Learning Experience Design Manager

Overview

This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on July 27, 2026

The starting salary range for this position is $9,077.00 - $10,298.00 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

FUNCTION OF THE UNIT

Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, was established in 1996 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place. Our services integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices into our daily work to promote healing and healthy relationships. Providing approximately 50,000 learning experiences to health and human service and justice system professionals annually, the Academy provides a variety of workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond. With seven programs, three divisions and over 100 staff, the Academy’s mission is to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities. 

As a member of the Academy team you will be engaging in communal development of heart, mind, and practice. You are expected to foster culturally responsive practice behaviors to promote well-being and a culture that focuses on healing, healthy relationships and changed behaviors.

The Learning Experience Design Manager position is housed in the Strategy, Development, & Organizational Advancement Division (30 employees) within the Learning and Brand Development Unit (15 employees) which is responsible for strategic development of learning, products, and practices that strengthen our organizational culture, brand identity, and ability to fulfill our promise. The overall Division nurtures organizational health and facilitates innovation by building high-quality learning experiences, responsive and proactive evaluation, strategy, and system solutions grounded in data, best practice, and collaborative partnerships.

Responsibilities

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under the general direction of the Director of Culture, Learning and Development, and Brand Strategy, the Learning Experience Design Manager is responsible for directing and executing the Academy’s asynchronous learning products produced by the Learning Experience Design (LXD) Team, ensuring projects are well planned, delivered on time, and aligned with organizational goals. This role oversees the full lifecycle of digital learning products, while keeping systems, workflows, and reporting practices organized and running smoothly. They work closely with internal teams, service providers, and partners to keep communication clear and projects moving forward, while also supporting and coaching the LXD team to build strong skills and maintain effective collaboration. The LXD Manager stays connected to broader organizational priorities, contributing to planning and helping others stay informed and engaged in the Academy’s digital learning product efforts.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

This is a 40-hour-a-week hybrid position with remote flexibility, typically working M-F from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. and is based on contract funding subject to annual renewal. The position may be subject to intermittent overnight travel and work shifts outside of normal business hours, including weekends and evenings if needed. 

This position requires that you reside within California throughout the duration of your employment and live within a commutable distance from the worksite your work supports. Positions are typically assigned to either our Riverside or San Diego office for any on-site work.

Note: some duties may include working with and/or exposure to sensitive/traumatic topics or material dealing with child abuse, abuse against older adults and adults with disabilities, and/or issues and scenarios related to mental health, substance use, or racism.

The Academy is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is grant-funded and serves as an auxiliary to the University. The Academy is based near, but not on campus, and does not have direct responsibilities for working with or teaching college students.

The Academy is currently going through a reclassification process. If this position’s classification changes during this process, it would not change the role, responsibilities, or compensation of the position.

LEARNING EXPERIENCE DESIGN STRATEGY AND ORGANIZATIONAL INFLUENCE (15%)

• Develop, implement, and manage LXD strategic plans to enhance LXD systems and processes that align with Academy’s Growth with Sustainability and Academy Advantage business goals in collaboration with the Division Director and Senior Director.
• Establish and maintain consistent reporting practices to improve the Academy’s ability to make informed, strategic business decisions and increase opportunities for efficiency and optimization.
• Partner with the Workforce Management and Development Team to ensure Academy curriculum development standards reflect evolving best practices for asynchronous learning product design.  
• Present and demonstrate learning and development research, solutions, and prototypes to Academy leaders and potential business partners as a strategy to advance deliverables and position the Academy as a leader in health, human service, and social impact industries.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS (25%)

• Optimize and maintain a transparent, agile project management system for LXD asynchronous learning products (e.g. eLearnings and microlearnings) that make it easy for Academy project leads and curriculum developers to collaborate with LXD; communicate production progress, issues, risks, and critical decisions to the Director.
• Manage LXD production queue by leveraging deep understanding of team roles, workflows, and project management tools to optimize workload planning, LX/UX collaboration, and accurate workload forecasts.
• Facilitate regular production planning and operational meetings and communicate often with project leads and curriculum developers to ensure alignment, transparent communication, and accurate timeline and forecast updates.
• Manage project coordination and maintain relationships with LXD service providers (SPs), including development of scopes of services (SOS) and oversight of SP contract deliverables and timelines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated issues, managing relationships and feedback from staff, service providers, and partners. Ensure timely action and communication on implemented solutions.

ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING PRODUCT DESIGN (20%)

Digital Learning Product Design and Content Development

• Design, write, revise accessible eLearnings, microlearnings, and other asynchronous learning products that apply adult learning theory and universal design principles to ensure complex concepts are clearly communicated in content developed by subject matter experts (SMEs) and curriculum developers.
• Build self-paced learning products using a software development model and advanced instructional design tools (e.g. Articulate Storyline and Rise) and Adobe Creative Suite that support both highly customized interactions and rapid, mobile-responsive course development.
• Interpret and refine behaviorally specific learning objectives for eLearning modules.
• Develop storyboards, write and produce narration, and program eLearning modules.
• Upload/test eLearning courses to Academy learning management system (LMS).
• Assess content developed by SMEs and curriculum developers and drive enhancements by researching, designing, and implementing culturally responsive skill and knowledge-based exercises and case scenarios that promote transfer of learning.
• Create comprehensive eLearning storyboards, including scripts, onscreen content, learner interactions, animations, knowledge checks, and accessible elements.

Media Production and Technical Delivery

• Produce, record, edit, and caption voiceover narration for eLearning and microlearning courses; conduct video editing for webinar-style learning modules. 
• Produce and edit audiovisual content and integrate sound design elements to enhance eLearning and varied multimedia work.
• Manage the publishing and uploading of eLearning and Microlearning SCORM files to the Academy’s Learning Management System (LMS).

     Quality Assurance and Accessibility

• Conduct quality assurance and accessibility testing at all stages of course development including NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) screen-reader and keyboard-only navigation.
• Engage in two-phased Internal Review/Quality Control (IR/QC) process for all courses designed by the LXD team.
• Integrate feedback from IR/QC processes and prepare the alpha versions of fully programmed courses for partner review and release. 

SUPERVISION, COACHING, AND TEAM DEVELOPMENT (20%)

• Provide direct supervision to LXD Team Supervisors to support the management of their responsibilities and skill development in leadership, self-awareness, relationship building, process/project management, QA/QI, and reporting. Coach to operate with a moderate degree of autonomy with space to be successful and make mistakes.
• Assist LXD team Supervisors with hiring, developing, retaining, evaluating, and managing performance issues of employees in their direct line of supervision. 
• Lead team health and collaboration by proactively managing interpersonal dynamics, aligning cross-functional relationships, and reinforcing accountability.
• Engage LXD in relational team building and staff development opportunities related to asynchronous learning product design, accessibility, the Academy’s System of Practice, project/process management, QA/QI, reporting practices, and additional topics based on need.
• Nurture and leverage individual team member skills to develop and deliver learning experiences to the Academy that drives innovation in alignment with the Academy’s growth goals. 

ACADEMY LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION (15%)

• Actively engage in individual skill development as a leader, model behavior, and demonstrate personal accountability aligned with the Academy System of Practice. 
• Collaborate with and support our Strategy, Development, and Organizational Advancement Division Leadership Team, engaging in strategic planning and decision-making for matters impacting work culture and overall functioning of the Academy, Division, Learning and Brand Development Unit, and LXD team. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with Academy people leaders, keeping them connected to LXD work and team strategy. Provide comprehensive updates on operations and plans for the future, communicate often, and offer actionable guidance to enhance engagement with LXD and asynchronous learning products. 
• Participate on the Academy's Shared Leadership Team. Engage in strategic planning, infrastructure assessments, and decision-making regarding issues impacting organizational culture and business growth.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED (5%) 

• Perform other duties as assigned which are in the best interests of the Academy for Professional Excellence.
• Travel to off-site locations for Academy and Program meetings (primarily in Riverside and San Diego).

QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL SKILLS

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Advanced technical proficiency with creating end-to-end accessible eLearnings using rapid eLearning authoring tools (Articulate 360: Storyline and Rise).
• Technical proficiency with using graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite); demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Google solutions.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management skills including planning and executing technical, relational, and operational project activities within the LXD team, across Academy teams, and customers.
• Extensive understanding of software development models, adult learning theories, and universal design principles.
• Excellent ability to consult on curriculum outcomes, learning objectives, and assessment strategies for adult learners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including instructional writing clarity,  strong English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and attention to detail.
• In-depth knowledge of accessibility standards and mobile learning solutions, including strong ability to use an NVDA screen-reader.
• Strong ability to produce and refine audiovisual assets, record and edit voiceovers, and integrate sound design to support clear, learner-centered storytelling.
• Strong understanding of SCORM and Learning Management Systems (LMS) functionalities.
• Strong proficiency in strategic planning, data analysis, evaluation, and reporting.
• Adept at translating complex business concepts into creative, engaging, and relevant asynchronous learning products.
• Excellent ability to create and deliver high-level communication assets that translate complex information into digestible, easy-to-follow information.
• In-depth understanding of culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices.
• Strong ability to demonstrate a high level of cultural responsiveness.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills (verbal, written, and visual design) that are responsive to diverse engagement styles.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills that are responsive to diverse engagement styles.
• Strong ability to engage in anticipatory thinking, prioritize competing requests, and handle interruptions well.
• Strong ability to provide and receive constructive, collaborative feedback to ensure high-quality products.
• Strong ability to assess problems, identify solutions, and engage in collaborative problem-solving in nuanced, cross-functional settings.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new concepts, tools, and processes with strong attention to detail.
• Experienced in leveraging AI tools within digital learning while maintaining critical thinking and independent decision-making.
• Ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies.
• Strong ability to lead a team through new and changing situations.
• Proven ability to effectively handle interpersonal interactions at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to interact effectively with staff, service providers, partners, and potential customers.
• Ability to understand and follow work rules, protocols, and procedures.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in instructional design, education, or educational technology or related field. Additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

• Six (6) years of experience designing and developing interactive online educational courses.

• Three (3) years of experience supervising or managing employees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

• Six (6) years of experience designing and developing interactive online educational courses.

• Three (3) years of experience supervising or managing employees.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.