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: 

The Teaching and Learning Lab (TLL), is a mission-driven organization that prioritizes a diverse, inclusive culture and work/life balance. This position will support efforts at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) to focus on continuous improvement and innovation in professional education. This effort requires leadership in the discovery and design of digital learning assets, and learning design related work, across modalities. In collaboration with other team members, the Learning Designer will be a key member in reimagining the learner experience. We are looking for someone who takes a human-centered design approach to solution-finding, enjoys the opportunity to dig deep into a complex, long-term digital learning project, and cares deeply about the learner experience. 

In collaboration with staff in the areas of content, learning technology, and media, the Learning Designer provides expertise in the areas of learning design and the learning sciences in support of the design and development of digital learning experiences for projects across the TLL portfolio, focusing on user experience, accessibility, and creative approaches to designing course content in support of pedagogical goals. This work includes partnering with faculty in the development of learning outcomes, identification of metrics for success, and development of processes, milestones and timelines to create design plans that ensure high quality learning experiences that meet objectives and expectations. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities: 

The responsibilities described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

Learning Design 

• Works with faculty, staff and partners in the Teaching and Learning Lab to develop digital, online and blended learning experiences.  
• Leads the development of established and innovative designs for digital learning experiences using a wide variety of tools, strategies, and platforms.
• Identifies key areas for improvement and recommends appropriate changes.
• Develops learner personas, and journey maps as part of the discovery and design process.
• Creates storyboards and oversee script development.
• Liaises with all stakeholders on an on-going basis and report on project progression.
• Participate as a mentor in the Teaching and Learning Lab Practicum course.

Project Management and Technical Expertise 

• Keeps abreast of new developments in the area of responsibility, always with a focus on how that can enhance the HGSE environment.
• Works with the project lead to develop and maintain project plans.
• Clearly defines project scope, goals, schedules, and deliverables.
• Fosters strong working relationships with key project stakeholders.
• Regularly communicates progress toward project milestones.

Digital Asset Creation 

• Develops / revises digital assets using HGSE-supported authoring tools
• Builds online / blended courses on multiple platforms following a design plan
• Develops training resources for teaching teams and online facilitators
• Liaises with learning technologists to explore integrations of 3rd-party or custom applications.

This is a 4 month term position with the possibility of renewal.  

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum of one year of experience in an instructional technology/instructional design role.
Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume. Please upload as one document.

Additional Qualifications and Skills: 

• Master’s degree in Education or a related field 
• Demonstrated experience working with productivity software, project management tools, and creating and maintaining project plans.  
• Demonstrated experience designing learning experiences in a Learning Management Systems, Canvas preferred.  
• Demonstrated experience in applying learning sciences and pedagogical theories in the design of learner experiences. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing tasks and prioritize work. 
• Demonstrated ability to work both in a team and independently. 
• Demonstrated understanding of accessibility regulations and how to apply in educational context. 
• Demonstrated understanding of OER and how to apply in educational context. 
• Demonstrated commitment to an inclusive work environment. 
• Demonstrated experience applying UDL principals in the design of digital learning assets. 
• Demonstrated ability to plan and meet deadlines 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within work group and across departments 
• Knowledge of HTML  
• Ability to balance competing demands and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced work environment. 
• Familiarity with quality assurance tracking and reporting processes 

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: 4 months from DOH
• 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 & 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 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 

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.