Assistant Director of Learning Design

Company: Harvard University

Job Location: Cambridge, 02138

Category: Instructional Technology and Design

Type: Full-Time

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

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

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Work Format Details: This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.
• Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, medical insurance, retirement plans, and more. Learn more on the Benefits & Wellbeing Page.