VP of Design and User Experience

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: VP of Design and User Experience

Company: Cengage Group

Location: Virtual US OH (Ohio, United States)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & User Experience Leadership / EdTech Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Remote OK (United States)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and creative direction for Cengage's educational technology platforms, focusing on enhancing learner and educator experiences.

• Drive innovation in EdTech by integrating new technologies, including AI-enhanced UX solutions and automation, to personalize education and improve learning outcomes.

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary Design and User Experience organization.

• Establish and maintain high standards for design quality and craft across all digital products and services.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Learning Science teams to ensure seamless integration of UX principles throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "VP of Design and User Experience," the responsibilities heavily lean into strategic operations for product development and user engagement within the EdTech sector. The role requires a strong understanding of how design and UX directly impact operational efficiency, learner outcomes, and business objectives, making it a crucial function within the broader GTM and product operations landscape.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate a compelling, forward-thinking design vision and creative direction for Cengage's digital educational products, grounded in robust design thinking principles (empathy, ideation, prototyping, testing).

• Foster an environment of innovation and exploration within design teams, empowering them to conceptualize and implement novel approaches to educational technology.

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing UX team, cultivating a culture of creativity, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.

• Establish and enforce rigorous design quality and craft standards, leading executive-level design reviews to ensure alignment with strategic goals and user needs.

• Integrate UX principles seamlessly into Cengage's Product Operating Model, ensuring UX considerations are embedded at every phase of product development, from ideation to delivery, and align with product roadmaps and timelines.

• Define and implement scalable build systems and governance models, incorporating AI-assisted prototyping, automated accessibility checks, and personalization engines to ensure consistent quality and user-centricity across the platform.

• Champion equity and accessibility in all design initiatives, ensuring Cengage's educational technology is inclusive and benefits a broad spectrum of learners.

• Translate user needs and learning science insights into intuitive, inspiring, and impactful user experiences that directly contribute to measurable learning outcomes.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, including Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Learning Science, to drive shared objectives and deliver cohesive user journeys.

• Influence executive stakeholders and shape organizational strategy by demonstrating the tangible business value and ROI of experience investments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, operational execution, and team management, typical of a VP-level role within a technology-driven company. The emphasis on "Product Operating Model" and "scalable build systems" points to a need for operational rigor in design processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or equivalent experience in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Learning Sciences, or a closely related field.

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field is preferred, demonstrating advanced knowledge and application. Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in UX Design, Product Design, and overall Experience Design leadership.

• Proven track record of successfully leading and scaling UX organizations within complex digital ecosystems, with a strong preference for experience in the EdTech sector.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience managing senior leaders and multidisciplinary design and UX teams.

• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives that have had a significant impact on user engagement and business outcomes.

• Proven success in influencing executive stakeholders and shaping organizational strategy, with a clear ability to connect experience design investments to measurable business results and ROI. Required Skills:

• UX Design & Strategy: Expertise in user experience design principles, methodologies, and strategic planning for digital products.

• Design Thinking: Deep understanding and practical application of design thinking frameworks for innovation and problem-solving.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and driving organizational change.

• Product Operating Model: Extensive experience working within a Product Operating Model or comparable agile product development frameworks.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to influence and manage relationships with executive-level stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and external partners.

• Communication & Storytelling: Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to articulate complex visions and influence diverse audiences.

• Digital Transformation: Experience leading and executing large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

• EdTech Acumen: Strong understanding of the educational technology landscape, learning principles, and how user experience impacts educational outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• AI & Personalization Technologies: Familiarity with user experience tools powered by artificial intelligence, personalization engines, and automation workflows.

• Accessibility Standards: In-depth knowledge of accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) and experience implementing inclusive design practices.

• User Research: Expertise in various user research methodologies to gather insights and inform design decisions.

• Prototyping & Testing: Proficiency with advanced prototyping tools and methodologies for rapid iteration and user validation.

• Learning Science Integration: Understanding of learning science principles and how to apply them to enhance educational experiences.

• Scalable Systems & Governance: Experience in establishing scalable build systems and governance models for design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize both deep expertise in UX/Design and strong leadership capabilities, crucial for a VP role. The mention of "Product Operating Model" and "AI-assisted prototyping" indicates a need for operational efficiency and a forward-looking approach to design processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visionary Strategy: Showcase examples of developing and executing a clear design vision for complex digital products or ecosystems, demonstrating strategic thinking and alignment with business goals.

• Impactful Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of past projects that highlight your leadership in driving significant improvements in user experience, engagement, learning outcomes, or key business metrics. Focus on the "before and after" with quantifiable results.

• Team Leadership & Development: Include examples of how you have built, mentored, and scaled high-performing design teams, outlining your approach to talent development and fostering a positive team culture.

• System & Process Innovation: Provide evidence of implementing or optimizing design systems, build systems, or governance models that enhanced efficiency, consistency, and quality across multiple products or platforms.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrate successful partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, and Learning Science teams, illustrating how you facilitated collaboration to achieve shared objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Design Thinking Implementation: Document your approach to embedding design thinking principles throughout the product development lifecycle, from initial research and ideation to prototyping and testing.

• Scalable Design Operations: Outline methodologies for establishing scalable design systems, design governance, and quality assurance processes, including the integration of AI tools for efficiency and consistency.

• Agile Integration: Detail experience integrating UX processes within agile development frameworks (e.g., Scrum, Kanban), ensuring seamless workflow and timely delivery of user-centric features.

• Performance Measurement: Showcase how you define and track UX performance metrics, linking design efforts to measurable business outcomes such as user engagement, retention, conversion rates, and learning efficacy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a VP-level role, the portfolio should not just showcase completed projects but also the strategic thinking, leadership, and operational processes behind them. Emphasis should be placed on how the candidate built and scaled design capabilities, implemented efficient processes, and drove measurable business impact through user experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $192,500.00 - $300,000.00 USD per year

Benefits:

• Discretionary Incentive Bonus Program: Eligible to participate in the company’s annual discretionary incentive bonus program, with an individual target bonus of 35% of base salary, dependent on individual and company performance.

• Comprehensive Total Rewards Package: Access to Cengage Group's holistic Total Rewards Philosophy, which aims to support and empower employees through a range of benefits designed for well-being and professional growth.

• Health & Wellness: (Inferred) Typically includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Retirement Savings: (Inferred) Likely includes a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: (Inferred) Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development: (Inferred) Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for a leadership role in a dynamic industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a strong benchmark for a VP-level UX/Design role in the US, especially within the EdTech sector. The bonus structure is clearly defined, highlighting performance-based compensation. Inferred benefits are standard for senior leadership roles at large corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech) / Publishing. Cengage Group is a global leader in providing affordable, quality digital products and services that equip learners with job-ready skills. They serve diverse markets including higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching, and research.

Company Size: Cengage Group is a significant player in the EdTech space, employing thousands of individuals globally. This size suggests a complex organizational structure with established processes but also opportunities for impact within specific divisions.

Founded: Cengage has a history spanning over 100 years, indicating a stable, established company that has successfully navigated industry shifts and technological advancements, including a significant pivot towards digital learning solutions.

Team Structure:

• Design & UX Organization: This VP will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for all aspects of user experience and design across Cengage's digital platforms. This includes UX designers, UI designers, researchers, and potentially content strategists and accessibility specialists.

• Reporting Structure: The VP of Design and User Experience will likely report to a senior executive, such as the Chief Product Officer (CPO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), or potentially a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), depending on the company's organizational design.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands close collaboration with Product Management (defining product strategy and roadmaps), Engineering (building and implementing solutions), Learning Science (ensuring pedagogical effectiveness), Marketing (communicating value), and Sales teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Cengage emphasizes leveraging data to understand learner needs and measure the impact of educational solutions. This role will need to champion data-informed design decisions.

• Agile & Lean Principles: The company operates within a "Product Operating Model," suggesting an adoption of agile and lean methodologies for product development, requiring UX to be integrated seamlessly into these workflows.

• User-Centricity & Equity: A core value is creating inclusive and empowering experiences for all learners, with a strong focus on equity and accessibility.

• Innovation & Technology Integration: The company is actively integrating new technologies like AI and automation to enhance learning experiences and operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Cengage's long history combined with its current focus on digital transformation and AI integration presents a dynamic environment. The "Product Operating Model" suggests a structured approach to product development that this VP will need to navigate and influence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior executive leadership position (VP level) responsible for a critical function that directly impacts product success, user engagement, and learning outcomes. It sits at the intersection of product strategy, technology, and user advocacy. The scope involves setting strategic direction, managing large teams, and influencing organizational-level decisions.

Reporting Structure: The VP will likely report to a C-suite executive (e.g., CPO, CTO) and will be responsible for managing a team of senior design leaders and individual contributors. This position requires strong executive presence and the ability to operate effectively within a matrixed organization.

Operations Impact: The VP of Design and User Experience has a profound impact on Cengage's operations by:

• Enhancing Product Adoption & Retention: By creating intuitive and effective learning experiences, the VP drives higher user engagement and retention rates for Cengage's digital products like MindTap and Cengage Unlimited.

• Improving Learning Outcomes: Directly influencing the effectiveness of educational content and platforms, contributing to Cengage's core mission of improving learner success and employability.

• Driving Operational Efficiency: Implementing scalable design systems, AI-assisted tools, and streamlined workflows reduces development costs, speeds up time-to-market, and ensures consistency across products.

• Fostering Innovation: Leading the charge in adopting new technologies (AI, personalization) ensures Cengage remains competitive and at the forefront of EdTech innovation.

• Ensuring Accessibility & Equity: Championing inclusive design practices expands market reach and aligns with Cengage's commitment to educational equity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into higher executive roles within Cengage or other EdTech companies, such as Chief Product Officer or Chief Experience Officer.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunities to shape company-wide product strategy, innovation roadmaps, and digital transformation initiatives.

• Industry Recognition: Leading a world-class design organization can lead to industry recognition and opportunities to speak at conferences or contribute to design best practices.

• Specialization in AI & Future of EdTech: Deepening expertise in cutting-edge technologies like AI for personalized learning and shaping the future of educational experiences.

• Mentorship & Thought Leadership: Developing future design leaders and becoming a recognized thought leader in the EdTech and UX space.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step up in leadership and strategic impact, offering substantial opportunities for career growth within the EdTech sector, particularly for those interested in the operational aspects of product development and innovation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as "Virtual US OH" with remote work options within the United States. This indicates a commitment to a flexible, distributed workforce, prioritizing talent over physical location.

Office Location(s): While the role is virtual, the "Virtual US OH" designation suggests a strong presence or operational base in Ohio, USA. Cengage Group has offices in various locations globally, but this specific role is remote-friendly within the US.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration Focus: The primary work environment will be remote, requiring strong digital collaboration tools and practices. Expect extensive use of video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative design platforms.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools will be essential. This includes advanced UX/UI design software, prototyping tools, project management systems, and communication platforms. The role specifically mentions AI-powered tools and automation, implying a technologically advanced workspace.

• Team Interaction: While remote, the role emphasizes building and mentoring teams, requiring proactive engagement through virtual meetings, one-on-ones, and team-building activities to foster a connected and collaborative culture.

• Flexibility: The remote nature and leadership position likely offer a degree of flexibility in work hours, balancing core collaboration times with individual work needs.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, but the remote nature may allow for some flexibility in structuring the workday, provided core collaboration and meeting times are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Virtual US OH" designation alongside "Remote OK" suggests that while the role can be performed remotely across the US, there might be a preference for candidates located in or willing to relocate to Ohio, or that the company has a significant operational hub there.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements, experience level, and leadership capabilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a C-suite executive) to delve into your leadership philosophy, strategic vision, and experience with complex digital transformations and EdTech.

• Team & Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product Management, Engineering, Learning Science, and potentially other design leaders. These interviews will focus on collaboration style, problem-solving approaches, and understanding of the Product Operating Model.

• Design Exercise/Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio or tackle a hypothetical design challenge. This will assess your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, ability to articulate vision, and how you integrate AI and accessibility into solutions.

• Executive Panel / Final Interview: A final conversation with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the VP role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your leadership in UX strategy, team building, digital transformation, and driving measurable outcomes in complex digital ecosystems or EdTech.

• Focus on Impact & ROI: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the solutions implemented, your role as a leader, and most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., improved engagement, learning outcomes, efficiency gains, cost savings). Use metrics.

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Showcase your ability to build and mentor teams, establish design systems, implement scalable processes (including AI integration), and navigate cross-functional collaboration.

• Emphasize Vision & Innovation: Clearly articulate the vision you set for projects and how you fostered innovation, particularly in areas like AI-driven UX, personalization, and accessibility.

• Storytelling: Present your work as compelling narratives that highlight challenges, your strategic thinking, and the impact of your leadership. Be prepared to discuss your decision-making process in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the EdTech Landscape: Research Cengage's current products (MindTap, Cengage Unlimited), their competitors, and key trends in educational technology, including AI in education, personalized learning, and accessibility.

• Product Operating Model: Familiarize yourself with agile product development frameworks and how UX integrates into them. Be ready to discuss how you would operationalize design within such a model.

• AI & Automation in UX: Prepare to discuss how you would leverage AI for prototyping, personalization, and automation to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.

• Equity & Accessibility: Be ready to discuss your philosophy and practical approach to ensuring design is equitable and accessible to all learners.

• Strategic Vision: Develop a clear, concise vision for the future of UX at Cengage, considering their mission and market position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a VP role is rigorous and multi-faceted. Candidates should prepare to articulate their strategic vision, demonstrate operational excellence in design, and showcase quantifiable impact through their portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (XD, Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with advanced prototyping tools for creating interactive mockups and user flows (e.g., InVision, Axure, Figma's prototyping capabilities).

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user research, usability testing, and gathering feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

• Design System Management: Experience with tools and methodologies for building and maintaining scalable design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Proficiency with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics to track user behavior, engagement, and conversion rates.

• Product Analytics: Experience with platforms like Amplitude, Mixpanel, Pendo for in-depth product usage analysis and user journey mapping.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for creating dashboards and reporting on key UX and business metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX impacts CRM data and user journeys is beneficial (e.g., Salesforce).

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with automation concepts and tools that can streamline design operations or integrate with user workflows.

• AI-Powered UX Tools: Specific mention of AI-assisted prototyping, personalization engines, and automation workflows indicates a need for familiarity with emerging AI technologies in design and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI-assisted tools and automation signifies Cengage's commitment to leveraging technology for operational efficiency and enhanced user experiences. Candidates should highlight experience with these types of tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Learner-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of learners, with a focus on improving their educational journey and outcomes.

• Innovation & Discovery: Encouraging exploration of new ideas and technologies (like AI) to redefine educational experiences and drive progress in EdTech.

• Inclusion & Equity: Championing diverse perspectives and ensuring all design efforts promote accessibility and equitable opportunities for all learners.

• Collaboration & Empathy: Fostering a culture where teams work together effectively, with a strong emphasis on understanding user needs and stakeholder perspectives.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to inform design strategies, measure impact, and ensure continuous improvement.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: Upholding high standards for design quality, attention to detail, and the overall craft of creating impactful user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on seamless collaboration across Product Management, Engineering, Learning Science, and other departments to ensure a unified approach to product development and user experience.

• Design Thinking Workshops: Facilitating collaborative sessions that bring diverse teams together to ideate, solve problems, and align on strategic directions.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Establishing clear processes for providing and receiving constructive feedback across teams and leadership levels, essential for rapid iteration and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where best practices, learnings, and insights are shared openly across the design organization and with partner teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cengage's stated values of inclusion, engagement, and discovery, coupled with their mission to empower learners, should be central to how a candidate approaches this role and interacts with their teams and stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Operations: Evolving design systems, processes, and team structures to effectively support a growing portfolio of digital products and services in a rapidly changing EdTech market.

• Integrating AI Responsibly: Navigating the ethical considerations and practical implementation of AI in educational technology to enhance learning without compromising privacy or equity.

• Balancing Innovation with Legacy Systems: Driving forward-looking design initiatives while managing and integrating with existing platforms and technologies.

• Demonstrating ROI of UX: Continuously proving the tangible business value and impact of design and UX investments to executive leadership and stakeholders.

• Driving Organizational Change: Influencing a large, established organization to adopt new design methodologies, technologies, and a more user-centric mindset.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI in UX: Deepening expertise in leveraging AI for personalized learning, predictive analytics, and automated design processes.

• EdTech Strategy Leadership: Gaining broader strategic influence over Cengage's product portfolio and digital transformation initiatives.

• Executive Leadership Development: Access to executive coaching, leadership training programs, and opportunities to hone strategic decision-making skills.

• Industry Trends & Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading UX, EdTech, and AI conferences to stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies.

• Mentorship: Developing and mentoring a new generation of design leaders within Cengage.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex, forward-thinking challenges at the intersection of education, technology, and design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your vision for the future of UX in EdTech, particularly with the rise of AI. How would you operationalize this vision at Cengage?" (Focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and operational implementation).

• "Walk us through a large-scale digital transformation initiative you led. What were the key challenges, your approach to overcoming them, and the measurable business outcomes?" (Assess leadership, problem-solving, and impact demonstration).

• "How do you build and scale a high-performing, multidisciplinary design team? What is your approach to mentorship and fostering a culture of continuous improvement?" (Evaluate team-building and leadership philosophies).

• "Describe your experience working within a Product Operating Model. How do you ensure UX is integrated effectively at every stage of the product lifecycle?" (Gauge understanding of operational frameworks and cross-functional collaboration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Cengage's mission and its role in the EdTech industry?" (Showcase genuine interest and understanding of the company's purpose).

• "How do you champion equity and accessibility in design? Provide an example of a time you successfully advocated for inclusive design principles." (Assess alignment with Cengage's values).

• "Describe your approach to managing executive stakeholders and influencing organizational strategy. How do you connect design investments to business outcomes?" (Demonstrate executive presence and business acumen). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear structure: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Strategy & Role -> Solution/Implementation -> Results/Impact.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use specific metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., "increased user engagement by 25%," "reduced task completion time by 15%," "improved learning outcome scores by 10%").

• Highlight Leadership Decisions: Clearly articulate your decisions and your team's contributions. Emphasize how you led, mentored, and drove the project forward.

• Showcase Process & Tools: Briefly explain the methodologies (Design Thinking, Agile) and key tools (including AI-assisted tools) you utilized.

• Connect to Cengage: Whenever possible, draw parallels between your past work and Cengage's challenges and opportunities. Show how your experience is directly relevant to their needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their leadership philosophy, strategic approach to UX in EdTech, and how they operationalize design to drive tangible business results and learner impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your comprehensive resume and a compelling portfolio through the Cengage Group careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating leadership in UX strategy, team building, digital transformation, and measurable impact, with a focus on EdTech or complex digital ecosystems. Ensure case studies clearly articulate ROI and your strategic contributions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, leadership in managing senior teams, and specific achievements in UX, product design, and digital transformation, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Cengage Group, its products (MindTap, Cengage Unlimited), competitors, and current trends in EdTech and AI. Practice articulating your strategic vision and leadership approach, and be ready to present your portfolio case studies with a strong emphasis on quantifiable results.

• Company & Culture Research: Understand Cengage's mission, values (inclusion, equity, discovery), and its "Product Operating Model." Prepare to discuss how your leadership style and values align with the company's culture and operational approach.

⚠️ 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.

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