Director, Learning Design

Gap Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Gap Inc. is seeking a Director of Learning Design to lead and evolve their instructional design strategy. This role involves building scalable, modern learning experiences for a diverse workforce, managing a team, and collaborating across functions to improve learning effectiveness. The ideal candidate will blend strategic insight with operational excellence and demonstrate expertise in learning science and technology.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in learning design and talent development, 5+ in leadership.
• Deep understanding of instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM).
• Strong business acumen with experience influencing senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Learning Design team.
• Oversee resource planning and project management for learning initiatives.
• Pilot and scale innovative learning approaches, including AI and microlearning.

Skills

Instructional Design

Project Management

Agile Operations

Adult Learning Theory

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Learning Design

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

LMS/LXP platforms

Articulate

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

About the RoleWe are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Director of Learning Design to lead and evolve our instructional design strategy, operations, and delivery at scale. This role will be instrumental in building scalable, modern, and business-aligned learning experiences that serve a diverse, global workforce. The ideal candidate will blend strategic insight with operational excellence and innovation, bringing expertise in instructional design, learning science, technology, and talent development.What You'll Do

• Lead and develop a high-performing Learning Design team, fostering a learner-centered, agile, and innovative culture
• Oversee resource planning, intake prioritization, and project management processes to ensure efficient execution across learning initiatives
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures (SOPs), service level agreements (SLAs), and capacity planning models to ensure consistency and quality
• Own and optimize the LMS and content management systems, driving consistency, governance, and operational excellence
• Design and activate learning intake methodologies, modality frameworks (ILT, virtual, microlearning), staffing models, and content impact/adoption tracking tools
• Deliver thought leadership in instructional design, adult learning theory, and inclusive content practices
• Train and upskill the broader Learning and Talent Management teams in emerging learning methodologies, technology, and practices
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Learning Experience Partners (LEPs), HRBPs, and business stakeholders to translate enterprise capability needs into effective learning solutions
• Guide technology enablement, learning governance, and systems integration across the learning ecosystem
• Pilot and scale innovative learning approaches, including AI, adaptive learning, microlearning, and performance support
• Manage and optimize a pool of external vendors and contractors, including onboarding, performance tracking, and contract oversight
• Explore and implement offshoring/nearshoring/vendor solutions to enhance agility and cost-effectiveness in content development
• Contribute to long-range learning strategy planning and scale, with potential to oversee learning operations, governance, and community of practice development

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Learning Design, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in learning design, instructional design, or enterprise talent development, with 5+ years in a leadership role
• Proven success leading learning teams and delivering impactful programs at scale in complex environments
• Deep understanding of adult learning theory, instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM), and performance-based learning
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, agile operations, and process optimization
• Strong business acumen with experience influencing senior leaders and cross-functional partners
• Proficiency in LMS/LXP platforms (e.g., Workday Learning, Cornerstone), authoring tools (Articulate, Rise, Adobe), and analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Experience managing vendor relationships and contract negotiation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a track record of fostering collaboration
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and building systems and structure from the ground up
  
  Preferred Qualifications:
• Certification in instructional design, learning technology, or related fields
• Experience with DEI learning practices and inclusive content strategy
• Familiarity with community of practice development and learning operations