Digital Learning Specialist

Department: Office of Human Resources

Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

The Digital Learning Specialist is instrumental in expanding digital learning at Northwestern University, supporting the effective implementation of myHR Learn features and creating engaging instructional content under the guidance of the Sr. Digital Learning Consultant. This position collaborates with campus-wide stakeholders, supports community learning administrators, and plays an active role in designing, developing, and optimizing digital learning solutions to meet evolving organizational needs.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Analyzes and implements myHR Learn features to support diverse digital learning initiatives, ensuring efficient setup and deployment of courses and content.
• Designs and develops instructional materials, including digital curricula and learning modules, with a focus on engaging, accessible learning experiences.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts and the Sr. Digital Learning Consultant to create content that meets institutional standards and learning objectives.
• Develops authoring standards and best practices to support consistent instructional design across university programs.
• Applies current learning theories and models to provide  guidance and consulting to learning administrators on course structuring, delivery, and the effective use of digital learning tools and platforms.
• Generates and analyzes reports on program effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement and recommending updates based on learner feedback and data insights.
• Supports the Talent Development team in building, curating, and configuring digital courses and resources to meet specific learning needs.
• Researches and introduces new functionalities within myHR Learn to enhance community-wide programs, including talent development, talent management and performance management initiatives.
• Create job aids, instructional guides, and supporting materials for faculty, staff, and administrators to maximize system usability and learning impact.

Miscellaneous 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Adult Education, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in instructional design, LMS support, and digital learning content development.

Skills:

• Proficiency in digital content creation, instructional design principles, and LMS administration.
• Strong consulting skills to provide instructional guidance and system support.
• Exceptional communication and instructional material development skills.
• Project management skills in managing timelines and resources for instructional design projects.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Education: Masters degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Adult Education, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in instructional design, LMS support, and digital learning content development.

Skills:

• Advanced expertise in digital content strategy, including designing scalable learning solutions and optimizing LMS ecosystems for enterprise-wide impact.
• Experience acting as a strategic advisor, partnering with stakeholders to align learning solutions with business goals and drive performance outcomes. Exceptional communication and instructional material development skills.
• Proven experience leading the design of complex, innovative instructional materials using modern learning technologies and approaches.
• Strong program leadership skills, including managing cross-functional initiatives, leveraging learning analytics for continuous improvement, and mentoring others in instructional design best practices.

Benefits: 

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental  leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. 

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $70,020 to $75,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.