Assistant Director of Learning Design

Posting date: February 18, 2026

002334SR

1. Job Type
Full-time

2. Location
Cambridge

3. School/Unit
Harvard Graduate School of Education

4. Salary Grade
058

5. Job Function
Information Technology

6. FLSA Status
Exempt

7. Term Appointment
No

8. Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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 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

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, 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 learning designers, within the Teaching and Learning Lab.

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 Fellows - 30%

• Manage Online Learning Fellows (OLFs), 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.
• 5 years related work experience
• Professional employment record that demonstrates 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
• 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 Master’s degree in relevant field
• 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

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $105,000 - $110,000 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 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.