Learning Architect

About the OpportunityThe organization is higher education’s leading strategy, services, and technology partner. It develops infrastructure, provides life-changing learning experiences, and grows the awareness of and the enrollment in some of the best academic institutions in the world. The vision is “to empower universities to change the world.” This vision is achieved by offering university partners various products and services that help them be more resilient, responsive, efficient, and interconnected. Learning Architects (LAs) are the first exposure many faculty and staff have with the organization. The LA introduces faculty to the learning design process and facilitates the development of the overall vision for their program. LAs collaborate closely with the General Manager, Senior Learning Designer, Learning Designers, Project Managers, Multimedia, and Learning Technologist on a program, and serve as the primary point of communication between all aspects of Learning (program design, course design and builds, course maintenance, course refreshes and term prep) and the university’s Program Director. They are responsible for working with the Program Director to scope program requirements and serve as an internal ambassador for programmatic ideals and quality. The organization's Learning Architects drive continuous improvement for their programs, collaborating with the Student Support and Engagement team to gather course feedback, troubleshoot obstacles to program excellence, share performance data with the build team, the General Manager, and the university, and proactively recommend strategic program revisions based on that data. This role requires periodic travel to partner institutions across the United States to foster collaboration and maintain strong relationships. Key ResponsibilitiesGuide the university in making program and course decisions that drive 100% retention and graduationCollaborate with university stakeholders as a thought-partner, sharing best practices from across the organization's portfolio as well as new innovationsServe as a trusted advisor to Deans and Program Directors as they facilitate program design conversations; articulate the program identity, map curriculum to the program design, and navigate challenging faculty experiencesPartner with the organization's build, maintenance, and term prep teams to set them up for success in working with (and for) university partners: articulate the program design, showcase the program voice and style, review the university signature elements (i.e., the University Way), walk the team through the approved templates, share exemplars, and define a clear vision for what is being designed togetherMonitor and provide constructive feedback on all course builds and refreshes by reviewing drafts at established points in the build process, offering formative feedback against quality rubrics and the University Way, and ensuring each course meets or exceeds benchmarks and the expectations set with university partnersCollaborate with the program build teams, most notably the Senior Learning Designer and Project Manager, to keep university partners, team leadership, and General Managers informed of progress, and work with the team to swiftly resolve any barriers to successful buildsOwn the continuous improvement process for the programs served, using data to make strategic recommendations that increase the quality of the learning experience on a regular basisOnboard and support faculty new to teaching online, should the university choose the organization to provide this servicePartner with the General Manager to represent learning capabilities across campusCollaborate with Student Support and Engagement colleagues to incorporate student feedback into subsequent course design efforts, furthering the shared commitment to student retention and graduationOn occasion, provide support for sales and consultation initiatives to acquire new partnershipsPerform other duties as assigned Required Qualifications5-7 years of relevant experience, including instructional design, teaching, or learning roles, management of instructional design teams, and/or projects with multiple learning designers, preferably in a higher education setting.A master’s degree (preferred), or equivalent experience in higher educationThe ability and willingness to travel periodically, as required, to university partnersAvailability to work hours that align to the needs of university counterparts (primarily Eastern and Central time zones)Exceptional communication skills, expertise in learning and program design, and fluency in university culture, particularly understanding faculty dynamicsExperience in the higher education industry and online learning with US schools, ideally including experience teaching and/or managing faculty.Expertise in curricular and pedagogical needs and innovationsA “product owner” mindset and willingness to delve deep into specifics of a program while retaining sight of its broader context; an ability to think and see through the partner’s eyes.Prior experience in online course development and/or instruction, including virtual settings that use synchronous classes and fully asynchronous settingsKnowledge of adult learning theory, learning science, and principles of effective online pedagogyExcellent workshop facilitation skills, and in particular, the ability to establish rapport with faculty groups quickly, putting them and their program directors at ease, and helping them feel confident in the course development processFamiliarity with research about student retention and its application to creating high graduation ratesA desire to learn and advance professionally BenefitsWork from a beautiful NYC office OR the comfort of your home office!Computer and charger provided.401(k) with company match, plus equity opportunitiesMedical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family (including mental health benefits like Headspace and Talkspace)Employer-paid life and disability insuranceOptional voluntary coverage, including supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insuranceHealth Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and commuter benefitsPre-tax benefit options that help save on eligible healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expensesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Paid parental leaveWellness initiatives and resourcesFree subscription to the Calm appEmployee discount program4 weeks of paid vacation + 10 paid holidays + paid sick leaveMonthly mobile connectivity stipendAnnual education stipend for lifelong learningGrowth opportunities - pride in creating environments where employees can be themselves and grow within and around the company $110,000 - $125,000 a year Eligibility RequirementsThis position is based in the United States, and applicants must be legally authorized to live and work in the United States. Employees are required to reside within the United States for the duration of their employment. The organization hires people who will help change the future of online education. Even if you don't think you check off every bullet point on this list, it is still encouraged to apply! Value is placed on both current experience and future potential. The organization is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone. Differences are valued and celebrated because those differences are what make the team shine. Great people are hired from different backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes the organization stronger as a whole. Women, people of color, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and members of other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against candidates on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status.