Systems Design Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Design Strategist

Company: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Strategy & Innovation

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in transforming healthcare delivery through the application of design thinking and human-centered design principles, focusing on operational efficiency and innovation within a leading pediatric healthcare system.

• The Systems Design Strategist will coach multi-disciplinary teams to rethink healthcare organization, delivery models, and the integration of digital technologies to enhance effectiveness and patient outcomes.

• Key responsibilities include managing innovation projects from ideation through implementation, ensuring measurable impact and fostering organizational capability in design thinking and innovation.

• This position requires strong collaboration skills to work with healthcare professionals, patients, families, and community partners to co-create solutions that address the evolving challenges in healthcare.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Systems Design Strategist" and the description focusing on transforming healthcare delivery, coaching teams, and implementing innovative solutions strongly indicate a role within a healthcare operations or innovation strategy function, rather than a traditional IT systems design role. The emphasis on design thinking, human-centered design, and process improvement aligns with operational strategy and GTM (Go-to-Market, in this context, "Go-to-Care") optimization within a complex service delivery environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply design thinking and human-centered design methodologies to guide multi-disciplinary teams in transforming healthcare delivery models, operational workflows, and the utilization of digital technologies.

• Coach and consult teams within the Innovation Catalyst Program on various aspects of the Design Thinking discipline, including ideation, prototype testing, quantitative and qualitative data collection, and implementation planning.

• Manage innovation projects from initial ideation through to successful implementation, ensuring alignment with CHOP's strategic goals and operational objectives.

• Develop and implement robust evaluation frameworks to measure the impact, effectiveness, and ROI of innovative initiatives, translating data into actionable insights for continuous improvement.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, families, and community partners, to gather critical insights and co-create solutions that meet diverse needs.

• Support the advancement of enterprise-wide innovation strategies, navigating organizational culture and building credibility to enhance growth and improvement across the hospital system.

• Orchestrate change management efforts to ensure the sustained effectiveness and adoption of innovative solutions and new operational models.

• Facilitate teams with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, managing dysfunctional team dynamics when observed to ensure productive collaboration and project success.

• Contribute to building organizational capability in innovation and design thinking by supporting the Innovation Catalyst Program, thereby advancing the impact of innovation across CHOP.

• Participate in and support the external dissemination of program results, sharing best practices and insights with the broader healthcare and innovation communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly emphasize a strategic operations and innovation focus. The mention of "transforming the way that healthcare is delivered," "increase efficiency and effectiveness," and "workflows are organized to promote safety, quality, and excellent experiences" points to a deep involvement in process optimization and operational excellence within a healthcare context. The "Innovation Catalyst Program" suggests a structured approach to driving change, which is a core function of operations strategy roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (Required)

• Master's Degree in Design, Industrial Engineering, Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field (Preferred) Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years demonstrating the application of design thinking and human-centered design to achieve impactful, measurable results (Required) Required Skills:

• Expertise in applying human-centered design principles and methodologies to achieve demonstrable outcomes in complex environments.

• Proven proficiency in Design Thinking methodologies and tools, including ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• Strong capabilities in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis for evaluating initiative impact.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing evaluation frameworks to measure success and drive improvement.

• Excellent relationship-building and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive outcomes across diverse teams.

• Proficiency in facilitation techniques for guiding multi-disciplinary teams through innovation processes.

• Experience in change management strategies to support the adoption and sustainability of new initiatives.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize work effectively and demonstrate initiative in process improvement.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools such as Visio and Miro.

• Adaptability and flexibility to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment, demonstrating a change agent demeanor. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in an innovation program, startup, or startup accelerator environment.

• Experience with computer programming languages, indicating a potential for technical integration or data manipulation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of design thinking, process improvement, and stakeholder management skills is characteristic of operations strategist roles, particularly those focused on innovation and transformation. The emphasis on "measurable results" and "evaluation frameworks" highlights the data-driven aspect crucial for operations professionals. The preference for a Master's degree in related fields suggests a need for advanced analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Design Thinking & Human-Centered Design: Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies showcasing their application of design thinking and human-centered design principles to solve complex problems and achieve tangible outcomes. These should highlight the problem, the process, the solution, and the measurable impact.

• Innovation Project Management: Evidence of managing innovation projects from ideation to implementation, demonstrating skills in project scoping, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and successful delivery.

• Process Optimization Examples: Showcase examples of how you have analyzed, redesigned, and improved existing workflows or operational processes to enhance efficiency, quality, safety, or patient/provider experience.

• Data Analysis & Impact Measurement: Portfolios should include examples of how data was collected, analyzed, and used to inform design decisions and measure the effectiveness of implemented solutions, demonstrating a quantitative approach to innovation.

• Prototype Testing & Iteration: Documentation of prototyping efforts, user testing methodologies, and iterative design processes that led to refined solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to create clear, concise documentation of current and proposed workflows, utilizing tools like Visio or similar diagramming software, with a focus on identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.

• Implementation Planning: Documentation of plans for rolling out new processes or solutions, including stakeholder communication strategies, training requirements, and phased deployment approaches.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Experience in defining key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational initiatives and creating reports or dashboards (potentially using tools like Miro or Excel) to track progress and communicate results.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement" in the raw data, the responsibilities and skills demand a portfolio that demonstrates practical application of design thinking, project management, and process improvement. This section infers these requirements based on industry standards for such roles, particularly in healthcare where tangible results and process clarity are paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $101,300.00 - $129,100.00 Annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Access to robust health insurance plans, crucial for professionals in the healthcare sector.

• Retirement Savings Plans: Likely includes a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential employer matching, supporting long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement, including support for advanced degrees or certifications, aligning with the preferred Master's degree and the evolving nature of the role.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• The posting indicates a "Day" shift, typical for professional roles. While not explicitly detailed, it is assumed to be a standard full-time work week (e.g., 40 hours per week). Flexibility may be required for project needs, but the core hours are likely within a standard business day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific. The benefits listed are inferred based on typical offerings at large, reputable healthcare institutions like CHOP and the mention of "Compensation and Benefits" in the provided text. The working hours are inferred from the "Day" shift designation and standard full-time employment practices.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Pediatric Care)

Company Size: Large (CHOP has over 20,000 employees, classifying it as a major healthcare institution). This size implies a complex organizational structure with significant resources but also potential for bureaucracy, making strong influence and change management skills essential.

Founded: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855, signifying a long-standing history and deep-rooted commitment to pediatric care and medical advancement. This history suggests a culture that values tradition, expertise, and a mission-driven approach.

Team Structure:

• The Systems Design Strategist will likely be part of an innovation or operational excellence team, potentially within a larger strategy, transformation, or quality improvement division.

• This role will report to a manager or director overseeing innovation initiatives, with direct interaction with various multi-disciplinary clinical and administrative teams across the hospital.

• Collaboration is cross-functional, involving physicians, nurses, administrators, IT professionals, and potentially patient/family advisory councils. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using quantitative and qualitative data to inform design choices and measure the impact of initiatives.

• Human-Centered Approach: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of patients, families, and healthcare providers in all design and implementation efforts.

• Iterative Improvement: Employing agile and design thinking principles to continuously refine solutions based on feedback and performance data.

• Strategic Alignment: Ensuring all innovation efforts are aligned with CHOP's overarching mission and strategic objectives for advancing pediatric care.

Company Website: https://www.chop.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the provided description and general knowledge of CHOP as a leading children's hospital. The size and history are inferred from common knowledge and the "over 20,000 Breakthrough Makers" mention. The team structure and methodologies are inferred based on the role's responsibilities and the nature of innovation and operations strategy within a large healthcare system.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level strategist, requiring significant hands-on experience (3+ years) in applying specialized methodologies (design thinking, human-centered design) to achieve tangible outcomes. It bridges the gap between execution and strategic planning within the operations domain.

Reporting Structure: The Systems Design Strategist will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager of Innovation, Strategy, or Operational Excellence. This individual will have significant autonomy in coaching teams and managing projects but will operate within the broader strategic framework set by senior leadership.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, safety, and quality of pediatric healthcare delivery. By transforming operational models and integrating new technologies, the strategist directly contributes to improving patient and family experiences, reducing provider burnout, and optimizing resource utilization, thereby strengthening CHOP's position as a leader in pediatric care.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of healthcare innovation, such as digital health transformation, patient experience design, or operational workflow optimization.

• Leadership: Progress into senior strategist, program management, or team leadership roles within the innovation or operations functions.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the development of CHOP's long-term innovation and operational strategy, taking on more complex and high-impact initiatives.

• Industry Recognition: Opportunities to present at conferences or publish findings, enhancing professional visibility and contributing to the broader healthcare innovation community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on the mid-level experience requirement, the strategic nature of the responsibilities, and the typical career progression paths within large healthcare organizations for roles focused on innovation and operational improvement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the Philadelphia Campus, specifically mentioning the Roberts Center for Pediatric Research. This suggests a professional office environment, likely with access to collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially research facilities.

Office Location(s): The primary location is the Roberts Center for Pediatric Research in Philadelphia, PA. This is a major hub for research and innovation within CHOP.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates frequent collaboration with diverse teams, suggesting a workspace that supports teamwork, brainstorming, and co-creation, potentially including dedicated innovation labs or project rooms.

• Technology Access: Expect access to standard office technology, robust IT infrastructure, and specialized software for design, data analysis, and project management (e.g., Miro, Visio, Microsoft Office Suite).

• Interdisciplinary Interaction: The workspace will facilitate regular interaction with clinicians, researchers, administrators, and potentially patients and families, fostering a dynamic and mission-focused atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The primary schedule is a "Day" shift, implying standard business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM). However, project deadlines or critical implementation phases might occasionally require adjusted hours or additional effort, consistent with project-based work in innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are inferred from the on-site requirement, the specific location (Roberts Center for Pediatric Research), and the collaborative nature of the role as described in the responsibilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience, particularly in design thinking and human-centered design.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your background, experience, and understanding of design thinking principles, as well as your approach to coaching teams and managing innovation projects.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study Review: A key stage where you will present specific examples from your portfolio demonstrating your ability to apply design thinking, manage projects, and drive measurable impact. Be prepared to walk through your process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential colleagues and stakeholders from clinical or administrative departments to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the organization's innovation goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you addressed, the design thinking process you followed, the innovative solution you co-created, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced patient satisfaction). Use metrics wherever possible.

• Showcase Process: Detail your methodology, including how you gathered insights (user research, data analysis), how you prototyped and tested, and how you managed stakeholder input throughout the project lifecycle.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with diverse teams, managed conflicting perspectives, and influenced stakeholders to gain buy-in and drive adoption.

• Tailor to Healthcare: If possible, include case studies relevant to healthcare operations or patient care transformation, demonstrating an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector.

• Visual Clarity: Use clear visuals, diagrams (e.g., process flows, user journey maps), and concise narratives to make your portfolio engaging and easy to understand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you might be asked to outline your approach to solving a specific healthcare operational challenge using design thinking principles.

• Process Improvement Exercise: You might be asked to analyze a given process and propose improvements, focusing on efficiency, safety, and user experience.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would engage different stakeholder groups (e.g., clinicians, patients, administrators) and manage their expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the typical interview stages and portfolio expectations for a role of this nature, emphasizing the practical application of design thinking and operational strategy in a healthcare setting. The advice is geared towards showcasing relevant skills and experience effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Thinking & Collaboration Platforms: Miro (explicitly listed), Visio (explicitly listed) – essential for brainstorming, journey mapping, process flow diagramming, and collaborative ideation.

• Prototyping Tools: While not explicitly listed, experience with tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or even low-fidelity prototyping methods (paper, mockups) is often expected for design strategists.

• Productivity Suite: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) – fundamental for documentation, data analysis, presentations, and general communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Microsoft Excel (explicitly listed) for quantitative data analysis. Experience with statistical software or BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) would be beneficial for more complex analysis, though not explicitly required.

• Qualitative Data Collection: Proficiency in methods for gathering qualitative feedback, such as user interviews, surveys, and observational studies.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management: Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) may be beneficial for managing innovation projects, though not specified.

• Programming Languages: Experience in at least one computer programming language is listed as preferred, suggesting potential integration with digital solutions or data-driven initiatives. This could range from Python for data analysis to front-end languages for prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is built upon the explicitly mentioned tools (Miro, Visio, Microsoft Office) and infers other relevant technologies based on the role's responsibilities (design thinking, data analysis, project management) and the preferred skill of knowing a programming language.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: A core value, ensuring all operational improvements and innovations are ultimately designed to benefit children and their families, enhancing care quality and experience.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages new ideas, experimentation, and a proactive approach to identifying and implementing better ways of working.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and departments to achieve shared goals, fostering a supportive and integrated work environment.

• Data-Driven Excellence: A commitment to using evidence and data to guide decisions, measure impact, and ensure accountability in all operational endeavors.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions and valuing the diverse contributions of every team member and stakeholder.

Collaboration Style:

• Consultative & Coaching: The strategist acts as a guide and coach, empowering teams to discover and implement their own solutions rather than dictating them.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seeks to bridge gaps between clinical, administrative, and research teams, fostering a unified approach to problem-solving.

• Open Communication: Encourages honest feedback, active listening, and transparent dialogue to ensure all perspectives are considered.

• Process-Oriented: Focuses on optimizing workflows and systems through structured methodologies, while remaining adaptable to emergent needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from CHOP's mission as a leading children's hospital, the explicit mention of "Breakthrough Makers," and the collaborative nature of the Systems Design Strategist role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Healthcare System: CHOP's size and complexity present challenges in driving change, requiring strong influence, stakeholder management, and change management skills to overcome resistance and ensure adoption.

• Balancing Innovation with Clinical Demands: Integrating new processes and technologies without disrupting critical patient care operations requires careful planning, prioritization, and phased implementation.

• Demonstrating ROI in Healthcare Innovation: Quantifying the return on investment for initiatives that impact patient outcomes, safety, and experience can be more complex than in purely commercial settings.

• Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements: The rapid evolution of digital health and healthcare technologies requires continuous learning and adaptation to leverage new tools effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Thinking & Innovation Training: Access to internal and external workshops, certifications, or courses to deepen expertise in cutting-edge innovation methodologies.

• Healthcare Operations & Strategy Exposure: Opportunities to work on a wide range of projects across different departments, gaining broad exposure to healthcare operations and strategy.

• Leadership Development Programs: Potential for participation in leadership training to prepare for future management or strategic roles within CHOP.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend conferences like IHI Forum, HLTH, or design thinking summits to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are inferred based on the nature of innovation and operations roles within large, complex healthcare organizations, considering the specific responsibilities and industry context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used design thinking to solve a complex operational problem. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and what was the measurable outcome?" (Focus on process, stakeholder engagement, and impact metrics).

• "How would you approach coaching a multi-disciplinary clinical team that is resistant to adopting a new workflow or technology?" (Highlight your facilitation, change management, and influence strategies).

• "Imagine we want to improve the patient check-in process. Walk us through how you would apply human-centered design to identify opportunities and propose solutions." (Demonstrate your design thinking framework and user-centric approach).

• "How do you measure the success of an innovation initiative, especially in a healthcare setting where patient outcomes are paramount?" (Discuss your approach to defining KPIs, data collection, and ROI analysis). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about CHOP's mission and how does your approach to systems design align with it?" (Research CHOP's values, strategic priorities, and commitment to pediatric care).

• "How do you build credibility and influence within a large, established organization like CHOP, especially when proposing new ideas?" (Discuss your relationship-building and communication strategies).

• "Describe your experience working with diverse stakeholders, including clinicians, patients, and families. How do you ensure their needs are met?" (Provide examples of inclusive collaboration and co-creation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem -> Process (Research, Ideation, Prototyping, Testing) -> Solution -> Impact (Metrics, Outcomes).

• Storytelling: Weave a narrative that highlights your role, the challenges overcome, and the value delivered. Make it engaging.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (diagrams, photos, charts) that support your story without overwhelming the audience.

• Metrics & Impact: Be prepared to discuss the quantitative and qualitative data that supported your design decisions and demonstrated the success of your initiatives. Quantify impact wherever possible.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and how you handled specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to the specific requirements of a Systems Design Strategist role focused on innovation and operations within healthcare, emphasizing the practical application of design thinking and stakeholder management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday careers portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experiences with design thinking, human-centered design, innovation project management, process optimization, and stakeholder collaboration. Use keywords from the job description such as "transformation," "efficiency," "effectiveness," "co-create solutions," and "innovation."

• Portfolio Curation: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your skills in applying design thinking to solve operational challenges, manage innovation, and achieve measurable results. Ensure these examples are well-documented and ready for presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's mission, values, current strategic initiatives, and recent innovations. Understand their commitment to pediatric care and operational excellence.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to design thinking, change management, and stakeholder engagement, and formulate thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers.

⚠️ 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.