UC Davis

Job Summary

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.

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

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

Department Overview

UC Davis Extension is the continuing and professional education division of UC Davis. In this capacity, UC Davis Extension partners with campus schools, colleges and faculty to create global access to the distinctive knowledge and resources of UC Davis. UC Davis Extension instructors include outstanding faculty from across UC Davis as well as

distinctive working professionals in a wide variety of disciplines. Last year, UC Davis Extension recorded nearly 58,000 enrollments in more than 3,000 classes, serving students from all 50 states and 105 countries. Courses are offered onsite and online in a variety of formats, including short courses, conferences, certificate programs and self supporting master's degrees. Courses are open to the public and offered on a contract basis through partnerships with private companies, government agencies and international peer universities. UC Davis Extension is completely self-supporting, generating more than $40 million in annual revenue from course fees, public and private contracts and grants.

Each year UC Davis Extension contributes more than $9 million to UC Davis in the form of revenue shared with partner schools and colleges, fees and assessments, and course discounts extended to staff and faculty. As an academic unit of the University, UC Davis Extension employs over 230 employees (career, academic, contract & limited) and more than 60 student employees during peak periods, and draws on the expertise of over 400 by agreement instructors.

RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened after two weeks; and then on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $99,400/yr. - $196,400/yr.
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 25
• UC Job Title: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN MGR 1
• UC Job Code: 005989
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Sacramento, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

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

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-JP

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