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 and digital learning assets.
- Manage complex educational technology projects from start to finish.
- Collaborate closely with faculty and cross-functional teams.
- Utilize authoring tools and learning management systems.
- Contribute to advancing education through innovative online learning.
About the role
Job Summary
The Teaching and Learning Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Learning Designer to lead the design and development of online courses. This role involves collaborating with faculty and teaching teams to create engaging digital learning assets, managing projects from discovery to delivery, and staying current with educational technology trends.
About Harvard Graduate School of Education
The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a vibrant community of learners, teachers, and employees dedicated to advancing education and striving for maximum impact. We foster a diverse and welcoming environment where innovation, collaboration, and professional growth are valued. Join us in our mission to change the world through education.
Learning Design (30%)
- Analyze learning and teaching challenges with faculty, TFs, departments, and executive education.
- Advise on effective approaches to address identified challenges.
- Coach others on learning design processes and best practices for online communication and collaboration.
- Craft and coach the design of training materials and documentation for various educational programs.
Project Management and Technical Expertise (50%)
- Manage complex projects by coordinating cross-functional teams, including online learning fellows, learning designers, and technology staff.
- Oversee project workflows, ensure quality control, and meet project milestones and deadlines.
- Stay informed about new developments in educational technology and their potential to enhance the HGSE environment.
- Maintain the team's design portfolio and ensure projects remain on task and within budget.
- Communicate clearly with all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Digital Asset Creation (20%)
- Develop and revise digital assets using HGSE-supported authoring tools.
- Build online and blended courses on multiple learning platforms.
- Develop training resources for teaching teams and online facilitators.
- Liaise with learning technologists to explore integrations of third-party or custom applications.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Minimum of one year of experience in instructional technology/instructional design or a related role (an advanced degree may substitute for related experience).
- Experience in Project Management.
- A current electronic portfolio of representative work samples is required for further consideration.
- A cover letter must be submitted in addition to the resume.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Master’s Degree.
- Experience using or authoring in a learning management system (LMS).
- Experience authoring in Storyline/Captivate or similar e-learning software.
- Experience designing online instruction.
- Excellent writing and presentation skills.
- Proven understanding of educational technology tools, including emerging technologies.
- Ability to stay abreast of the changing educational technology landscape.
- Ability to plan and meet deadlines effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a workgroup and across departments.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: 8/31/2028
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate: $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 is designated as hybrid, meaning some duties can be performed remotely. The specific work schedule and location will be determined by the department based on operational needs. Employees in hybrid roles must work within a Harvard-registered state when not on campus, adhering to the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Further details will be provided during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may impose work location restrictions. Candidates must meet work location sponsorship requirements before 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 designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our benefits include generous paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans with university contributions, wellbeing resources, support for families and caregivers, professional development opportunities, and commuter benefits.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek diverse talent and strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Our differences enrich our community and advance Harvard's academic mission. We prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Key skills/competency
- Learning Design
- Instructional Technology
- Project Management
- Online Course Development
- Digital Content Creation
- Educational Technology
- Learning Management Systems
- Storyline/Captivate
- Stakeholder Communication
- Collaboration
Skills & topics
- Learning Designer
- Instructional Design
- Instructional Technology
- Online Course Development
- Project Management
- Educational Technology
- Digital Learning
- E-learning
- Higher Education
- Curriculum Development
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight instructional design, project management, and relevant technology experience.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your passion for education and HGSE's mission.
- Showcase your portfolio: Prepare representative work samples demonstrating online course design skills.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with learning management systems and authoring tools.
- Understand HGSE's values: Emphasize collaboration, innovation, and commitment to educational impact.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary responsibility of the Learning Designer at Harvard Graduate School of Education?
- The primary responsibility of the Learning Designer at HGSE is to lead the design and development of online courses and digital learning assets, working collaboratively with faculty and teaching teams.
- What are the key qualifications for the Learning Designer role at Harvard?
- Key qualifications include at least one year of experience in instructional technology or instructional design, experience in project management, proficiency with learning management systems and authoring tools like Storyline/Captivate, and strong collaboration and communication skills.
- Is this a fully remote position at Harvard?
- This is a hybrid position, meaning some duties can be performed remotely. However, employees in hybrid roles must work within a Harvard-registered state when not on campus, adhering to specific university policies.
- What is the compensation range for the Learning Designer role at HGSE?
- The compensation range for this position is between $76,000 and $81,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
- Does Harvard Graduate School of Education offer visa sponsorship for this Learning Designer position?
- No, Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this specific Learning Designer position.
- What kind of portfolio is expected for the Learning Designer application at Harvard?
- Candidates invited for additional interviews may be asked to provide a current electronic portfolio showcasing representative work samples, particularly those demonstrating online course design and development.
- What kind of collaboration is expected in the Learning Designer role?
- The Learning Designer will embed in teaching teams and coordinate cross-functional teams, including online learning fellows, learning designers, and technology staff, demonstrating a strong ability to work collaboratively both within the workgroup and across departments.
- How does HGSE approach professional development for its employees?
- HGSE offers comprehensive professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement, supporting employees in growing their skills and expertise.