James Cooper

James Cooper: Technology Leader & Consultant | User Focused Experience Designer | Builder of Meaningful Client Relationships

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I am an experienced technology leader integrating Information Architect, and User Experience design skills into delivery of engaging online software products and experiences.  Recently, I led technology efforts at a subsidiary of Kaplan Incorporated's Innovations Group and Kaplan Legal Education. I led design and launch of complex applications that enabled institutions to generate revenue and income through delivery of their programs and expertise.  Previously, as CIO at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, I was a key architect behind the school’s award-winning, technologically advanced new campus in downtown San Diego.  I am an experienced leader in multicultural, multifunctional dispersed and on-site teams.  I am dedicated to creating high quality work environments and partner relationships. I believe in working in a mutually gratifying environment that allows employees to excel with their talents while having the confidence to stretch their abilities.  I excel at creating lasting relationships with clients that create ongoing trust and a desire to work together. I am committed to high quality user experiences. Period.

Executive Director at Kaplan Inc. / Colloquy

June 2012 - February 2015 | Seattle

I conducted a comprehensive needs assessment that has resulted in replacement of outdated practices and systems. Basing products and processes on Learning Experience Design (LXD) principles improved user experience by following clear design principals, focusing on mobile ready technologies, improving multimedia experience, and introducing telephony capabilities, resulting in a demonstrable increase in satisfaction and engagement. I continue to advise senior executives on methods to best utilize company technology and promote Kaplan’s SaaS product to schools across the country while considering next generation products.

Chief Information Officer at Thomas Jefferson School of Law

October 2008 - June 2012

Led a team of staff, consultants and vendors who successfully built the most high-tech law school in the country. The building and technologies selected were not only state-of-the art but represented an ongoing commitment to the environment. Provided strategic leadership in ensuring up time, customer service, and project planning and implementation. Directed design and implementation of $5M+ of IT infrastructure in new $120M+ campus. Managed vendors, negotiation, staffing, customer expectations, and change management including 100% virtualization of server and desktop environment.

Information Architect at Pop Multimedia

November 2007 - October 2008

Architected large scale Web sites and applications ensuring a high quality user experience, appropriate content management platform, and award winning design. POP won awards for UX work I did for Melbourne Theatre Company and Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF).

Freelance PM / Information Architect at icebox500

2005 - 2007

Direct to client and agency sponsored consulting on Information Architecture/ User Experience, Content Management practices, and Project Management. Clients included Microsoft, Museum of Flight, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Los Angeles County Law Library System and more. Also consulted on IT staffing.

Director of Information Technology & Media Services at Seattle University School of Law

November 2001 - 2006

Managed instructional technology and development staff and related technology & project budgets. The School of Law IT Department was unique in that we operated more as a startup group of innovators and less as a simple service organization. When I started at SU the department was broken in spirit and in practice. Five years later we had developed a variety of internal tools, performed a variety of hardware upgrades, and revolutionized how the school communicated with its students and community.

University of Washington iSchool

Masters of Science in Information Managment

Concentration: The University of Washington’s Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) degree program develops leaders with the skills to manage information systems that meet the needs of organizations of all types and sizes. Graduates are industry leaders in the Puget Sound and around the globe turning today’s information and technology resources into tomorrow’s sources of change, growth, and innovation.

Western Washington University

Sociolinguistics

Concentration: Linguistics and Communications