Prize Designer

Role Description

XPRIZE is seeking a Prize Designer (PD) to lead the development of designs for bold, high-impact global incentive competitions that accelerate innovation for the benefit of humanity. This role functions as a product manager for the execution of Prize Design projects, blending deep research, analytical reasoning, design thinking, and communication skills to develop competition designs that target critical breakthroughs that will usher in an equitable and abundant future.

The Prize Designer leads end-to-end design efforts—from initial ideation through delivery of the final design report—ensuring each concept is well-researched, feasible, fundable, and positioned for success. They steward every phase of research and prize development:

• Defining the problem
• Identifying the most effective prize direction
• Outlining competition criteria
• Establishing phases and milestones
• Developing budgets that span the full lifecycle of the prize

Reporting directly to the Prize Design Director and operating within structured, accelerated design timelines, the Prize Designer works in close collaboration with a Project Manager, Domain Leads, Advancement, and cross-functional teams across finance, marketing, and operations. The role also involves regular engagement with external sponsors and subject matter experts to align technical rigor and strategic impact.

The Prize Designer serves as a steward of XPRIZE’s design methodology—refining internal processes, capturing lessons learned, and representing the organization’s approach through thought leadership, workshops, and publications. In addition to managing prize design projects, Prize Designers contribute to broader organizational initiatives such as Global Visioneering and other ideation activities that identify future XPRIZE opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of XPRIZE competitions, including framing the problem and defining success metrics.
• Conduct research, engage stakeholders, shape the prize model, and produce final design documentation.
• Operate with a high degree of self-direction between check-ins with the Prize Design Director.
• Adapt quickly when the Prize Design Director reprioritizes projects or shifts design direction mid-cycle.
• Develop project plans, budgets, and timelines, coordinating with the Project Manager.
• Work closely with internal teams and collaborators to ensure connectivity and alignment.
• Identify and engage external experts and stakeholders, including designing and facilitating workshops.
• Facilitate productive relationships with sponsors, providing clear communication and updates.
• Contribute to organization-wide ideation and concept development initiatives.
• Maintain and continuously improve XPRIZE’s prize design methodology.
• Serve as a resource and source of information on XPRIZE prize design process within the organization.
• Elevate XPRIZE’s prize design process externally through presentations and publications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience applying research, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills in relevant fields.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality research, analysis, and design deliverables.
• 5-7 years of product management, product design, project management, or consulting experience.
• Mastery of critical product management skills, including budget management and client relations.
• Proven ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple active projects.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent analytical and product design skills.
• Experience in design and design thinking.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment within diverse teams.
• Microsoft Office and Google Suite knowledge and expertise.
• Familiarity with research and data-gathering platforms.

Requirements

• Ability to effectively coordinate and manage multiple, concurrent projects.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks to ensure timely execution of project deliverables.
• Comfort learning and adapting to new productivity, research, and collaboration tools.

Benefits

• Remote-first environment (must live and work in the United States).
• Quarterly company-paid All-Hands meetings in Los Angeles for frequent in-person collaboration.
• Employee and dependent medical, dental, and vision options.
• A 401(K) program with employer match.
• Ample paid time off, including vacation, floating holidays, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
• An Employee Assistance Program for confidential, professional support.
• Employee stipends/reimbursements for cell phone, internet, health & wellbeing, and learning & development.
• Generous Paid Parental Leave for all employees welcoming a new child.
• One meeting-free block per week and four focus weeks per year.