Learning Designer

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The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.

The Teaching and Learning Lab within Teaching and Learning at the Harvard Graduate School of Education is seeking a Learning Designer to lead the design and development of online courses. Under the direction of the Associate Director of Learning Design, the Learning Designer is a creative thinker who is able to envision technological solutions to instructional problems. The Learning Designer will be embedded in teaching teams as they work collaboratively to design and develop digital learning assets – from standalone learning units through fully online courses. The position involves close attention to detail, commitment to a rapid development mindset, and willingness to pitch in to move a project toward completion.

The Learning Designer will also lead projects from discovery through delivery, managing timelines, milestones, and stakeholder expectations to ensure high-quality learning solutions are delivered on schedule. This role coordinates cross-functional teams, tracks progress against project plans, and proactively identifies and mitigates risks. The Learning Designer is responsible for documenting requirements, organizing reviews and feedback cycles, and maintaining clear communication with sponsors and subject matter experts throughout the project lifecycle.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Learning Design (30%)

• Analyze specific learning and teaching challenges with faculty, teaching fellows (TFs), departments, and executive education and advise on approaches to address these challenges
• Coach others on the process of learning design and best practices for online communication  / collaboration and learning asset  / digital content development
• Craft / coach the design of training materials and documentation for courses, departments, and executive education.  

Project Management and Technical Expertise (50%)

• Manage complex projects by coordinating cross-functional teams, including online learning fellows, learning designers, and technology and media staff, while delegating tasks to ensure efficient execution.
• Oversee project workflows and quality control processes while meeting project milestones and delivering final outputs on schedule.
• Keep abreast of new developments in the area of responsibility, always with a focus on how that can enhance the HGSE environment.
• Work with the Associate Director of Learning Design to maintain the design portfolio of the team. Work to keep projects on task and on budget; elevate problem areas to senior leadership when required. 
• Provide project leadership on digital asset creation projects, identify partners both inside and outside of the group, and maintain clear communication channels with all stakeholders.

Digital Asset Creation (20%)

• Develop / revise digital assets using HGSE-support authoring tools
• Build online / blended courses on multiple platforms.
• Develop training resources for teaching teams and online facilitators
• Liaise with learning technologists to explore integrations of 3rd-party or custom applications.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of one year experience in an instructional technology/instructional design or related role (advanced degree may substitute for related experience).
• Experience in Project Management
• Candidates invited in for additional interviews may be asked to provide a current electronic portfolio of representative work samples
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience using or authoring in a learning management system.
• Experience authoring in Storyline/Captivate or similar.
• Experience designing online instruction.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Proven understanding of tools for teaching, including emerging technologies
• Ability to stay abreast of the changing educational technology landscape
• Ability to plan and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within work group and across departments

• Appointment End Date: 8/31/2028
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $76,000–$81,000, commensurate with experience.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

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.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.