Assistant Director of Learning Design
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Job Description
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, Learning Design, Technology and Media 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 in the field, and managing and developing online learning fellows, and mentoring learning designers, within the Teaching and Learning Lab.
The Assistant Director will support and lead portions of project management for complex projects, ensuring completion of projects in a consistent and timely manner. They will be responsible for supporting the development of online learning fellows to ensure adequate support for the HGSE teaching and learning community, including the exploration, implementation, and evaluation of emerging learning design models.
Portfolio and Project Management 30%
Manage aspects of TLL learning design, including establishing standards of quality and process, and assessing efficacy of design.
Assist the Director, Learning Design, Technology and Media in resource allocation, capacity reporting, project prioritization and making existing processes more efficient.
Support the Director, Learning Design, Technology and Media in shaping and defining the portfolio of projects and functional deliverables by helping to manage new requests and evaluating and prioritizing them to ensure planned, organized and timely implementations.
Provide project leadership on complex projects, identify partners both inside and outside of the group as needed, and maintain clear communication channels with all 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 30%
Coach / 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 / 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 Fellow 30%
Manage Online Learning Fellows (OLF’s), including hiring, onboarding, directing work, professional development, and feedback and performance review.
Manage Learning Design team, including providing ongoing professional development in areas of 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 in an effective manner, aligning them with the units’ goals in an environment of competing deadlines and changing priorities.
Outreach and Community Support 10%
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 and minimum 5 years related experience.
- Previous professional experience 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
Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume. Please upload both as one document.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Earned Ed.D/Ph.D.
Higher education teaching experience in multiple modalities (Face-to-face, blended, online, MOOC).
Experience with using 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
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:
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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
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.