Assistant Director of Learning Design
Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, United States
Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why Join the Harvard Graduate School of Education? 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 here 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 for our strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit
www.gse.harvard.edu .
Job Description Job Summary Under the general direction of the Director, Learning Design, Technology and Media, the Assistant Director of Learning Design is an experienced leader in the design and development of high‑quality learning experiences. The position will support the Director in oversight and leadership in the areas of outreach, needs assessment, design, development, and implementation to serve the needs of the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) community. The Assistant Director is responsible for helping to maintain the learning design portfolio, ensuring quality and consistency in all learning design offerings, keeping the TLL on the leading edge of relevant developments, and managing and developing online learning fellows and learning designers within the Teaching and Learning Lab.
Portfolio and Project Management
Manage aspects of TLL learning design, including establishing standards of quality and process, and assessing efficacy of design.
Assist in resource allocation, capacity reporting, project prioritization and making existing processes more efficient.
Support shaping and defining the portfolio of projects and functional deliverables by helping manage new requests and evaluating and prioritizing them to ensure planned, organized and timely implementations.
Provide project leadership on complex projects, identify partners inside and outside the group as needed, and maintain clear communication channels with stakeholders.
Keep abreast of new developments in the area of responsibility, always with a focus on how that can enhance the HGSE environment.
Learning Design
Coach and conduct high‑level and detailed instructional design for asset development, multimedia assignment development, and distance / hybrid learning.
Coach others on the process of instructional design and best practices for online communication / collaboration and learning asset / digital content development.
Craft and coach the design of training materials and documentation for courses, departments, and executive education.
Develop assessment strategies for online and blended programs.
Stay current with trends in learning design.
Managerial Oversight of Learning Designers / Online Learning Fellows
Manage Online Learning Fellows (OLFs), including hiring, onboarding, directing work, professional development, performance review and feedback.
Manage the Learning Design team, providing ongoing professional development in task management and stakeholder relationships.
Identify areas of need for interns/temporary staff to supplement permanent staff.
Oversee student work in T127: Teaching and Learning Lab Practicum where appropriate.
Delegate and prioritize tasks and projects effectively, aligning them with unit goals amid competing deadlines and changing priorities.
Outreach and Community Support
Contribute to marketing and outreach efforts of the TLL.
Participate in T127: Teaching and Learning Lab Practicum.
Participate in Harvard‑wide committees where appropriate.
Remain active in local and regional professional organizations.
Qualifications Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of related work experience.
Professional employment record demonstrating progressive responsibility in a management role.
Minimum of three years experience in higher education as faculty and/or faculty/academic support role.
Familiarity with modern learning management systems (Canvas preferred).
Demonstrable experience in course design and pedagogical theory.
Previous experience in coaching instructional design principles.
Previous experience in project management.
Submission of a cover letter and resume (combined as one document).
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Earned Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Higher education teaching experience in multiple modalities (face‑to‑face, blended, online, MOOC).
Experience with generative AI tools for content creation and process improvement.
Experience with learning analytics and evaluation.
Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Ability to lead a complex long‑term project with multiple stakeholders.
Additional Information
Standard hours/schedule: 35 hours per week.
Compensation range: $105,000‑$110,000, commensurate with experience.
Visa sponsorship: 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. 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 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Generous paid time off including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Well‑being 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.
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Why Join the Harvard Graduate School of Education? 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 here 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 for our strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit
www.gse.harvard.edu .
Job Description Job Summary Under the general direction of the Director, Learning Design, Technology and Media, the Assistant Director of Learning Design is an experienced leader in the design and development of high‑quality learning experiences. The position will support the Director in oversight and leadership in the areas of outreach, needs assessment, design, development, and implementation to serve the needs of the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) community. The Assistant Director is responsible for helping to maintain the learning design portfolio, ensuring quality and consistency in all learning design offerings, keeping the TLL on the leading edge of relevant developments, and managing and developing online learning fellows and learning designers within the Teaching and Learning Lab.
Portfolio and Project Management
Manage aspects of TLL learning design, including establishing standards of quality and process, and assessing efficacy of design.
Assist in resource allocation, capacity reporting, project prioritization and making existing processes more efficient.
Support shaping and defining the portfolio of projects and functional deliverables by helping manage new requests and evaluating and prioritizing them to ensure planned, organized and timely implementations.
Provide project leadership on complex projects, identify partners inside and outside the group as needed, and maintain clear communication channels with stakeholders.
Keep abreast of new developments in the area of responsibility, always with a focus on how that can enhance the HGSE environment.
Learning Design
Coach and conduct high‑level and detailed instructional design for asset development, multimedia assignment development, and distance / hybrid learning.
Coach others on the process of instructional design and best practices for online communication / collaboration and learning asset / digital content development.
Craft and coach the design of training materials and documentation for courses, departments, and executive education.
Develop assessment strategies for online and blended programs.
Stay current with trends in learning design.
Managerial Oversight of Learning Designers / Online Learning Fellows
Manage Online Learning Fellows (OLFs), including hiring, onboarding, directing work, professional development, performance review and feedback.
Manage the Learning Design team, providing ongoing professional development in task management and stakeholder relationships.
Identify areas of need for interns/temporary staff to supplement permanent staff.
Oversee student work in T127: Teaching and Learning Lab Practicum where appropriate.
Delegate and prioritize tasks and projects effectively, aligning them with unit goals amid competing deadlines and changing priorities.
Outreach and Community Support
Contribute to marketing and outreach efforts of the TLL.
Participate in T127: Teaching and Learning Lab Practicum.
Participate in Harvard‑wide committees where appropriate.
Remain active in local and regional professional organizations.
Qualifications Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of related work experience.
Professional employment record demonstrating progressive responsibility in a management role.
Minimum of three years experience in higher education as faculty and/or faculty/academic support role.
Familiarity with modern learning management systems (Canvas preferred).
Demonstrable experience in course design and pedagogical theory.
Previous experience in coaching instructional design principles.
Previous experience in project management.
Submission of a cover letter and resume (combined as one document).
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Earned Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Higher education teaching experience in multiple modalities (face‑to‑face, blended, online, MOOC).
Experience with generative AI tools for content creation and process improvement.
Experience with learning analytics and evaluation.
Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Ability to lead a complex long‑term project with multiple stakeholders.
Additional Information
Standard hours/schedule: 35 hours per week.
Compensation range: $105,000‑$110,000, commensurate with experience.
Visa sponsorship: 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. 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 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Generous paid time off including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Well‑being 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.
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