Learning Architect

Learning Architects (LAs) are the first exposure many faculty and staff have with Noodle. The LA introduces faculty to the Noodle learning design process and facilitates the development of the overall vision for their program. LAs collaborate closely with the General Manager, Senior Learning Designer, Learning Designers, Project Managers, Multimedia, and Learning Technologist on a program, and serve as the primary point of communication between all aspects of Learning (program design, course design and builds, course maintenance, course refreshes and term prep) and the university’s Program Director. They are responsible for working with the Program Director to scope program requirements and serve as an internal ambassador for programmatic ideals and quality.

Our Learning Architects drive continuous improvement for their programs, collaborating with our Student Support and Engagement team to gather course feedback, troubleshoot obstacles to program excellence, share performance data with the build team, the General Manager, and the university, and proactively recommend strategic program revisions based on that data.

This role requires periodic travel to partner institutions across the United States to foster collaboration and maintain strong relationships.

As our Learning Architect, you will:

• Guide the university in making program and course decisions that drive 100% retention and graduation
• Collaborate with university stakeholders as a thought-partner, sharing best practices from across the Noodle portfolio as well as new innovations
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Deans and Program Directors as they facilitate program design conversations; articulate the program identity, map curriculum to the program design, and navigate challenging faculty experiences  
• Partner with Noodle’s build, maintenance, and term prep teams to set them up for success in working with (and for) our university partners: articulate the program design, showcase the program voice and style, review the university signature elements (i.e., the University Way), walk the team through the approved templates, share exemplars, and define a clear vision for what we are designing together
• Monitor and provide constructive feedback on all course builds and refreshes by reviewing drafts at established points in the build process, offering formative feedback against our quality rubrics and the University Way, and ensuring each course meets or exceeds our benchmarks and the expectations set with our university partners
• Collaborate with the program build teams, most notably the Senior Learning Designer and Project Manager, to keep our university partners, team leadership, and General Managers informed of our progress, and work with the team to swiftly resolve any barriers to successful builds
• Own the continuous improvement process for the programs we serve, using data to make strategic recommendations that increase the quality of the learning experience on a regular basis 
• Onboard and support faculty new to teaching online, should the university choose Noodle to provide this service 
• Partner with the General Manager to represent our learning capabilities across campus
• Collaborate with your Student Support and Engagement colleagues to incorporate student feedback into subsequent course design efforts, furthering our shared commitment to student retention and graduation
• On occasion, provide support for sales and consultation initiatives to acquire new partnerships 
• Perform other duties as assigned

You have:

• 5-7 years of relevant experience, including instructional design, teaching, or learning roles, management of instructional design teams, and/or projects with multiple learning designers, preferably in a higher education setting.
• A master’s degree (preferred), or equivalent experience in higher education
• The ability and willingness to travel periodically, as required, to our university partners
• Availability to work hours that align to the needs of our university counterparts (primarily Eastern and Central time zones)
• Exceptional communication skills, expertise in learning and program design, and fluency in university culture, particularly understanding faculty dynamics
• Experience in the higher education industry and online learning with US schools, ideally including experience teaching and/or managing faculty.
• Expertise in curricular and pedagogical needs and innovations
• A “product owner” mindset and willingness to delve deep into specifics of a program while retaining sight of its broader context; an ability to think and see through the partner’s eyes.
• Prior experience in online course development and/or instruction, including virtual settings that use synchronous classes and fully asynchronous settings
• Knowledge of adult learning theory, learning science, and principles of effective online pedagogy
• Excellent workshop facilitation skills, and in particular, the ability to establish rapport with faculty groups quickly, putting them and their program directors at ease, and helping them feel confident in the course development process
• Familiarity with research about student retention and its application to creating high graduation rates
• A desire to learn and advance professionally

Noodle Benefits:

• Work from our beautiful NYC office OR the comfort of your home office!
• Computer and charger on us!
• 401(k) with company match, plus equity opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family (including mental health benefits like Headspace and Talkspace)
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Optional voluntary coverage, including supplemental life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and commuter benefits
• Pre-tax benefit options that help you save on eligible healthcare, dependent care, and commuting expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness initiatives and resources
• Free subscription to the Calm app
• Employee discount program
• 4 weeks of paid vacation + 10 paid holidays + paid sick leave
• Monthly mobile connectivity stipend
• Annual education stipend for lifelong learning
• Growth opportunities - we pride ourselves on creating environments where employees can be themselves and grow within and around the company