Fast Facts

UC Davis is seeking a Director of Learning Innovation to lead initiatives in educational technology and instructional design, optimizing learning experiences for professionals and lifelong learners.

Responsibilities: Lead enterprise-wide educational technology initiatives, ensure quality in instructional design and delivery, and develop strategic plans in collaboration with academic teams.

Skills: Expertise in instructional design, digital learning, and educational technology; strong project management and leadership abilities; proficiency in learning technologies and analytics.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with 7+ years in instructional design and leadership experience; advanced degree preferred along with significant experience in digital learning transformations.

Location: Sacramento, California, USA

Compensation: $99400 - $196400 / Annually

UC Davis

Director, Learning Innovation (INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN MGR 1)

Salary or Pay Range: $99,400 - $196,400/year

Apply By Date July 17, 2025 at 11:59pm

Within the division of UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), the Director of Learning Innovation is responsible for leading enterprise-wide initiatives at the intersection of educational technology, instructional design excellence, and transformative learning experiences. 

In this pivotal role, the director will architect and execute progressive learning strategies that shape how professionals, lifelong learners, and organizations engage with education in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The Director of Learning Innovation will serve as both a strategic thought leader and an operational driver, ensuring the development and delivery of rigorous, engaging, and future-focused curricula tailored to diverse learner populations. The director will provide institutional leadership in instructional design and pedagogical innovation, embedding best practices and quality standards across course development, design, and delivery—particularly within online and hybrid environments. Partnering closely with academic leadership, faculty, and cross-functional teams, will develop and implement strategic plans, optimize departmental resources, and oversee the delivery of high-impact instructional support services, including curriculum design, learning assessment strategies, and seamless technology integration. Positioned at the forefront of CPE’s online learning initiatives, the Director will play a critical role in advancing UC Davis’s mission to expand access, foster lifelong learning, and drive educational innovation on a global scale.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

• 7+ years of progressive experience in instructional design, digital learning, or educational technology, including demonstrated success leading large-scale learning initiatives in a complex organizational environment.

• 5+ years of leadership experience, including managing high-performing teams, cross-functional collaboration, and driving strategic initiatives.

• Expertise in instructional design methodologies, adult learning theories, online pedagogy, and learning experience design across multiple modalities (e.g., online, hybrid, blended, and synchronous/asynchronous formats).

• Experience implementing and optimizing learning technologies, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), authoring tools, and emerging educational technologies (e.g., AI, AR/VR, adaptive learning platforms).

• Experience developing and executing quality assurance frameworks and leveraging data-driven approaches to assess learning effectiveness and business impact.

• Project management skills with a track record of delivering complex curriculum development projects on time and within scope.

• Ability to influence and advise senior leaders and stakeholders, aligning learning strategies with enterprise goals.

• Communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Learning Sciences, or a closely related discipline. 

• 10+ years of experience in a senior-level role within higher education, continuing education, corporate learning, or professional development environments with certification or recognized credentials in instructional design or learning technologies. 

• Experience leading enterprise-wide digital learning transformations or large-scale instructional design initiatives with measurable impact on learner outcomes and organizational performance. 

• Experience with strategic planning and execution within academic or corporate settings, including the development of multi-year roadmaps for learning innovation. 

• Expertise in integrating advanced learning analytics, AI-driven personalization, and other emerging technologies to enhance learner engagement and outcomes. 

• Experience negotiating and managing partnerships, vendor relationships, and developing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with external stakeholders. 

• Experience working within a research university or continuing and professional education environment, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in adult and lifelong learning. 

• Demonstrated thought leadership through publications, conference presentations, or active participation in professional organizations related to instructional design, educational technology, or digital learning innovation.

• Familiarity with compliance standards and accessibility requirements (e.g., ADA, WCAG) in digital learning environments.

• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and lead cross-functional initiatives that require alignment across academic, administrative, and technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

• 40% - Digital Learning, Educational Technology, & Design Innovation

• 20% - Design Innovation & Project Management

• 20% - Quality & Assessment

• 20% - Strategic Leadership & Management

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

To view full job description and submit an on-line application visit UC Davis Career Opportunities at 

http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=304725

Job ID #78959

The University of California, Davis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer