Learning Designer
Harvard Graduate School of Education · Cambridge, MA
- On site
- Full-time
- $81,000 / year
- Cambridge, MA
Job highlights
- Design and develop online courses for HGSE.
- Manage learning design projects from start to finish.
- Collaborate with faculty and cross-functional teams.
- Utilize authoring tools for digital asset creation.
- Advance education through innovative technology solutions.
About the role
About Harvard University
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 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.Job Description
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.
Qualifications
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
Additional Information
- 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
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of the 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.Key skills/competency
- Learning Design
- Instructional Technology
- Project Management
- Online Course Development
- Digital Asset Creation
- Learning Management Systems
- Articulate Storyline
- Captivate
- Educational Technology
- Curriculum Development
Skills & topics
- Learning Designer
- Instructional Design
- Online Courses
- E-Learning
- Project Management
- Educational Technology
- Curriculum Development
- Digital Learning
- Higher Education
- Articulate Storyline
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight instructional design, project management, and LMS experience.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your passion for education and relevant skills.
- Prepare your portfolio: Showcase representative samples of your best learning design work.
- Understand HGSE's mission: Research their values and educational technology focus.
- Anticipate behavioral questions: Prepare examples of collaboration and problem-solving.
Technical preparation
Master learning management systems (LMS) platforms.,Become proficient with authoring tools like Storyline.,Develop skills in online instruction design principles.,Understand educational technology integration strategies.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging learning design project.,How do you manage competing stakeholder expectations?,Share an example of collaborative problem-solving.,How do you adapt to changing educational technology?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary role of a Learning Designer at Harvard Graduate School of Education?
- The Learning Designer at HGSE leads the design and development of online courses, envisioning technological solutions to instructional challenges and managing projects from discovery to delivery.
- What are the key responsibilities for a Learning Designer at HGSE?
- Key responsibilities include analyzing learning challenges, coaching faculty on design best practices, managing complex projects, and developing digital learning assets using HGSE-supported authoring tools.
- What qualifications are essential for this Learning Designer position at HGSE?
- A minimum of one year's experience in instructional technology or instructional design, along with experience in Project Management, is required. A Master's degree and experience with LMS and authoring tools like Storyline/Captivate are highly desirable.
- How does Harvard Graduate School of Education support its employees?
- Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, family support, and professional development opportunities.
- What is the work arrangement for this Learning Designer role at HGSE?
- This is a hybrid position, meaning some duties can be performed remotely, but the work schedule and location will be determined by the department based on operational needs. Employees working remotely must comply with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts.
- What is the salary range for the Learning Designer position at HGSE?
- The compensation range for this position is $76,000–$81,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Harvard also provides a detailed salary grade and range information.
- Does Harvard Graduate School of Education offer visa sponsorship for the Learning Designer role?
- No, Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this specific position.
- What technical skills are most important for a Learning Designer at HGSE?
- Experience with learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools like Storyline/Captivate, and a strong understanding of emerging educational technologies are crucial.