Director of Learning Design

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

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Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking a Director of Learning Design in Fort Collins to lead a 30+ person team within the Division of Learning Innovation. This role shapes strategy for online, hybrid, and in‑person learning experiences, translating institutional priorities into scalable, high‑quality design practices.

The position requires strong leadership, collaboration with colleges and IT, and oversight of design standards, accessibility, and quality assurance across modalities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in instructional design, educational technology, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience managing teams and/or managers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives with cross‑functional or institutional impact.
• Experience translating strategy into operations with measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and operationalize the strategic vision for learning design across the Division of Learning Innovation.
• Direct and develop a team of managers and learning design professionals.
• Establish and implement standards for course design, accessibility, and quality assurance across all learning modalities.
• Translate emerging trends in pedagogy, learning science, and educational technology into actionable design practices.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic colleges, IT, faculty, and external stakeholders to advance learning innovation.
• Oversee planning, prioritization, and execution of learning design projects to ensure alignment with divisional goals and timelines.
• Manage budget, staffing strategy, and investment in educational technologies to support sustainable growth and impact.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Operational execution

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Fort Collins, CO

Full time

R2026106159

Job Description

The Director of Learning Design serves as a strategic leader within the Division of Learning Innovation at Colorado State University, responsible for advancing the quality, innovation, and impact of learning experiences across online, hybrid, and in‑person offerings. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Learning Innovation, this role leads a 30+ person team and translates institutional strategy into scalable, high‑quality learning design practices.

The Division of Learning Innovation is a university‑wide enterprise that connects CSU’s academic excellence, workforce relevance, and land‑grant mission to learners across Colorado, the nation, and the world. Through CSU Online, Professional and Continuing Education, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), and Learning Innovation for Extension Programs, the division designs and delivers accessible, high‑impact educational experiences across the learner lifecycle.

This position is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Hybrid work arrangements may be available; however, regular on‑site presence is expected to support team leadership, collaboration, and partner engagement. Occasional travel and evening/weekend work may be required.

Essential Job Duties

• Lead and operationalize the strategic vision for learning design across the Division of Learning Innovation, aligning with CSU’s Strategic Roadmap and growth goals.
• Direct and develop a team of managers and learning design professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and implement standards for course design, accessibility, and quality assurance across all learning modalities.
• Translate emerging trends in pedagogy, learning science, and educational technology into actionable design practices and scalable solutions.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic colleges, IT, faculty, and external stakeholders to advance learning innovation.
• Oversee planning, prioritization, and execution of learning design projects to ensure alignment with divisional goals and timelines.
• Manage budget, staffing strategy, and investment in educational technologies to support sustainable growth and impact.
• Represent Learning Innovation in campus‑wide and external forums, contributing to institutional strategy and national conversations on teaching and learning.

Supervision

• Senior Managers and Managers, Learning Design
• Program Coordinators, Learning Design
• Indirect supervision of Instructional Designers, Media Production staff, and related roles

Conditions of Employment

• Pre‑employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
• Occasional travel and flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in instructional design, educational technology, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience managing teams and/or managers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives with cross‑functional or institutional impact.
• Experience translating strategy into operations with measurable outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Quality Matters, WCAG accessibility standards, and universal design for learning.
• Experience applying emerging technologies (e.g., AI, adaptive learning) to educational design.
• Master’s degree in instructional design, education, or related field.
• Experience in higher education, particularly online and hybrid learning environments.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships and influencing across complex organizations.

For full consideration, all materials must be received in Workday no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Salary Range

$120,000 - $140,000

Employee Benefits

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (http://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. (http://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/)

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.