Senior Learning Architect

Nxgl; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Gen Learning (NGL) seeks a Senior Learning Architect to join their Cape Town-based hybrid, full-time team. You will design, prototype, and configure next-generation online learning experiences, collaborating with top university faculty and an internal cross-functional team to push pedagogy and technology boundaries.

You will lead end-to-end instructional design, configure AI tutors, develop learning systems, and shape our proprietary development methodology, applying learning science to

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in edtech or online learning.
• Experience collaborating with faculty and executives to translate needs into designs.
• Autonomous, proactive, and able to work with ambiguity in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Familiarity with AI in education and interest in GenAI-enabled learning.
• Strong collaboration across cross-functional teams to deliver cohesive learner experiences.
• Ability to design and prototype end-to-end learning experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end instructional design for online courses using modern design models.
• Run design workshops with faculty to define learning goals and course structures.
• Translate expert knowledge into engaging, evidence-based learning experiences.
• Develop, test, and refine AI prompts and RAGs for bespoke AI tutors.
• Prototype and test course experiences with faculty and internal teams.
• Configure learning experiences with AI tutor to support students and faculty.

Skills

Senior Learning Architect

Learning Designer

Instructional Designer

Learning Architect

Learning Solutions Architect

Relationship Builder

Autonomous and Proactive

Tech-Savvy and AI-Curious

Creative Problem-Solver

Start-up Ready

Job description

We're looking for a Senior Learning Architect to join our purpose-driven, values-led team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of online learning at Next Gen Learning (NGL).

Hybrid, Cape Town based | Full-time | Reports directly to the Head of Learning Architecture

Overview

We're looking for a Senior Learning Architect to join our purpose-driven, values-led team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of online learning at Next Gen Learning (NGL). This is a senior, hands-on role designed for an experienced and highly skilled learning designer who thrives on complexity, innovation, and building new things from the ground up.

In this role, you'll work closely with faculty from top universities and a cross-functional internal team to design, prototype, and configure next-generation online learning experiences. You'll be applying the best of learning science to real-world challenges—not just designing courses, but helping to invent the systems that deliver them.

You'll play a leading role in configuring and testing bespoke AI tutors, integrating them seamlessly into personalised, conversational learning experiences, and ensuring every course reflects rigorous pedagogy, deep learner engagement, and cutting-edge technology that supports students and faculty.

If you're ready to step into a high-autonomy role where pedagogical excellence meets AI innovation, and where your work will help redefine what's possible in digital education, this is the opportunity for you.

What You'll Do

Learning Design, Course Development, AI Configuration

• Lead the end-to-end instructional design process for our learning impact focused online courses using the Successive Approximation Model, which includes backward design
• Run design workshops with faculty to define learning goals and course structures
• Translate expert knowledge into engaging, evidence-based learning experiences, applying principles like flipped classroom, mastery learning, conversational learning.
• Develop, test, and refine systems prompts and RAGs for our bespoke AI system to ensure both subject matter accuracy and pedagogical soundness in our 1:1 AI powered learning experiences.
• Iteratively prototype and test course experiences with faculty and the internal team, gathering feedback and refining designs
• Configure learning experiences with our AI tutor to give students and faculty effective experiences that are supported by technology

Collaboration and Relationship Management

• Act as a trusted partner to subject matter experts and faculty, helping them bring their vision to life in innovative ways
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure cohesive learner experiences and a tone, visuals, and structure that reflect pedagogical goals and brand identity

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Help shape and refine our proprietary course development methodology, including new ways of using GenAI in education
• Contribute to building internal design systems, templates, and quality frameworks for learning design
• Actively participate in product feedback loops, identifying learning feature needs, pain points, and ideas for iteration

Who You Are

• Experienced Learning Designer, Instructional Designer, Learning Architect, or Learning Solutions Architect: You have 8+ years of hands-on experience in edtech, online learning, or a similar fast-paced, tech-forward environment
• Relationship Builder: You're confident working closely with faculty, execs, and cross-functional teams. You know how to listen deeply and translate diverse needs into actionable designs
• Autonomous and Proactive: You can run with a brief, lead your own work, and find clarity in ambiguity. You're as comfortable designing alone as you are collaborating in a group
• Tech-Savvy and AI-Curious: You're familiar with digital learning platforms and understand how AI is being used in education. You're excited to explore the frontier with us and learn new tools quickly
• Creative Problem-Solver: You enjoy iterating, testing, and improving learning experiences—and balancing rigour with experimentation
• Start-up Ready: You're adaptable, hands-on, and motivated by the challenge of building something meaningful from the ground up. You feel aligned to NGL company values

Bonus if you have:

• Experience in developing AI-enhanced or adaptive learning experiences
• Background in designing professional development or executive education courses