Learning Experience Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Learning Experience Product Designer

Company: African Leadership University (ALU)

Location: Rwanda, Mauritius

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Learning Experience Design / Curriculum Development

Date Posted: 2026-01-16

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of undergraduate degree programs, ensuring a cohesive and mission-aligned learning journey for students.

• Drive the creation of innovative, student-centered learning experiences that integrate experiential learning and entrepreneurial mindsets.

• Champion the application of instructional design methodologies and learning technologies to enhance engagement and knowledge application.

• Oversee quality assurance and evaluation strategies to ensure program excellence and continuous improvement.

• Foster a collaborative design culture through effective leadership, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in shaping the future of higher education in Africa by designing learning experiences that equip students with the skills and ethical leadership necessary to address the continent's challenges. The focus on product design for an entire degree program signifies a holistic, strategic approach to curriculum development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Program-Level Learning Experience Design: Serve as the primary product designer for assigned undergraduate degree programs, ensuring a unified and impactful student experience across all modules from foundational to advanced skills.

• Curriculum Development & Instructional Design: Collaborate with academic directors, program managers, module leads, and SMEs to design mission-aligned, skills-based curriculum frameworks, applying instructional design principles to create engaging activities, assessments, and multimedia content.

• Learning Technology Integration: Design and prototype interactive learning experiences using learning technologies, including LMS, multimedia tools, and AI-based platforms, and leverage learning analytics for personalization and improved engagement.

• Quality Assurance & Evaluation: Implement robust quality assurance processes for curriculum consistency and excellence, and execute evaluation strategies using quantitative and qualitative feedback to assess learning effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

• Leadership & Team Development: Facilitate design reviews, feedback sessions, and knowledge-sharing practices to cultivate a collaborative and innovative team environment, and partner in refining internal curriculum development and design processes.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the key design liaison between the Learning Experience Design team and program stakeholders, conducting needs assessments, gathering requirements, and communicating project progress and design rationale effectively.

• Research & Innovation: Stay current with emerging trends in instructional design, learning technologies, and experiential learning, recommending innovative approaches to keep ALU's learning experiences at the forefront of higher education.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "module playbooks" and the designer's sign-off responsibility indicates a structured, process-driven approach to curriculum development, requiring meticulous documentation and quality control. The role demands a blend of strategic vision and hands-on design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Curriculum, Instruction, Instructional Design, or a related discipline, OR equivalent experience with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Proven experience leading the design of end-to-end learning journeys across multiple courses or programs.

• Expertise in applying instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) to develop learner-centered curriculum.

• Experience mentoring and guiding other designers, educators, or module leads.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple design streams and meet deadlines.

Required Skills:

• Learning Experience Design: Deep understanding of student-centered, experiential learning design and entrepreneurial mindsets at all levels of a program.

• Curriculum Development: Ability to design curriculum frameworks and detailed module content aligned with institutional mission and skills-based objectives.

• Instructional Design: Expertise in applying pedagogical principles and adult learning theories to create engaging and effective learning materials and activities.

• Learning Technology Integration: Proficiency in leveraging educational technologies, including LMS, digital tools, and emerging AI platforms, to enhance learning experiences.

• Project Management: Strong organizational and planning skills to manage complex curriculum development projects from inception to delivery.

• Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, SMEs, and program managers.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for presenting design rationale, facilitating discussions, and documenting processes.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze learning data, identify design gaps, and develop creative solutions to enhance student outcomes.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: A proactive, innovative approach to designing learning experiences that foster entrepreneurship and problem-solving.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools and learning analytics for personalized learning pathways.

• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies in an educational context.

• Understanding of accreditation standards and quality assurance frameworks in higher education.

• Experience working within or understanding the unique educational landscape of Africa.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "entrepreneurial mindsets" and "solving Africa's greatest challenges" highlights the unique mission of ALU and requires candidates to demonstrate not just instructional design expertise but also a strategic alignment with the institution's vision.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Learning Journey Design: Showcase examples of designing a complete learning program or a significant portion of one, illustrating the progression of learning objectives, activities, and assessments.

• Experiential Learning Integration: Provide case studies or project examples where experiential learning methodologies were effectively incorporated into the curriculum.

• Instructional Design Frameworks: Present examples of curriculum frameworks, learning objectives, and instructional strategies applied to specific modules or courses.

• Technology Integration Examples: Include artifacts or descriptions of how learning technologies were integrated to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

• Quality Assurance & Evaluation Artifacts: Demonstrate experience with designing assessment tools, rubrics, or feedback mechanisms used to evaluate learning effectiveness.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of documented workflows for curriculum development, instructional design, or quality assurance processes.

• Design Principles & Frameworks: Showcase any design principles, rubrics, or frameworks developed to ensure consistency and quality in learning experiences.

• Module Playbook Examples: If possible, present a sample structure or excerpt of a "module playbook" that outlines learning objectives, content, activities, and assessments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to present tangible examples of their work that demonstrate their ability to design comprehensive learning programs, not just isolated modules. The portfolio should reflect a strategic, product-oriented approach to learning experience design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the locations (Rwanda, Mauritius) and the specialized nature of this role, a competitive salary would be estimated between $60,000 - $90,000 USD annually, depending on the candidate's experience level, qualifications, and specific location within the preferred time zones. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior instructional designers and learning experience designers in global educational institutions, adjusted for cost of living in regions like Mauritius and Rwanda, and considering the full-time, remote-flexible nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, potentially including medical, dental, and vision.

• Retirement Savings: Contributions to a retirement or pension plan.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, workshops, conferences, and relevant certifications.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Remote Work Stipend: Potential support for home office setup and connectivity.

• Impactful Work: The opportunity to contribute to a transformative educational mission in Africa.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility is inherent in a remote role, with an expectation to be available for collaboration during core working hours of the primary team and stakeholders, and to manage workload effectively to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior learning experience design roles in international organizations and educational institutions, considering the specified locations and the remote work aspect. Specific benefits packages can vary significantly and should be confirmed with ALU.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / EdTech

Company Size: 50-200 employees

Founded: 2013

Company Description: The African Leadership University (ALU) is an innovative institution dedicated to developing ethical and entrepreneurial leaders for Africa's future. It employs a first-principles approach to education, empowering individuals to design and implement creative learning experiences. ALU emphasizes experiential learning, self-leadership, and entrepreneurial mindsets, fostering a vibrant, pan-African community.

Company Specialties: Transformative Higher Education, Experiential Learning, Entrepreneurship Education, Leadership Development, Pan-African Focus.

Team Structure:

• Learning Experience Design (LXD) Team: This role reports to the Senior Manager of Learning Experience Design for Undergraduate Programs, indicating a dedicated team focused on curriculum and learning experience innovation.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Academic Directors, Program Managers, Module Leads, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Quality Assurance teams, and Product Leads, highlighting a matrixed and collaborative work environment.

• Decentralized Design Process: The emphasis on "Module Leads" and "SMEs" suggests a model where core curriculum is designed centrally by LXD, but module-specific content is developed and refined by subject experts and module leaders under the guidance of the LXD team.

Methodology:

• First Principles Approach: ALU encourages rethinking traditional educational structures and processes to design the most effective learning experiences.

• Experiential Learning: A core pedagogical approach, emphasizing learning by doing and applying knowledge in real-world contexts.

• Student-Centered Design: The learning experience is architected around the student's needs, growth, and development.

• Data-Driven Improvement: Leveraging learning analytics and feedback to continuously refine and enhance program effectiveness.

• Agile Development: Implied through iterative design, feedback loops, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Company Website: https://www.africanleadershipuniversity.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: ALU's unique mission and operational approach suggest a culture that values innovation, impact, and a departure from traditional academic bureaucracy. The "How We Work" section highlights a proactive, individual-empowered environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Design Lead

This role represents a senior position within the Learning Experience Design function. The Learning Experience Product Designer is responsible for the strategic design and oversight of an entire undergraduate degree program, indicating a significant level of autonomy and responsibility. This is beyond a standard instructional designer role, focusing on the "product" of the degree program.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Senior Manager of Learning Experience Design – Undergraduate Programs.

Operations Impact:

• Direct Impact on Student Outcomes: The primary impact is on the quality and effectiveness of the undergraduate education provided, directly influencing student learning, skill development, and their readiness to become leaders and problem-solvers in Africa.

• Program Innovation: Drives the adoption of innovative pedagogical approaches and learning technologies, positioning ALU at the forefront of higher education.

• Mission Alignment: Ensures all learning experiences are aligned with ALU's core mission of developing ethical and entrepreneurial leaders for Africa.

• Operational Efficiency: By creating robust program frameworks and playbooks, the role contributes to more efficient and scalable curriculum development and delivery processes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into a Senior Manager or Director-level role within Learning Experience Design, managing larger teams or broader program portfolios.

• Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in specific areas of learning design, such as AI in education, gamification, or specific entrepreneurial pedagogy.

• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in the strategic direction of ALU's academic programs and curriculum innovation.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and develop Module Leads and junior designers.

• Broader Program Oversight: Potential to oversee multiple degree programs or contribute to the design of new academic offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Profile of Success" section outlines key competencies that align with senior-level expectations, including leading end-to-end design, mentoring experience, and a passion for the mission.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily Remote with potential for occasional on-site collaboration or team meetings.

Office Location(s): While based in Rwanda and Mauritius, the role is open to qualified candidates in any location, with a preference for candidates within the CAT (Central Africa Time) or MUR (Mauritius Time) time zones for better collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration Tools: Expectation to utilize digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace) for communication, project management, and design sessions.

• Digital Learning Environment: Deep familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other digital educational tools will be essential for designing and implementing learning experiences.

• Flexible Work Schedule: The remote nature allows for a degree of flexibility in managing work hours, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Regular engagement with diverse teams across academic, operational, and product functions.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time commitment, approximately 40 hours per week.

• While remote, maintaining availability for synchronous meetings and collaborations during core business hours relevant to ALU's operational hubs is expected. This includes potential overlap with teams in Rwanda and Mauritius.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for specific time zones suggests that while remote, some level of synchronous collaboration is crucial for team cohesion and effective project management. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and digital collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Review of application materials (resume, cover letter) by HR to assess basic qualifications.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Conversation with the Senior Manager of Learning Experience Design to discuss experience, alignment with ALU's mission, and understanding of the role.

3. Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio showcasing their learning experience design work, potentially including a specific design challenge related to curriculum development or problem-solving for a learning scenario. This is where the "product design" aspect will be heavily scrutinized.

4. Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders such as Academic Directors, Program Managers, or other LXD team members to assess collaboration skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader at ALU to discuss overall fit and strategic contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Program-Level Design: Prioritize projects that demonstrate the ability to design a cohesive learning journey or program, not just individual modules. Highlight how you ensured a "golden thread" across different components.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs. This could include student engagement rates, learning outcomes, NPS scores for learning experiences, or feedback on skills development.

• Explain Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process for key projects. Explain your rationale for pedagogical choices, technology integration, and assessment strategies.

• Highlight Experiential & Entrepreneurial Elements: Clearly articulate how your designs foster experiential learning and cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, aligning with ALU's core values.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you collaborated with SMEs, faculty, or other stakeholders, and how you managed feedback and design revisions.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. Consider grouping projects by type or by the skills they demonstrate. Use clear titles, descriptions, and visual aids.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Scenarios: Be ready for hypothetical problems related to designing a module on a complex topic, integrating new technology, or addressing student engagement challenges within an experiential learning framework.

• Focus on ALU's Context: Research ALU's mission, values, and existing programs to tailor your responses and design ideas to their specific needs and philosophy.

• Articulate Design Principles: Be prepared to discuss your own design principles and how they align with student-centered, mission-driven learning.

• Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any case studies clearly and concisely, ensuring you can articulate your strategic thinking and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "product designer for the full undergraduate degree journey" and "program blueprints" suggests a need for candidates who can think holistically and strategically about the entire student experience, not just isolated instructional components.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Proficiency with platforms like Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, or similar, for course delivery, content hosting, and student interaction.

• Authoring Tools: Experience with tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar for creating interactive e-learning modules and multimedia content.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or Miro for wireframing, prototyping learning interfaces, and collaborative design ideation.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for communication, project management, and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Analytics Platforms: Experience leveraging data from LMS or specialized analytics tools to track student progress, engagement, and identify learning gaps.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio for presenting learning effectiveness data and insights.

• Survey & Feedback Tools: Proficiency with tools like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or Google Forms for gathering quantitative and qualitative feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a core CRM role, understanding of how student data is managed within an educational context (potentially within an SIS or CRM) may be beneficial for personalization.

• Automation Tools: Experience with workflow automation tools could be relevant for streamlining content creation or feedback processes, though not explicitly stated as a requirement.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different learning technologies and platforms can be integrated to create a seamless user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "AI-based platforms" and "learning analytics" indicates a forward-thinking approach, suggesting that candidates with experience in these emerging areas will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to ALU's mission of developing leaders for Africa and increasing educational access on the continent.

• Innovation & Experimentation: A culture that encourages new ideas, rethinking traditional approaches, and piloting innovative learning solutions.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, shared ownership, and a willingness to work collectively across departments.

• Student-Centricity: A deep focus on the student experience, ensuring learning design directly supports student growth and success.

• Ethical Leadership: Upholding high ethical standards in all aspects of work and fostering these values in students.

• Data-Informed Decision-Making: Utilizing data and evidence to guide design choices and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is designed to be highly collaborative, bridging the gap between academic strategy, curriculum development, and technology implementation.

• Co-Creation: Working closely with Module Leads, SMEs, and Program Managers to co-design effective learning experiences.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment that values constructive feedback for continuous improvement of both learning designs and internal processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches within the LXD team and broader ALU community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "ethical and entrepreneurial leaders" and "solving Africa's greatest challenges" suggests a culture that is purpose-driven, impact-oriented, and committed to social change through education.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Program Cohesion with Module Customization: Ensuring a consistent "golden thread" across a degree program while allowing for the unique contributions of individual module leads and SMEs.

• Integrating Experiential Learning Effectively: Designing meaningful and scalable experiential learning opportunities that are logistically feasible and deeply integrated into the curriculum.

• Leveraging Technology for Impact: Effectively integrating new learning technologies, including AI, to enhance learning without letting technology dictate pedagogy.

• Measuring Learning Impact: Developing robust methods to assess the effectiveness of learning experiences, particularly for soft skills like leadership and entrepreneurship.

• Navigating Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Aligning the design vision with the varied perspectives and priorities of academic directors, program managers, faculty, and external partners.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced LXD Techniques: Deepen expertise in emerging areas of learning experience design, such as AI-driven personalization, adaptive learning, and immersive technologies.

• Educational Leadership in Africa: Gain unparalleled insight into the challenges and opportunities of higher education reform on the continent.

• Product Management Skills: Further develop skills in treating educational programs as "products" with defined user journeys and outcomes.

• Mentorship and Team Building: Opportunities to hone leadership skills by guiding and developing other members of the LXD team.

• Industry Conferences & Research: Support for attending relevant conferences and engaging in research related to educational innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to innovative educational design. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to shape the future of education in a dynamic and impactful context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to designing an entire undergraduate degree program as a cohesive 'product.' How would you ensure a consistent learning journey and 'golden thread' across multiple modules?"

• "How do you integrate experiential learning and entrepreneurial mindsets into curriculum design, and what are some practical examples you can share?"

• "Discuss a time you leveraged learning technology or analytics to significantly improve a learning experience. What was your process, and what were the results?"

• "How would you handle a situation where a Subject Matter Expert has a significantly different vision for a module's learning objectives or activities than what aligns with the overall program design?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to ALU's mission and approach to higher education?"

• "How do you align your design philosophy with an institution's core values, particularly regarding ethical leadership and entrepreneurialism?"

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, innovative environment. How do you adapt to change and drive continuous improvement?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the "problem" or objective, your "solution" (the design), and the "result" (impact, metrics, learnings).

• Focus on Program-Level Examples: Prioritize showcasing projects that demonstrate end-to-end program design, curriculum architecture, or significant learning journey mapping.

• Highlight Design Process & Rationale: Be ready to explain why you made certain design choices, the pedagogical principles you applied, and how you addressed specific challenges.

• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, include examples of how you worked with teams or stakeholders to refine designs.

• Quantify Outcomes: Whenever possible, present data that demonstrates the effectiveness of your designs. If quantitative data is unavailable, use qualitative feedback and insights.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to tackle a hypothetical design problem related to curriculum development or learning experience enhancement in ALU's context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience in terms of "product design" for educational programs, emphasizing strategic thinking, user (student) experience, and measurable outcomes, rather than just isolated instructional design tasks.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Learning Experience Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight experience in end-to-end program design, curriculum architecture, and the integration of experiential and entrepreneurial learning. Emphasize any work that demonstrates a "product" approach to educational programs.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with instructional design methodologies, learning technology integration, project management, and stakeholder collaboration. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Learning Experience Design," "Curriculum Development," "Instructional Design," and "Experiential Learning."

• Prepare Your Story: Be ready to articulate your passion for ALU's mission and how your skills and experience align with their innovative approach to higher education. Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your design process and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research ALU's mission, values, existing programs, and operational approach. Understand their commitment to developing ethical and entrepreneurial leaders for Africa.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with African Leadership University (ALU) before making application decisions.