The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) is seeking a Manager of Instructional Design (ID Manager) to oversee the development of online educational media and curricular materials. Reporting to the Director of HarvardX Courses, the ID Manager is responsible for managing a team creating high-quality, high-impact online learning experiences for audiences worldwide. In addition to overseeing projects of their own, the ID Manager directly supervises 3-6 full-time Instructional Design Leads and/or Content Developers (each with 3-5 projects) and contributes to ongoing process improvement.

The ID Manager oversees the conception, development, delivery and assessment of high-quality, high-impact online learning experiences for Harvard Online. This individual is a key member of the Instructional Design core management and leadership team and works with the Director of HarvardX Courses to design, implement and evaluate effective training, supervision and performance evaluation of Instructional Design staff. The ID Manager also works closely with assigned faculty, their direct reports, and VPAL colleagues, to assess the needs of a particular learning experience and ensure an effective balance between established practice and opportunities for innovation. This position frequently collaborates with VPAL’s media production, program operations, and marketing teams.

Core Duties

• Supervises assigned staff, ensuring effective performance and providing appropriate coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback and oversight. Conducts formative and performance evaluations.
• Ensures effective and timely development of VPAL learning experiences in alignment with VPAL pedagogical, production, technical, research, project management and administrative practices.
• Ensures the timely development and implementation of curriculum and project plans, negotiating an appropriate balance among existing practices, available resources, and opportunities for innovation. Collaborates with VPAL Finance and Administration team regarding FTE and contract staff as needed and oversee budgets for course projects on their team.
• Communicates regularly and effectively with assigned project faculty, team members, and stakeholders; maintains project documentation in an effective and timely fashion
• Manages the assigned project team(s) that develop and deliver online learning experiences in partnership with and on behalf of faculty.
• Participates in and contributes to internal team meetings and projects as well as activities focused on reflective practice, integration of research, and pedagogical innovation.
• Coordinates across VPAL, with other schools and departments at Harvard, and additional external stakeholders on the development and delivery of online learning experiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree plus seven years of related experience in educational media, educational publishing, academic technology, or teaching and learning support. (Advanced Degree may count towards work experience).
• At least 3 years of experience managing others.

• Advanced Degree preferred.
• Three years or more of direct teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Experience developing effective course and/or curricular materials.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and work with team members with a variety of backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of expertise in a fast-paced, highly matrixed environment.
• Ability to model positive, constructive leadership with a commitment to mentorship.
• Professional experience and demonstrated ability in instructional design, online learning platforms, and media production.
• Strong project management skills in a deadline-driven environment with competing priorities.
• Understanding of higher education pedagogical contexts and priorities; familiarity with research methodology and assessment approaches in education.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills with a strong desire to share knowledge with others.
• Aptitude for learning and applying new technologies quickly and effectively.
• Prior experience handling confidential matters with appropriate discretion.
• Experience working with copyright and intellectual property issues.
• Ability to implement basic coding in html, xml, and JavaScript.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of high-level internal and external constituents, including faculty.
• Demonstrated experience with high quality learning design and pedagogy.
• Collaborative mindset and an innovative approach to strategy, content creation, and problem-solving.

• Work is mainly performed in an open office setting.
• VPAL is a hybrid office, as our team places a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building. Individual flexible work options for this role, including hybrid, will be discussed during the interview process. Specific in-office and schedule will be determined between you and your manager. All hybrid work must be performed in a state where Harvard is registered to do business (CT, GA, IL, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, WA).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Cover letters are requested for this role. Your cover letter and resume should be submitted as a combined SINGLE DOCUMENT under the resume tab.

Work samples may be requested for this role.

VPAL is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

PLEASE NOTE: The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Why Harvard?
We offer a wide range of exciting and challenging job opportunities that support our world-class academic environment. We invite you to explore the many reasons to work for Harvard at https://hr.harvard.edu/why-harvard. Harvard University is committed to offering competitive total compensation package including:

• A creative, high-energy, collaborative environment
• Generous Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits starting on your first day
• University-funded retirement plans
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Transportation benefits to help with your daily commute
• Health and wellness discounts, memberships, and programs

Additional benefits can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards

About the Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL)
The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning seeks to shape the future of education by discovering new ways to build the competence, curiosity, and confidence of learners on our campuses and around the world. We create engaging and scalable learning experiences, cultivate inspiring ideas, and connect a global community of learners—while developing tools, technologies, platforms, and policies to reduce friction throughout the learning lifecycle. To learn more, visit http://vpal.harvard.edu.

VPAL is committed to convening and nurturing a diverse community dedicated to promoting inclusive excellence and leadership in teaching and learning. We celebrate, welcome, and honor all backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We strive to ensure that all feel included in our mission, our work, and our learning inside and outside our organization. We affirm that inclusivity and belonging are the foundations of excellence.

General Administration

USA - MA - Cambridge

361058 Administrative Manager

VPAL/HarvardX

-

Full-time

058

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Education, Identity

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.