Director of Learning Experience and Design
About the role
The Director of Learning Experience and Design serves as a key senior member of the Professional Education (PPE) team at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The Director joins the Portfolio Director (PD) team and reports to the Senior Portfolio Director. In this critical leadership role, the Director manages the Learning Experience and Design (LXD) team of learning designers and learning technologists to drive the strategic development and continuous improvement of high-quality, learner-centered programs and extensions, focusing primarily on online, hybrid, and on-demand. The Director collaborates closely with the other Portfolio Directors, faculty, practitioners, and external partners to ensure the design and implementation of innovative learning experiences that align with HGSE's mission and advance its positive impact on the education sector.
Responsibilities
- Lead the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of instructional design standards, processes, and practices across the PPE portfolio.
- Serve as the primary liaison with HGSE faculty, Portfolio Directors, and subject matter experts to translate learning goals into compelling, research-informed learning experiences.
- Oversee learning design for online, blended, and on-demand programs for professional educators, ensuring alignment with adult learning principles and instructional best practices.
- Lead the integration of innovative learning technologies and multimedia resources to enhance the engagement and effectiveness of PPE programs, courses, and extensions.
- Manage the program design process, including instructional design and course development.
- Direct, manage, and mentor the LXD team of learning designers and technologists, supporting their growth and ensuring high performance across multiple, concurrent projects.
- Allocate LXD team resources proactively across the department to meet portfolio and program priorities, adapting and reassigning dynamically as needed. Delegate tasks and foster collaboration and professional development within the team.
- Oversee LXD project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, maintaining effective communication with stakeholders and ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
- Manage video and media production teams and contractors, both within HGSE and elsewhere, to achieve high quality within budget.
- Partner with PPE's Program Delivery team on online programs to ensure that the staff are trained, the learners have a seamless experience, and the Delivery team can incorporate their feedback into program improvements.
- Partner with PPE's Insights & Impact (I&I) team to develop and implement program evaluation frameworks and to monitor and improve the efficacy of learning experiences. Collect and analyze data on in-course participant engagement to inform rapid-cycle improvements and promote best-in-class program quality.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and consistency across all program designs and delivery modalities.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of PPE's learning design and technology portfolio, participating in leadership discussions and long-term planning.
- Stay abreast of trends in learning design, educational technology, generative AI, and professional learning for educators, assessing and integrating relevant innovations.
- Manage the accreditation process, including drafting and submitting IACET annual reports.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in education, instructional design, learning science, or a related field.
- Minimum of five years of relevant work experience in instructional design or learning design, including at least three years in a supervisory or team leadership role managing instructional technologists and/or learning designers.
- Demonstrated expertise in course design and instructional design models, including experience with learning management systems (Canvas or comparable platform).
- Experience and skills in adopting and applying emerging educational technologies, multimedia, and generative AI to course development.
- Proven project management experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects to successful, on-time completion.
- Doctoral degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) preferred.
- Experience leading professional development or adult learning program design in higher education or K-12 settings.
- Strong track record of fostering staff development and building cohesive, collaborative teams.
- Experience with learning analytics, assessment methodologies, and using data to inform program improvement.
- Experience working with faculty, school leaders, and subject matter experts.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple competing projects in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
- Strong commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and universal design for learning.
- Familiarity with the changing landscape of professional and online education.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Pay and Schedule
Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $90,000 - $105,000 commensurate with experience
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
Work Format Details: This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
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