Directing the strategic development and continuous improvement of high-quality, learner-centered programs is the core of this senior leadership role within the Professional Education (PPE) team at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). The Director manages the Learning Experience and Design (LXD) team, focusing on online, hybrid, and on-demand programs. This position involves close collaboration with Portfolio Directors, faculty, practitioners, and external partners to ensure innovative learning experiences align with HGSE’s mission and impact 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
Serve as an administrative leader of a portfolio of programs and related professional development opportunities designed to support educational leaders across the US and globally
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
Proactively assess projects to identify when additional technical support is needed and clearly determine when to engage external resources including external contractors, vendors, or specialty experts—to successfully meet scope, schedule, and quality requirements
Recruit, hire, and manage those positions to complete the projects successfully
Work with the Senior Portfolio Director to ensure the team is equipped with the necessary resources and support to achieve their objectives
Collaborate with the Teaching and Learning Lab (TLL) to share resources and co-develop programs
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
Instill a deadline-driven, data-informed, and results-oriented team culture focused on program quality and learner outcomes
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
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
Partner with the TLL, degree programs, and other HGSE units to develop courses, adopt technologies, and share learning assets
Manage and implement the organization-wide accreditation process, including drafting and submitting IACET annual reports
Keep abreast of any new or updated IACET standards, educate PPE stakeholders and update PPE’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to remain in alignment with evolving standards
Requirements
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
Cover letter in addition to resume (upload both as one document)
Nice to have:
Doctoral degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.)
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
Important Details
Schedule: 35 hours per week
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
About the Company
Harvard University is a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally.
