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Program Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Designer

Newport Beach, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program, OR professional ... Designer: Typically 2-5+ years * Project Designer: Typically 5-9+ years * Senior Designer:

Designer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program, OR professional ... Designer: Typically 2-5+ years * Project Designer: Typically 5-9+ years * Senior Designer:

Designer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program, OR professional ... Designer: Typically 2-5+ years * Project Designer: Typically 5-9+ years * Senior Designer:

Designer

Newport Beach, CA ยท On-site

$93K - $148K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited program, OR professional ... Designer: Typically 2-5+ years * Project Designer: Typically 5-9+ years * Senior Designer:

Designer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

As a Designer, you'll join a creative team of passionate, like-minded toy nerds. Together, this ... The ability to work in 3D programs such as Rhino, Maya, Solid Works and Keyshot is a plus.

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... In this role, you will drive sales and customer engagement by promoting programs, leveraging leads ...

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... In this role, you will drive sales and customer engagement by promoting programs, leveraging leads ...

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... In this role, you will drive sales and customer engagement by promoting programs, leveraging leads ...

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... In this role, you will drive sales and customer engagement by promoting programs, leveraging leads ...

Actively listen to the customer to best identify which products will best meet their needs and communicate company loyalty services, when applicable. (e.g. designer rewards Design Trade Program, CB2 ...

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... In this role, you will drive sales and customer engagement by promoting programs, leveraging leads ...

Designer

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... In this role, you will drive sales and customer engagement by promoting programs, leveraging leads ...

Designer

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

Designers are expected to contribute design ideas that are conducive to the project's intended ... Bachelor's degree from an accredited program preferred. * Basic knowledge of design, development ...

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the ... In this role, you will drive sales and customer engagement by promoting programs, leveraging leads ...

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Showing results 1-20

Program Designer information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$51.7K

$89.3K

How much do program designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for program designer in California is $51,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $58,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Program Designer typically collaborate with stakeholders during the development process?

A Program Designer frequently works with a variety of stakeholders, including subject matter experts, project managers, and end users, to ensure that program objectives are clearly defined and achievable. This collaboration often involves conducting needs assessments, gathering feedback through meetings or workshops, and iterating on design prototypes based on stakeholder input. Open communication and adaptability are key, as requirements and priorities may shift throughout the project. Effective collaboration helps create programs that are both relevant and impactful, while also building consensus and support among all involved parties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Designer, you need expertise in curriculum development, instructional design, and project management, often supported by a degree in education, instructional design, or a related field. Familiarity with e-learning platforms, authoring tools (such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), and learning management systems (LMS) is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and collaboration skills help you effectively translate goals into engaging programs and work with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating impactful, scalable educational programs that meet organizational or learner needs.

What is a Program Designer?

A Program Designer is a professional who creates, develops, and coordinates programs within an organization, which could include educational initiatives, training modules, or community projects. They analyze needs, set objectives, and design the structure and content of programs to meet organizational goals. Program Designers often collaborate with stakeholders, oversee implementation, and evaluate program effectiveness to ensure continuous improvement.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior media strategists, media directors, or executive producers can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with industry tools like media planning software and analytics platforms.

How to become a program designer?

To become a program designer, typically a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with programming languages, design principles, and development tools is essential, along with building a portfolio of projects and understanding user needs. Certifications in project management or specific programming platforms can also enhance job prospects.

Do instructional designers get paid well?

Instructional designers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. According to industry data, the median annual salary ranges from $60,000 to $80,000, with higher pay for those with advanced skills in e-learning tools and curriculum development. Salaries can also increase with certifications and specialized expertise.

What is the highest paid designer job?

The highest paid design roles are often in user experience (UX) design, industrial design, or creative director positions, with senior-level professionals earning six-figure salaries or more. Executive roles such as Chief Design Officer also tend to have the highest compensation in the design field, especially in large corporations or tech companies.

What is the difference between Program Designer vs Curriculum Developer?

AspectProgram DesignerCurriculum Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in education, design, or related field; experience in program planningBachelor's degree in education, instructional design, or related field; expertise in curriculum creation
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, training organizations, corporate trainingSchools, educational publishers, online learning platforms
Employer & Industry UsageDesigns comprehensive programs and initiativesDevelops specific curricula and lesson plans
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in program planningFocus on curriculum content creation

While both roles involve educational design, a Program Designer focuses on creating entire programs or initiatives, often overseeing multiple components. A Curriculum Developer specializes in designing specific curricula or lesson plans within those programs. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are used across educational and training sectors, but their scope and focus differ.

What job categories do people searching Program Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Program Designer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Program Designer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,674 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Middle & High School Program Designer (California)

Middle & High School Program Designer (California)

Think Academy US

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Location: San Jose, CA (Hybrid/Onsite)
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: 1245 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose
Intended Start Date: ASAP
About Think Academy
Think Academy US (www.TheThinkAcademy.com), is recently established education technology (Ed-Tech) company to provide K-12 extra-curricular learning services through science and technology. At Think Academy, we provide full cycle service to foster local children's ability to think critically, to strengthen their logic skills, and to help them fulfill their goals through innovative teaching techniques. We believe Love and Technology can make education better!
About This Role
We are seeking a high-caliber Middle & High School Program Designer to lead our "Credit for Advancement" initiative across California. Your core objective is to ensure Think Academy's Middle and High School math courses are recognized for official academic credit by California school districts.
You will navigate the complexities of the UC A-G approval process, lead WASC/Cognia accreditation efforts, and design the instructional infrastructure (curriculum and teacher training) required to meet California's rigorous secondary education standards.
Key Responsibilities:
1. California Standards Alignment & Curriculum Design
  • Audit and adapt Think Academy's secondary math curriculum to ensure 100% alignment with the California Common Core State Standards (CA CCSS) and the California Mathematics Framework.
  • Lead the submission and maintenance of courses for UC A-G approval, ensuring our curriculum meets the requirements for California college entrance.
  • Develop comprehensive course catalogs, instructional materials, and assessment rubrics that satisfy the "Evidence of Rigor" required by California public and private school systems.

2. State-Wide Accreditation & Compliance
  • Direct the institutional accreditation process for the California region (specifically WASC and Cognia), managing self-studies, site visits, and annual reporting.
  • Act as the subject matter expert on California Education Code regarding Credit by Examination and Alternative Credit Options.
  • Standardize transcript generation and student record-keeping to ensure seamless credit transferability to California school district SIS (Student Information Systems).

3. Accredited Teacher Training & Certification
  • Design a "California Professional Standards" training program for our instructional staff, focusing on differentiated instruction and state-aligned pedagogical techniques.
  • Establish and monitor teacher evaluation frameworks required by accreditation bodies to maintain high instructional quality.
  • Oversee the professional development (PD) hours and certification tracking for our secondary school faculty.

4. Institutional Relations & California Parent Advocacy
  • Build strategic partnerships with California School Districts (LEAs) to establish formal Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for credit recognition.
  • Empower parents across California by creating "Credit Advancement Guidebooks" and hosting webinars on how to navigate the credit transfer process with school counselors.
  • Provide direct advocacy support for students seeking to place into advanced math tracks using Think Academy credits.

What We're Looking For:
  • Educational Background: Master's degree in School Administration, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep expertise in California secondary education requirements, including UC A-G, WASC accreditation, and CA CCSS.
  • Bilingual Proficiency: Professional working proficiency in English is required.
  • Strategic Communication: Proven ability to negotiate with school district administrators, registrars, and department chairs.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience as a California School Principal, Assistant Principal, or Registrar.
  • Direct experience leading a school through a successful WASC accreditation cycle.
  • Existing network within major California school districts (e.g., LAUSD, SFUSD, San Jose Unified).

Why You Will Love This Role:
  • Pioneering Work: You will define the standard for how supplemental Ed-Tech programs integrate with the California public school system.
  • Scalability: While starting in California, your work will serve as the blueprint for our national accreditation strategy.
  • Professional Prestige: Lead a high-visibility project that combines policy, curriculum design, and institutional leadership.

Compensation & Benefits Structure:
  • Total Compensation Package: $95,000 - $120,000
    • Includes Base Salary + Performance Bonus + Optional Teaching Compensation
  • 401k and Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
  • H1B Sponsorship available for eligible candidates.
  • Relocation Allowance available for candidates moving to the Bay Area.

Think Academy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.