Founding Product Designer📍US

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Founding Product Designer Company: Prosper Health Location: US/NY - Hybrid (On-site 2-5 days/week in Chelsea, NYC) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / Operations Strategy Date Posted: August 18, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design strategy for both client-facing and clinician-facing platforms within a rapidly growing mental healthcare startup.
• Drive user research and usability testing initiatives to deeply understand user needs and translate insights into impactful product solutions.
• Collaborate directly with executive leadership, engineering, and core team members to define and execute the product vision.
• Establish and champion a culture of design excellence, characterized by craft, empathy, and a commitment to measurable impact.
• Own the full product design lifecycle, from initial discovery and wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and final UI implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Product Designer," the emphasis on "Founding," "end-to-end user experience," "collaborating directly with the CEO," and "setting the tone for product design" suggests a strategic operations component. This role will likely involve defining processes, establishing design standards, and influencing the operational workflow of product development, making it highly relevant to individuals with operations-minded design skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and deliver intuitive, compassionate, and effective user experiences across Prosper Health's client and clinician digital platforms, ensuring seamless multi-sided workflows.
• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather critical insights for product strategy and feature development.
• Synthesize user feedback and data analytics to inform design decisions, prioritizing features that align with business objectives and user needs.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure efficient development cycles, rapid iteration, and the successful implementation of high-quality design solutions.
• Develop and maintain a robust design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to best practices across all product touchpoints.
• Champion a user-centric design approach throughout the organization, advocating for user needs and educating stakeholders on the value of design.
• Define and document design processes, workflows, and standards that will scale with the company's growth, contributing to operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant strategic input. The expectation to define design processes and set the tone suggests an operational responsibility for establishing design best practices and ensuring consistency, crucial for a growing startup aiming for scalable operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in product design, with a strong focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for digital products.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to design and ship end-to-end product experiences for web and mobile applications.
• Expertise in user research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and translating findings into actionable design strategies.
• Strong proficiency in design and prototyping tools, particularly Figma, for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and polished UIs.
• Demonstrated systems thinking capabilities, with the ability to design complex, interconnected user flows and contribute to a cohesive design system.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
• Self-directed and comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-paced early-stage startup environments, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating exceptional UX, visual design polish, and a clear understanding of user needs and business goals.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the healthcare industry, particularly with digital health platforms or patient-facing applications.
• Previous experience designing for neurodivergent users or a strong understanding of their unique needs and challenges.
• Prior experience working in an early-stage startup environment, contributing to product strategy and design processes from inception.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration in a tech-centric environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Founding" aspect of the title, combined with the 3+ years of experience and the emphasis on setting the design tone, implies this individual will be instrumental in building the design function. This often involves establishing operational workflows for design, from user research intake to final asset handoff, and integrating design processes with engineering and product management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 3 years of professional product design experience.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes/impact.
• Evidence of strong UX thinking, including user flows, wireframes, wire flow diagrams, and interaction design.
• Examples of high-fidelity UI designs that showcase visual polish, attention to detail, and an understanding of design systems.
• Demonstrations of prototyping skills, illustrating the interactivity and flow of designed solutions.
• Projects that highlight systems thinking, showing an understanding of how different product components interact.
• Examples of user research and usability testing, detailing how insights were gathered and incorporated into the design process.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have documented design processes, established design standards, or contributed to the creation of design systems.
• Highlight instances where you have influenced or improved product development workflows through design operations or process optimization.
• Include examples of how you’ve managed design projects, prioritized tasks, and collaborated with engineering for efficient implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Founding" role, the portfolio is critical not just for showcasing design skills but also for demonstrating an ability to establish processes and operate effectively in a startup environment. Candidates should prepare to discuss how they would structure the design function, manage design projects, and ensure efficient collaboration with engineering and product teams, akin to establishing operational design frameworks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Founding Product Designer with 3-5 years of experience in New York City, a competitive salary range would typically be between $120,000 - $160,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, and equity. Prosper Health's rapid growth and mission-driven nature may position them at the higher end of this spectrum.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for equity in a fast-growing startup.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and training.
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment focused on making a significant impact in mental healthcare.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between remote work and in-office collaboration.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. The role requires flexibility, especially in an early-stage startup, with a focus on delivering results and meeting project milestones rather than strict adherence to hourly schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for product design roles in major tech hubs like New York City, considering the "Founding" title and the company's Series A funding. Benefits are standard for tech startups but are highlighted for their relevance to attracting and retaining talent in a competitive market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Health / Mental Healthcare Technology Company Size: Early-stage startup (implied by "Founding" role and Series A funding), likely under 50 employees. This means a lean, agile, and highly collaborative environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. Founded: Approximately 2 years ago, indicating a company with established product-market fit and significant growth momentum.

Team Structure:

• The core team is lean and mission-driven, comprising individuals with expertise in technology, healthcare, and business operations.
• The Product Designer will report directly to senior leadership, likely the CEO or Head of Product, and work closely with a small, dedicated engineering team.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected to be high, with designers actively partnering with product, engineering, clinical experts, and business development.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is likely a core operational principle, influencing product development and design iterations.
• Agile methodologies are probably employed for product development, emphasizing rapid iteration, continuous feedback, and flexibility.
• A strong focus on user-centricity guides product strategy, ensuring that the needs of autistic and neurodivergent adults are at the forefront of design efforts.

Company Website: https://hirey.io (Note: This appears to be the URL of the recruiting platform, not Prosper Health's direct website. The actual company website for Prosper Health would be needed for more specific context.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the company's stage (early-stage, Series A) is crucial for operations professionals. It implies a dynamic environment where processes are still being defined, offering significant opportunities for individuals to shape operational workflows and contribute to building scalable systems from the ground up.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant opportunity for a designer to step into a leadership position as the "Founding" designer. It's a mid-to-senior level role with substantial autonomy and influence, akin to an early-stage operations lead for design. Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the CEO or Head of Product, indicating high visibility and direct access to executive decision-making. This structure allows for rapid feedback loops and direct impact on company strategy. Operations Impact: The product design function directly impacts the company's ability to acquire and retain clients and clinicians, manage workflows efficiently, and deliver high-quality care. Design decisions will have a direct correlation to revenue generation, operational efficiency, and overall user satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to build and lead the product design function from its inception, shaping its processes, culture, and team.
• Potential to grow into a Head of Design or Design Lead role as the company scales.
• Gain deep expertise in a rapidly growing and impactful sector of digital health, specifically serving an underserved population.
• Develop strong strategic thinking and product leadership skills through close collaboration with executive leadership.
• Contribute to defining scalable operational processes for design and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This "Founding" role offers a unique career trajectory. It's not just about individual design contributions but about building the operational framework for design within the company. The growth potential is significant, moving from an individual contributor to a leadership role with strategic operational responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model, with 2-5 days per week expected in the Chelsea, NYC office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and spontaneous interaction. Office Location(s): Chelsea, New York City. This location offers access to a vibrant tech and healthcare ecosystem, with numerous amenities and transportation options.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely to be dynamic and interactive, encouraging direct collaboration with engineers, product managers, and leadership.
• As a founding member, the designer will have a significant influence on shaping the workspace and its tools.
• Access to modern design tools and potentially flexible work arrangements within the office will be standard.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the startup environment often necessitates flexibility and a commitment to project success. The hybrid nature allows for focused individual work remotely and collaborative sessions in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key operational consideration. Candidates should assess their comfort level with balancing remote productivity with in-office collaboration, and how this structure supports efficient design workflows and team integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A deep dive into selected case studies, focusing on design process, problem-solving, user research insights, and impact. Expect to discuss operational aspects of your design process.
• Design Challenge/Exercise: A practical exercise to evaluate design thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work within constraints. This may involve designing a specific feature or workflow.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with engineers, product managers, and potentially clinical advisors to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit.
• Executive/Leadership Interview: Final discussion with the CEO or other senior leaders to assess strategic thinking, vision, and alignment with company mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the user research conducted, key design decisions made, and the measurable impact of your solution.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design process, including how you approach user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Showcase your ability to adapt processes to different project needs.
• Demonstrate Systems Thinking: Show how your designs fit into a larger product ecosystem and how you maintain consistency and scalability through design systems.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, increased engagement).
• Address Operational Aspects: Be prepared to discuss how you would establish design operations, manage design projects, and collaborate efficiently with engineering in a startup environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate challenges that involve designing for complex user flows, potentially in a healthcare context or for underserved populations.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, explaining your design rationale and any trade-offs considered.
• Be ready to discuss how you would gather user feedback and iterate on your design solutions under time constraints.
• Consider how your proposed solutions would integrate with existing or future product systems and operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a "Founding" role often involves assessing not just execution but also strategic thinking and the ability to build foundational elements. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just what they designed, but how they would operationalize design within the company.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, and prototyping. Proficiency is a must.
• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, or Lookback for remote usability testing and feedback collection.
• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and collaborating with engineering.
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Google Workspace, Miro for communication and collaborative ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Experience with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics to understand user behavior and measure product performance.
• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret data from dashboards and reports, potentially using tools like Tableau or Looker, to inform design.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and automation platforms impact user journeys and data flow can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a founding designer, there might be an opportunity to influence the selection and implementation of design tools and technologies, making familiarity with a broad range of design and collaboration software valuable from an operational perspective.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: Prioritizing work that delivers tangible value to users and the business, focusing on outcomes rather than just output.
• Empathy: Deeply understanding and designing for the needs of neurodivergent individuals and the challenges within mental healthcare.
• Craftsmanship: Commitment to high-quality design, attention to detail, and a polished user experience.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, valuing input, and fostering open communication.
• Agility & Adaptability: Thriving in a fast-paced startup environment, embracing ambiguity, and quickly iterating on solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work hand-in-hand with product managers and engineers from concept to launch.
• Openness to feedback and constructive critique is essential for iterative design and process improvement.
• Cross-functional communication will be key, requiring the designer to clearly articulate design rationale and user needs to non-design stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to serve neurodivergent adults suggests a culture that values inclusivity, understanding, and patience. These values will likely permeate the operational approach to product development and user interaction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining Design from Scratch: Establishing the design function, processes, and standards in an early-stage startup requires initiative and strategic thinking.
• Balancing Ambiguity and Structure: Navigating an environment with evolving priorities and limited established processes while building foundational design operations.
• Serving a Specific User Group: Deeply understanding the unique needs and challenges of neurodivergent individuals to create truly effective and compassionate solutions.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication between design, engineering, product, and clinical teams to maintain product integrity and operational efficiency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Building a Design Function: Gaining experience in establishing design team structures, processes, and best practices.
• Strategic Product Influence: Direct involvement in product strategy and roadmap planning, contributing to business-level decisions.
• Healthcare Tech Expertise: Developing deep knowledge of the digital health landscape and its unique operational and regulatory considerations.
• Leadership Development: The opportunity to lead design efforts and potentially build and mentor a future design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed with an operations lens, focusing on the foundational aspects of building a design function and the operational strategies required to succeed in a startup.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you approach building a design system from the ground up for Prosper Health? What operational processes would you put in place to maintain it?
• Describe your process for conducting user research with neurodivergent individuals. What specific considerations would you make to ensure ethical and effective research?
• How do you prioritize design tasks and manage your workload in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment?
• How would you measure the success of your design work, both in terms of user satisfaction and business impact? What operational metrics would you track?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What excites you most about Prosper Health's mission and the opportunity to serve neurodivergent adults?
• How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers? Can you share an example of a successful cross-functional partnership?
• What is your understanding of the healthcare technology landscape, and what unique challenges do you anticipate in designing for this sector?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes. Show how you arrived at your solutions.
• Demonstrate Operational Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage design projects, collaborate with engineering, and contribute to the overall product development workflow. Highlight any experience you have in defining or improving design processes.
• Showcase User Research: Detail your approach to user research, demonstrating how you translated insights into design decisions.
• Quantify Results: Use data and metrics to support the effectiveness of your designs. If direct metrics are unavailable, use logical reasoning and user feedback to illustrate impact.
• Prepare for Design Exercises: Practice solving design problems quickly and articulating your thought process clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize demonstrating not only design skills but also strategic thinking, operational capability, and a proactive approach to building the design function within Prosper Health.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Founding Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on hirey.io.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your UX, UI, systems thinking, user research, and problem-solving skills. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, your role, challenges, and quantifiable outcomes. For this role, highlight any experience in establishing design processes or working in early-stage environments.
• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to highlight experience relevant to product design, user research, collaboration, and working in dynamic environments. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your passion for Prosper Health's mission, your approach to design challenges, and how you envision building the design function within the company. Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your design philosophy.
• Research Prosper Health: Understand the company's mission, target audience, and the challenges in the mental healthcare space. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the operational context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. All details regarding responsibilities, qualifications, and company specifics should be verified directly with Prosper Health or Hirey.io during the application and interview process.