Product Designer, Learning Center

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer, Learning Center

Company: UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Operations Technology

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design lifecycle for U.S. Soccer's Learning Management System (LMS), focusing on creating intuitive and engaging digital learning experiences for coaches, referees, and players.

• Translate complex educational content and certification processes into user-friendly interfaces across web and mobile platforms, ensuring accessibility and scalability.

• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and content teams to deliver high-quality learner-facing and administrator-facing features, contributing to the evolution of the U.S. Soccer design system.

• Conduct user research to inform design decisions and ensure the learning platform meets the diverse needs of its user base, from grassroots participants to Federation staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities involving the Learning Management System (LMS), educational content translation, certification flows, and tooling for administrators indicate a strong overlap with operations technology and GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement. The role requires designing systems that support operational processes like training delivery, certification management, and user onboarding, making it highly relevant to operations professionals seeking to leverage design skills in an operational context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete design process for key components of the Learning Management product, including learner dashboards, course modules, assessment and certification workflows, and administrative tools.

• Conceptualize and design intuitive digital interfaces that effectively present complex educational materials, such as course modules, video content, and in-person clinic logistics, for web and mobile platforms.

• Execute user research initiatives, including interviews and usability testing with coaches, referees, players, and U.S. Soccer staff, to gather insights and validate design concepts.

• Partner with content and curriculum development teams to strategize and implement optimal presentation methods for learning materials, ensuring a seamless user experience.

• Actively contribute to the U.S. Soccer design system, expanding its library of components, variants, and tokens to ensure consistency, accessibility, and maintainability across all digital products.

• Work hand-in-hand with engineering teams throughout the development cycle, providing design specifications, conducting design QA, and ensuring timely delivery of features while upholding design integrity.

• Establish and champion quality standards for learning experiences, defining design patterns, accessibility benchmarks (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA), and key performance indicators (KPIs) for success measurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a crucial operational function: enabling learning and development at scale. This involves designing systems that streamline complex processes like certification and curriculum delivery, directly impacting operational efficiency and user adoption within the sports education ecosystem.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional product design experience, with a proven track record of shipping consumer-facing software.

Required Skills:

• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional visual design, interaction design, and end-to-end product thinking capabilities.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, including the ability to build, maintain, and evolve component libraries, variants, and design tokens.

• Experience conducting user research and translating research findings into actionable design solutions.

• Understanding of design systems principles and practical experience contributing to or maintaining one.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) for documentation and presentation purposes.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing learning products, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), EdTech platforms, certification portals, or professional development tools.

• Background working with rich media content, complex assessments, or progress-tracking features.

• Familiarity with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards and experience designing for diverse technical environments (e.g., low-bandwidth, older devices).

• Demonstrated strategic thinking, a strong work ethic, and a diversity of thought in approaching design challenges.

• Passion for and background in soccer, sports, or membership-based organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio demonstrating "end-to-end product thinking" and "systems-oriented mindset" is critical for operations roles. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they've designed, implemented, and iterated on solutions that improve operational workflows and user efficiency, not just aesthetic appeal. The mention of "strategic hustle" suggests a need for proactive problem-solving and a results-driven approach, common in fast-paced operations environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing the end-to-end product design process for complex digital products, ideally including educational or operational platforms.

• Clearly articulate the problem statement, user research methodology, design process, key design decisions, and the final solution's impact.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, including examples of component creation, variant usage, and design system contribution.

• Highlight experience in designing for both web and mobile contexts, illustrating adaptive design strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Emphasize the iterative nature of the design process, including how user feedback and data were incorporated to refine designs and improve user experience.

• Detail how accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) were considered and integrated into the design and development process.

• Illustrate how designs were translated into actionable specifications for engineering teams, ensuring successful implementation and design QA.

• Be prepared to discuss how design decisions contributed to achieving specific business or operational objectives, such as increased user engagement, completion rates, or process efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates often need to demonstrate not just design skills but also the ability to optimize processes. The portfolio should highlight how the candidate's design work led to tangible improvements in operational workflows, user adoption, or efficiency metrics within their previous roles. A focus on "systems-oriented mindset" means showcasing how designs integrate into larger operational ecosystems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated salary range for this Product Designer, Learning Center role in Atlanta, GA, is between $80,000 and $110,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta, considering the specific requirements of designing for an LMS and educational platforms. Factors influencing the final offer would include the candidate's specific experience, skill set, and the overall compensation strategy of the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Compensation Package: Includes competitive salary and potential for performance-based incentives.

• Casual Work Environment: Fosters a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere conducive to creativity and productivity.

• Inclusive Culture: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for all employees.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, the U.S. Soccer Federation may offer some flexibility in scheduling, depending on team needs and project demands, to support efficient workflow and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in a major US city. For operations-focused roles, benefits like professional development are particularly valuable as they contribute to continuous improvement and skill enhancement, which are core to operations functions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports & Recreation, Non-Profit, Technology, Education

Company Size: The U.S. Soccer Federation is a significant organization within the sports landscape, likely employing several hundred individuals across various departments. This size suggests a structured environment with opportunities for specialization and cross-functional collaboration, without being overly bureaucratic.

Founded: The U.S. Soccer Federation was founded in 1913, indicating a long-standing history and established presence in the American sports ecosystem. This history provides a foundation for ambitious growth plans and a deep understanding of the sport's evolution in the U.S.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of a growing Product and Technology team, likely comprising roles such as Product Managers, Engineers, UX Researchers, and potentially other Designers, working collaboratively.

• This team likely reports into a broader division focused on Digital Strategy, Technology, or Member Services, indicating a central role in supporting the Federation's strategic objectives.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs agile methodologies for product development, focusing on iterative design, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied, with an emphasis on user research and performance metrics to guide product evolution and ensure alignment with U.S. Soccer's mission.

• A systems-thinking approach is encouraged, ensuring that the Learning Management product integrates seamlessly with the broader digital ecosystem and supports overarching organizational goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding the company's mission ("ignite a national passion for the game," "soccer is a force for good") is crucial. It frames the "why" behind the operational processes and technology being developed. The emphasis on "servant leaders" and "bold teams" suggests a culture that values both leadership and collaboration, important for operations roles that often bridge technical and business needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (2-5 years experience). Within an operations context, this translates to a specialist role focused on designing and optimizing systems that support critical operational functions like training, certification, and member engagement. The role requires a blend of technical design skills and an understanding of how these systems facilitate operational efficiency and user enablement.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a lead within the Product and Technology team, likely a Head of Product, Design Manager, or similar role. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads, fostering a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Operations Impact: The Learning Management product is central to U.S. Soccer's mission of developing soccer at all levels. By designing engaging and accessible learning experiences, the Product Designer directly impacts the quality of coaching, refereeing, and player development across the nation. This role enables operational scalability for educational programs and directly influences the Federation's ability to achieve its strategic goals through effective knowledge dissemination and certification.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Process Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in designing and optimizing operational workflows within the sports education sector, focusing on LMS and training platforms.

• Design System Leadership: Potential to become a key contributor or leader in evolving and maintaining the U.S. Soccer design system, influencing product strategy across the organization.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in leading design initiatives across multiple departments, enhancing collaboration and project management capabilities relevant to operations.

• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute to the strategic direction of the Learning Management product, gaining experience in product roadmap planning and user-centric strategy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is key for candidates coming from operations backgrounds. It frames the design work not just as creating interfaces but as enabling critical business and operational functions that drive the organization's mission. Growth opportunities focus on applying design skills to solve operational challenges, a valuable trajectory for operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "on-site" in Atlanta, GA. This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration is prioritized. The mention of a "casual work environment" and "atmosphere for professional development" indicates a workplace that balances productivity with employee well-being and growth.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia. This location offers access to a major metropolitan hub with amenities and a diverse talent pool. Specific office details would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on partnership with product management, engineering, and content teams suggests a highly collaborative workspace designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma and potentially other collaboration platforms will be available. The role requires leveraging these tools to their full potential for efficient design and development.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with designers, engineers, product managers, and stakeholders across the Federation, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time roles.

• While on-site, the organization may provide flexibility in daily schedules to accommodate project needs and team collaboration, aligning with a modern work environment that values output and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, understanding the physical workspace and its impact on collaboration is important. A collaborative office environment can facilitate faster problem-solving and knowledge transfer, crucial for complex operational projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where candidates present selected case studies from their portfolio, demonstrating their design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Expect to discuss design decisions, user research, and how your work contributed to project goals.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a design exercise or take-home challenge to evaluate practical skills in Figma, interaction design, and problem-solving related to learning platforms or similar systems.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (engineers, product managers) and key stakeholders (e.g., curriculum leads) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring leadership to confirm overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with the organization's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking process, from problem identification and user research to ideation, prototyping, and iteration. Explain why you made specific design choices.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify the impact of your design work whenever possible. Did it improve user engagement, reduce errors, increase completion rates, or enhance operational efficiency? Use metrics and data to support your claims.

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Demonstrate how your designs integrate into larger systems and contribute to the overall user experience and organizational goals.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that involved designing educational platforms, complex workflows, or user enablement tools, aligning with the Learning Center focus.

• Be Prepared for Figma Deep Dives: Expect questions about your Figma proficiency, component management, and design system contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the core problem, defining assumptions, and outlining a clear, iterative design approach.

• Practice articulating your design rationale concisely and effectively, especially under time constraints.

• Be ready to discuss how your proposed solution addresses user needs and aligns with potential operational constraints or goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end product thinking," "systems-oriented mindset," and demonstrating "impact" are crucial for operations-minded candidates. The interview process is designed to assess not just design craft but also the candidate's ability to solve complex problems and drive tangible results through design, which is a core tenet of operations roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in building and maintaining components, variants, and design tokens is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially other tools if used for specific advanced interactions.

• User Research Tools: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/Mobile Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel to understand user behavior and track performance metrics for digital products.

• Data Visualization Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be beneficial for understanding user data and presenting insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Learning Management System (LMS) Platforms: While this role is designing for an LMS, familiarity with existing LMS functionalities and common user journeys is highly advantageous.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and collaborating with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, understanding the technology stack is paramount. While this role is design-focused, proficiency in tools like Figma and an understanding of analytics platforms are directly relevant to how operational data is visualized and how user-centric designs can support operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Service-Oriented: A strong commitment to serving the soccer community (coaches, referees, players) by providing valuable learning resources and tools. This aligns with the "service to soccer" mission.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing user research, analytics, and performance metrics to inform design choices and product development, ensuring solutions are effective and impactful.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working closely with diverse teams (product, engineering, content, curriculum) to achieve common goals, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared ownership.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to iterating on designs, refining processes, and seeking feedback to constantly enhance the learning experience and operational effectiveness of the platform.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative approach where designers work alongside product managers, engineers, and subject matter experts to co-create solutions.

• Open Feedback Culture: A willingness to give and receive constructive feedback to ensure the highest quality of design and product outcomes.

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing agile methodologies means frequent communication, adaptability, and a focus on delivering value incrementally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" section highlights how design contributes to the broader operational mission of the organization. Understanding these values helps candidates articulate how their design approach aligns with the Federation's goals of service, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Content: Effectively simplifying and presenting intricate educational materials and certification requirements into intuitive digital interfaces.

• Balancing Craft with Delivery: Ensuring high design quality and user experience while meeting aggressive development timelines in a fast-paced environment.

• Diverse User Needs: Designing for a wide spectrum of users, from beginners to experienced professionals, with varying technical aptitudes and accessibility requirements.

• Evolving Design System: Contributing to and maintaining a design system that scales across multiple products and evolves with changing user needs and organizational strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization in EdTech Design: Deepen expertise in designing for educational technology and Learning Management Systems.

• Contribution to a National Design System: Gain experience in building and scaling design systems for a large, mission-driven organization.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Develop skills in leading design initiatives that span multiple departments and technical disciplines.

• Exposure to Sports Technology: Gain insights into the unique technological and operational challenges within the sports industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in operations-adjacent roles, requiring problem-solving, strategic thinking, and adaptability. The growth opportunities point towards developing specialized skills highly valued in operations technology and GTM enablement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex information or a complicated process into a simple and intuitive user interface. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your design process, user research, and impact metrics.)

• "How do you approach balancing the need for design excellence and craft with the demands of rapid product delivery and engineering timelines?" (Discuss your understanding of agile methodologies and pragmatic design solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about U.S. Soccer's mission and the opportunity to design for their Learning Center?" (Connect your passion for sports, education, or impactful technology to the role.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) is integrated into your design process from the start?" (Demonstrate your understanding of inclusive design principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative. What was the problem, how did you solve it, and what was the impact?

• Visuals: Use clear, high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your design decisions.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly show your thought process and how you arrived at your final designs. Explain your rationale for key decisions.

• Impact Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Even if you don't have hard numbers, describe the qualitative improvements and user benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating how design skills translate into tangible operational improvements and strategic value, aligning with the typical expectations for operations professionals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design for