset, aiming to be "architects" of a transformed future in education. This suggests a dynamic, results-oriented environment that encourages initiative and problem-solving. The "Leading from the heart" value emphasizes a supportive and people-centric approach, which is important for collaboration within the team and with learners.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level "Design Strategist," indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. It is a step above a junior instructional designer and involves strategic input into program design and development.

Reporting Structure: The Design Strategist will likely report to a manager or director within the Learning Design team, collaborating closely with various internal and external stakeholders across different ASU departments and potentially with industry partners.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is centered on the effectiveness, scalability, and innovation of learning experiences. By designing high-quality, accessible, and engaging programs, the Design Strategist directly contributes to ASU's mission of expanding educational access, improving learner outcomes, and supporting workforce development, thereby influencing the university's reputation and reach in the global education market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as AI in education, executive education design, or advanced UDL implementation.

• Leadership: Progress into roles like Senior Design Strategist, Lead Instructional Designer, or management positions within the Learning Design team, overseeing projects and mentoring junior staff.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain experience in project management, partnership management, and strategic planning by working on complex, cross-functional initiatives.

• Professional Development: Access to ASU's extensive professional development resources, workshops, conferences, and potential for further education or certifications in learning design and educational technology.

• Innovation: Contribute to pilot programs and research on emerging educational technologies, positioning oneself at the forefront of learning innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Strategist" title implies a trajectory towards more strategic roles in curriculum development and educational innovation. The focus on AI and emerging technologies suggests opportunities to become a subject matter expert in these rapidly evolving fields within education.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at ASU's Tempe campus, indicating a traditional university office environment. This typically involves shared office spaces, collaborative work areas, and access to university resources.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the Tempe campus. While the job description doesn't specify remote work, the "Working Environment" section details typical office-based activities, and the "Location" is listed as "Campus: Tempe."

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant collaboration with various teams, suggesting an environment that supports teamwork through shared spaces, meetings, and digital communication tools.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to university-provided hardware, software, including LMS (Canvas), authoring tools, AI platforms, and other educational technologies.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with instructional designers, faculty, SMEs, and project teams through regular meetings, design reviews, and working sessions.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time, 40-hour work week, generally aligned with university operating hours.

• While not explicitly stated, flexibility may be offered based on project needs or university policy, but the core expectation is on-site presence. The "Working Environment" section notes "extended periods of sitting, keyboarding" and "frequent bending, reaching, lifting," typical of office-based roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described as an office setting on a university campus. The physical requirements mention typical office tasks, but also "frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds," which is slightly more than standard office work and might relate to handling equipment or materials. This suggests an active office role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit a cover letter and resume/CV through the Workday Jobs Hub. Ensure all employment information (month/year, title, duties, employer) is clearly detailed on the resume to demonstrate meeting qualifications.

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum and desired qualifications.

• Interview Rounds: Expect multiple interview stages, likely including:

  • Hiring Manager/Team Interview: To assess experience, skills, and cultural fit.
  • Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or presentation demonstrating instructional design skills, strategic thinking, and ability to apply learning science and technology. This is where portfolio elements will be crucial.
  • Panel Interview: Potentially with cross-functional team members or senior stakeholders to evaluate collaboration and strategic alignment.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and alignment with ASU's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase the required skills: instructional design methodologies, technology integration (especially AI), UDL/accessibility, and data-driven improvement.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (design process), the tools used, and the measurable outcomes or impact (e.g., learner engagement increases, completion rates improved, efficiency gains).

• Showcase AI Integration: If you have projects involving AI, highlight them prominently. Explain the specific AI tools used, the purpose, and the results achieved.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. Use a consistent format for each case study (e.g., Challenge, Solution, Results). Visual aids (screenshots, brief videos) can enhance engagement.

• Practice Presentation: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio during an interview, explaining your design decisions, challenges, and successes concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Instructional Design Scenario: Be ready to analyze a learning challenge and propose an instructional design strategy, including modality, content approach, assessment methods, and technology recommendations.

• AI Integration Scenario: Prepare to discuss how you would integrate AI into a specific learning context to solve a particular problem or enhance learner experience.

• UDL/Accessibility Scenario: Address how you would ensure a course or learning module is accessible and inclusive for a diverse range of learners.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating your design rationale and project status to various stakeholders (faculty, technical teams, management).

📝 Enhancement Note: The application instructions emphasize detailed resume content and the requirement for a cover letter. The mention of "multiple documents may be uploaded" suggests applicants should prepare their portfolio materials (or links to them) in a digital format. The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to articulate their design process and demonstrate tangible results, especially concerning AI and UDL.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management System (LMS): Canvas (mandatory, extensive experience expected).

• Rapid Authoring Tools: Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, H5P (required for multimedia and interactive content creation).

• AI & Automation Tools: Exploration and integration of AI-enabled tools for course design, content generation, automated feedback, adaptive learning, and scalable assessment strategies.

• Collaboration Platforms: Likely standard university tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or ASU's internal equivalents for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learner Data Analysis: Experience using data from LMS and other platforms to inform course revisions and improvements.

• Engagement Metrics Tracking: Ability to interpret and report on learner engagement and success metrics.

• Performance Measurement: Tools for tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of learning experiences.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary focus for this role, understanding of how learning platforms integrate with broader university systems or partner platforms might be beneficial. Experience with any form of workflow automation in content development or course management could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Canvas and Articulate Suite (Rise/Storyline) is non-negotiable. The emphasis on AI integration means candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AI tools in the learning design context, even if specific named tools aren't listed. The ability to leverage data from these systems for continuous improvement is also a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Scrappy: Willingness to tackle challenges head-on, innovate, and find solutions even when obstacles arise; embrace experimentation and iteration.

• Driven: A strong internal motivation to excel, push boundaries, and relentlessly pursue better outcomes for learners and the organization, rather than settling for the status quo.

• Intentional Architects: A strategic, big-picture mindset combined with meticulous attention to detail in building and executing long-term visions; pride in craftsmanship and contributing to foundational elements.

• Leading from the Heart: Deep care for people, fostering unconditional support, believing in human potential, and investing in continuous growth for team members and learners.

• Candid Collaborators: Openness to sharing ideas and feedback at all levels, engaging in constructive debate with strong opinions held loosely, and striving for clarity through direct, honest communication to improve work outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with diverse teams (faculty, SMEs, tech, product) to ensure holistic learning experience design.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open discussion of design processes and constructive feedback exchange to drive quality and innovation.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing best practices, innovations, and lessons learned through team sessions, documentation, and presentations.

• Debate and Openness: Willingness to engage in candid discussions and debates, holding strong opinions loosely to ensure the best ideas prevail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit articulation of values like "Scrappy," "Driven," and "Candid Collaborators" suggests a fast-paced, innovative, and communicative work environment. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work, particularly in how they approach problem-solving, collaborate with others, and handle feedback.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Designing cutting-edge learning experiences while ensuring they are scalable, accessible, and cost-effective for a large university system.

• Integrating AI Ethically and Effectively: Navigating the evolving landscape of AI in education, ensuring responsible use, and maximizing its benefits without compromising pedagogical integrity or learner privacy.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively collaborating with and managing expectations of various stakeholders, including faculty with different levels of technological adoption, industry partners with specific business needs, and internal teams with competing priorities.

• Rapid Development Cycles: Adapting to accelerated timelines for new program launches or updates, requiring efficient design processes and strong project management.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new educational technologies and pedagogical approaches to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of learning experiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced instructional design methodologies, learning analytics, AI in education, and digital pedagogy.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences (e.g., OLC Accelerate, ATD International Conference) and pursue certifications in instructional design, learning technologies, or project management.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Access to mentorship programs within ASU and formal leadership development opportunities for career progression within the Learning Enterprise or university.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gain insights into other areas of the Learning Enterprise, such as curriculum development, learning analytics, or strategic partnerships, broadening understanding of the educational ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of the role, particularly concerning AI and the need for adaptable design strategies. The growth opportunities are substantial, given ASU's scale and commitment to innovation in higher education.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a complex, high-impact learning experience from initial concept to deployment, detailing how you incorporate learning science, pedagogical best practices, and technology."

• "How would you approach integrating AI tools into an executive education program to enhance learner engagement and provide personalized feedback, while adhering to ethical guidelines?"

• "Walk us through a project where you used learner data or feedback to significantly improve the design or effectiveness of a course. What was your process, and what were the measurable results?"

• "How do you ensure that learning experiences are inclusive and accessible for all learners, particularly those with diverse needs or backgrounds? Provide examples of your application of UDL or WCAG standards." Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of ASU's Learning Enterprise values (Scrappy, Driven, Intentional Architects, Leading from the Heart, Candid Collaborators), how would you contribute to and thrive in this environment?"

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or navigate conflicting priorities. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you stay current with emerging trends in instructional design, learning science, and educational technology, particularly AI?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your core competencies, especially AI integration, UDL, and data-driven design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach (design process, methodologies), the solutions implemented (tools, content), and the quantifiable impact or outcomes.

• Highlight AI Contributions: If applicable, dedicate a segment to showcasing your AI integration experience, explaining the specific tools, rationale, and results.

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to discuss how you arrived at your design decisions, not just what you designed. Explain your thought process and the principles that guided you.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on key highlights and being ready for deeper dives into specific areas if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will likely probe for specific examples that align with the job description's emphasis on AI, UDL, data-driven design, and stakeholder management. Candidates should prepare to discuss their "why" behind design choices and demonstrate an understanding of ASU's unique values and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the ASU Workday Jobs Hub, ensuring all required attachments (Cover Letter, Resume/CV) are included.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects showcasing instructional design methodologies (backward design, UDL), experience with Canvas and Articulate Suite, and, critically, any application of AI in learning design. Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 5+ years of relevant experience, including job titles, duties, and employers, using month/year format for employment history. Explicitly mention skills and tools listed in the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you embody ASU's values. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss specific examples of innovation, collaboration, and impact.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with ASU's Learning Enterprise mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understand their strategic goals related to expanding educational access and leveraging technology.

⚠️ 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.