Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Savvas Learning Company

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-01

Experience Level: 1-3+ years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design process for K-12 print and digital learning solutions, ensuring a cohesive and engaging user experience.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Design Leads, Illustrators, Multimedia Designers, UX/UI Designers, Editors, Product Managers, and Marketing to translate strategic goals into intuitive design.

• Leverage user-centered design principles, rapid prototyping techniques (including AI), and user analytics to develop innovative solutions that enhance both teaching and learning experiences.

• Maintain and evolve established brand identities across a diverse portfolio of educational products, ensuring consistency and quality in all design deliverables.

• Contribute to a fast-paced, dynamic product development environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines and budget constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities and required skills heavily lean into UX/UI and visual design within a product development context. The role is positioned within an educational technology company, emphasizing the application of design principles to learning solutions. The mention of "AI prompting" suggests a forward-thinking approach to design tools and workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop compelling product experiences for Savvas' K-12 educational programs, encompassing both print and digital formats, to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.

• Create thoughtful, user-centered visual design solutions that align with product strategy, user needs, and established brand guidelines, utilizing a blend of visual design, interaction design, and human-centered design applications.

• Employ rapid prototyping methodologies, including the use of AI prompting, to quickly iterate on design concepts and present multiple viable solutions for improving the educational experience.

• Analyze usage analytics and user feedback to intelligently inform and optimize existing features and functionalities within digital learning platforms.

• Translate strategic direction and project requirements into high-quality design deliverables, such as design prototypes, specifications, and other product design-related assets, ensuring alignment with educational objectives.

• Work collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment, including instructional designers, product managers, editors, and marketing, to ensure cohesive product development and successful market launch.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and adhering to budget constraints, while demonstrating strong self-management and organizational skills.

• Ensure all digital design outputs comply with the latest WCAG accessibility guidelines and incorporate responsive design strategies for optimal performance across various devices and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on design execution, with a strong emphasis on user-centricity and data-informed design decisions. The inclusion of "AI prompting" suggests a need for designers to be adaptable and explore emerging technologies in their workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education in design.

Experience: 1-3+ years of professional experience as a Designer, with a significant portion dedicated to product development environments.

Required Skills:

• A robust Design Portfolio is mandatory, showcasing expertise in visual design, UX design, and UI design.

• Demonstrated experience with usability best practices and the application of human-centered design principles.

• Proficiency in rapid prototyping techniques and the ability to translate complex ideas into interactive design solutions.

• Advanced knowledge of industry-standard design software, including Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and experience with AI prompting for design ideation.

• Familiarity with HTML for understanding digital implementation contexts.

• Understanding of the latest WCAG accessibility guidelines and responsive design strategies for creating inclusive and adaptable digital products.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently, manage workload effectively, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Detail-oriented with a strong creative sensibility and a solid understanding of design principles and typography. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the K-12 education technology sector.

• Familiarity with instructional design principles and educational pedagogy.

• Experience with user research methodologies and incorporating feedback into design iterations.

• Knowledge of multimedia design principles and integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "1-3+ years" suggests this is an entry-to-mid-level Product Designer role. The emphasis on a portfolio and specific tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite are critical for demonstrating practical skills. The inclusion of "AI prompting" is a modern skill that candidates should highlight if they have experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating expertise in visual design, user experience (UX) design, and user interface (UI) design.

• Include case studies that detail the product design process from initial strategy and user research through to final detailed design application.

• Highlight experience with rapid prototyping tools and techniques, illustrating how interactive prototypes were used to test and refine design concepts.

• Present evidence of incorporating usability best practices and human-centered design principles into design solutions.

• Demonstrate the ability to work within established brand identities, ensuring consistency and quality across different product deliverables.

• Include examples of designing for both print and digital media, showcasing versatility.

• Feature projects that have utilized or considered user analytics and feedback for design optimization.

• Highlight any experience with AI prompting in the design workflow or the creation of AI-assisted design elements. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the design process followed for each project, including ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final design handoff.

• Demonstrate how user needs and strategic objectives were translated into actionable design requirements and solutions.

• Provide examples of how design decisions were justified, referencing user research, best practices, or analytics data.

• Illustrate the collaborative process, showing how feedback from cross-functional teams was integrated into the design.

• Detail the tools and technologies used throughout the design lifecycle for each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are crucial for this role. Candidates must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the entire design lifecycle, from strategy to execution, with a strong emphasis on user-centricity and practical application of design tools. The mention of AI prompting means candidates should consider including examples of its use.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $64,000 - $80,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Generous Time to Recharge: Includes vacation time and 10 paid holidays.

• Time to Recover: Sick time and various leave programs are provided.

• Financial Wellness: A 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and a company match.

• Wellness Programs: Resources and support for emotional, mental, and overall well-being, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

• Extra Perks: Discounted gym memberships, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, volunteer opportunities, and more.

• Potential for bonus or incentive compensation, subject to eligibility.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. While the role can be performed remotely, collaboration across multiple time zones may require flexibility in scheduling meetings and work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided, which is helpful for candidates. The benefits package is quite comprehensive, covering health, financial, and personal well-being, which is attractive for attracting and retaining talent. The mention of remote work indicates flexibility, but the need to collaborate across time zones implies that standard 9-5 might not always apply.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech) / Publishing. Savvas Learning Company is a global education company focused on producing award-winning learning solutions for K-12 learners. They emphasize innovation, personalized learning, and immersive experiences delivered across multiple platforms.

Company Size: Savvas Learning Company is a substantial organization. While the exact number of employees isn't provided in the raw data, its description as a "global education company" serving "millions of K-12 learners" suggests a large enterprise, likely with hundreds or thousands of employees. This implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impactful contributions.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly provided. However, the company's description as an "industry leader" with "award-winning, high-quality instructional materials" suggests a long-standing presence and significant experience in the educational publishing and technology space.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team operates within a broader product development framework, working under a Design Manager.

• Designers collaborate closely with various cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Editorial, Production, Marketing, Instructional Design, and Multimedia Design.

• The team structure allows for both independent work and cooperative efforts on multiple projects, indicating a blend of individual contributor roles and team-based initiatives.

• The company has a global presence, and teams may include members across multiple time zones, requiring strong remote collaboration skills. Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A core methodology, emphasizing understanding user needs (students and educators) to drive design decisions.

• Data-Informed Design: Usage analytics and user feedback are incorporated to optimize and improve existing features and functionalities.

• Rapid Prototyping: Utilizing tools and techniques, including AI, to quickly iterate and test multiple design solutions.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Implied by the need to adapt to shifting priorities and work in a fast-paced culture with tight deadlines.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a unified brand identity across all print and digital products is a key operational requirement.

Company Website: https://www.savvas.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in the critical K-12 education sector, aiming to improve learning outcomes through technology. This context is vital for designers to understand the impact and purpose of their work. The emphasis on collaboration across diverse teams and time zones highlights the need for strong communication and adaptability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level Product Designer, suitable for individuals with 1-3+ years of experience. It offers a foundation in designing learning solutions, with opportunities to grow into more senior design roles or specialize in UX, UI, or specific product areas within EdTech.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports to a Design Manager. They will work collaboratively with a variety of cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Editorial, Production, Marketing, and Instructional Design. This structure allows for exposure to different facets of product development and strategic decision-making.

Operations Impact: Product Designers at Savvas directly influence the effectiveness and engagement of learning materials used by millions of K-12 students and educators. Their work impacts educational outcomes, teacher efficiency, and student accessibility, contributing significantly to the company's mission of empowering educators and engaging students. This role has a tangible impact on the learning experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as UX research, interaction design, visual design systems, or accessibility standards.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into Senior Product Designer roles, lead design initiatives for specific product lines, or mentor junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with diverse teams like Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing can broaden career perspectives and prepare for roles requiring broader product ownership.

• Industry Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge within the EdTech sector, understanding pedagogical approaches, and contributing to innovative learning solutions.

• Tool Proficiency: Continuous learning and adoption of new design tools and technologies, including AI-driven design tools, to stay at the forefront of the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding the "impact" of a role is crucial. In this design role, the impact is on educational outcomes and user experience. The growth opportunities are tied to skill development within design and the EdTech industry, as well as potential progression into leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting indicates "Remote OK" with a derived location of "United States." This suggests a hybrid or fully remote work arrangement is possible for candidates within the US. Savvas Learning Company is a large organization, and while specific office environments aren't detailed, they likely maintain professional office spaces when in-person collaboration is required.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote-friendly within the US, Savvas Learning Company has a significant presence across the United States, with headquarters likely in a major city. Specific office locations are not detailed but are implied by the company's scale and operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes working with cross-functional teams, suggesting a highly collaborative atmosphere where design discussions and feedback sessions are common.

• Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with a suite of digital design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, AI prompting tools) is fundamental to the workspace.

• Team Interaction: While remote, expect regular interaction through video conferencing, project management platforms, and collaborative design tools to ensure alignment and shared progress. The company culture aims for a blend of expertise and a shared mission, fostering supportive team dynamics.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the remote nature and collaboration across multiple time zones, some flexibility may be required to accommodate team meetings, stakeholder discussions, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote flexibility is a key aspect, but candidates should be prepared for a collaborative culture that might require adjusting their schedule for team syncs across different time zones. The focus is on achieving project goals and maintaining strong communication regardless of physical location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on specific projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and the rationale behind design decisions. Expect questions about how user needs were met and how the design impacted outcomes.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study, either take-home or during a live session, to evaluate their practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to specific design challenges relevant to educational products.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Meetings with potential team members from Product Management, Editorial, or other relevant departments to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the Design Manager to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and understanding of the role's strategic objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (visual design, UX/UI, product thinking, print/digital).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions made, challenges encountered, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Showcase your thought process, including wireframes, user flows, mood boards, and iterations. Demonstrate how you applied user-centered design and data analytics.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of both print and digital design if possible. Explicitly mention any experience with AI prompting in your design workflow.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data (user feedback, analytics, engagement metrics) to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your design choices and defend them, especially regarding user needs, brand consistency, and accessibility.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with the K-12 education landscape, common learning challenges, and current trends in EdTech.

• Focus on User Needs: Anticipate challenges that require you to design for specific user groups (e.g., students of different ages, teachers with varying tech proficiency).

• Embrace Constraints: Be prepared for design challenges with specific constraints (e.g., tight deadlines, limited scope, specific brand guidelines).

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your approach, even if you don't complete every aspect of a take-home challenge. Focus on logical steps and well-reasoned decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is typical for design roles, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their past work, demonstrating not just aesthetic skills but also strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, particularly in the context of educational products.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, image editing, and layout (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Figma: A leading collaborative interface design tool for prototyping, UI design, and design system management.

• AI Prompting Tools: Proficiency in using AI tools for design ideation, content generation, or workflow enhancement is explicitly mentioned and should be highlighted if experienced.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not specific tools are listed, familiarity with understanding and applying insights from usage analytics and user feedback is required. This could involve tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or internal reporting dashboards. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role's core responsibilities, but an understanding of how design integrates with product platforms and user management systems is beneficial. Other Relevant Tools:

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, other tools like InVision, Adobe XD, or Sketch might be relevant.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira, or Trello for team communication and project management.

• HTML/CSS: Basic understanding is beneficial for communicating with development teams and understanding implementation constraints.

• WCAG Compliance Tools: Awareness and potentially tools for checking accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI prompting" is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AI in design, whether for generating ideas, creating assets, or streamlining workflows. Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite are foundational.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of students and educators, ensuring that design decisions directly benefit the learning experience.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging the development of novel learning solutions and embracing new technologies, including AI, to push the boundaries of educational design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together cohesively towards shared goals.

• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to producing high-quality, award-winning educational materials that meet rigorous standards and deliver measurable success.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on the tangible impact of design work on student outcomes and teacher effectiveness, aligning individual contributions with the company's broader educational mission.

• Adaptability: Thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active participation in teams comprising Product Management, Editorial, Production, Marketing, and Instructional Design to ensure a holistic product development approach.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, concise, and respectful communication across all levels and departments, essential for remote and multi-time zone collaboration.

• Feedback Culture: A willingness to both give and receive constructive feedback on design work, driving continuous improvement and shared learning.

• Shared Mission Focus: Unifying diverse expertise towards the common goal of creating effective and engaging learning solutions for K-12 students.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply tied to its mission in education. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and work ethic align with these principles, particularly in their approach to user needs, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving within a mission-driven organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Print & Digital Design: Effectively translating design concepts and brand consistency across both physical print materials and interactive digital platforms presents unique challenges.

• Meeting Diverse User Needs: Designing for a wide range of K-12 students (different age groups, learning abilities) and educators (varying tech proficiency, pedagogical approaches) requires deep empathy and flexible design solutions.

• Rapid Iteration & Deadlines: The fast-paced environment with tight deadlines requires efficient workflows, strong prioritization skills, and the ability to produce high-quality work under pressure.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying current with and effectively integrating emerging technologies like AI into the design process while ensuring pedagogical soundness and user-friendliness.

• Cross-Time Zone Collaboration: Navigating communication and project synchronization challenges when working with teams distributed across different time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• EdTech Specialization: Deepen understanding of educational principles, curriculum development, and the unique challenges of designing for learning environments.

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like design systems, advanced UX research, interaction design patterns, and accessibility best practices.

• AI in Design: Exploring and mastering AI tools for ideation, asset creation, and workflow automation, positioning oneself at the forefront of design technology.

• Product Strategy Involvement: Gaining exposure to product roadmapping, user research strategy, and market analysis, contributing to higher-level product decision-making.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to grow into senior design roles, lead projects, and mentor junior designers as the team expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding potential challenges helps candidates prepare for the realities of the role and showcase their problem-solving capabilities. The growth opportunities are framed around specialization within EdTech and the evolution of design tools and methodologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new feature for a K-12 digital learning platform, from initial concept to final design handoff." (Focus on user-centered steps, collaboration, and iterative design.)

• "How do you ensure that your designs are accessible to all learners, considering WCAG guidelines and diverse user needs?" (Prepare specific examples of accessibility considerations in your portfolio.)

• "Tell me about a time you used user analytics or feedback to significantly improve a design. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight data analysis and iteration skills.)

• "How do you approach translating a brand identity into a digital product experience, and what are the key considerations for print vs. digital?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand consistency across mediums.)

• "Discuss your experience with AI prompting in design. How have you leveraged AI tools, and what are your thoughts on their future role in product design?" (Be ready to articulate your practical experience and perspective.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Savvas Learning Company and our mission in K-12 education?" (Research their products, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams, especially when dealing with differing priorities or perspectives?" (Provide examples of successful collaboration.)

• "Describe a time you worked on a project with tight deadlines or shifting priorities. How did you manage your workload and ensure quality?" (Showcase adaptability and time management.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends, tools, and accessibility standards?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Opening: Briefly introduce yourself and the projects you'll be showcasing, highlighting their relevance to the role.

• Project Deep Dive: For each selected project:

  • Problem: Clearly state the challenge or opportunity.
  • Your Role: Define your specific contributions.
  • Process: Walk through your design methodology (research, ideation, prototyping, testing).
  • Key Decisions: Explain the rationale behind significant design choices.
  • Tools Used: Mention specific software and techniques, including AI prompting if applicable.
  • Outcomes/Impact: Quantify results or describe the positive impact on users or business goals.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Keep text concise on slides.

• Interaction: Engage the interviewers, ask clarifying questions, and be prepared to answer detailed questions about your work.

• Closing: Summarize your key strengths and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and Savvas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation is key. Candidates should not only have a strong portfolio but also be able to articulate their process, rationale, and impact clearly, connecting their experience to Savvas' mission and the specific demands of the Product Designer role in EdTech.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce hiring platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating visual design, UX/UI, product thinking, and your experience with AI prompting. Ensure it clearly shows your process from ideation to final design, with a focus on K-12 educational products if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant keywords such as "Product Design," "UX/UI," "Figma," "Adobe Creative Suite," "WCAG," "Responsive Design," "Rapid Prototyping," and any experience with "AI prompting." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, design decisions, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and how your skills align with Savvas' mission. Consider mock interviews focusing on design challenges and behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Savvas Learning Company, its products, its mission in education, and its company culture. Understand their commitment to innovation and user-centered design.

⚠️ 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.