Director of Learning and Development

Career Opportunity
Director of Learning and Development

Location: South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, UK
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary Bracket: £41,500-£52,500
Job Overview:
The Director of Learning and Development (L&D) is responsible for leading the strategy, design, and implementation of effective learning and development initiatives across the organisation. This role will ensure that all educational courses align with organisational goals and improve the skills and competencies of staff and students. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director will influence organisational culture, be innovative, and ensure continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Learning and Development strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify critical skills and competencies required for future growth and ensure L&D programs address these needs.
• Lead initiatives to enhance the teaching and learning experience for both staff and students, leveraging cutting-edge educational technologies and methodologies.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of L&D programs, using data to make informed decisions for continuous improvement.
• Program Development and Management:
• Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of training programs, workshops, e-learning modules, and other learning solutions.
• Ensure the integration of current best practices in pedagogy, instructional design, and learner engagement across all educational programs.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify learning needs and tailor development programs accordingly.
• Manage relationships with external training providers, consultants, and institutions to deliver effective learning initiatives.
• Create and manage leadership development programs to prepare staff for future leadership roles and ensure succession planning across all areas.
• Support performance management and career development initiatives, providing guidance to managers on development pathways for their teams.
• Act as a key driver in organisational development, supporting cultural change and promoting an innovative, agile approach to professional growth.
• Implement change management programs that equip staff with the skills and mindset to adapt to evolving educational landscapes.
• Work closely with lecturers and tutors, and other departments to ensure that L&D initiatives meet organisational and departmental goals.
• Regularly communicate the impact and progress of learning and development initiatives to senior leadership and the wider organisation.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the organisation.
• Manage the L&D budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and delivering value for money.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of appropriate learning technologies, platforms, and systems.

Key Skills:

• Strategic thinking and ability to align L&D initiatives with long-term organisational goals.
• Expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and educational technology.
• Strong leadership, influencing, and team management skills.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills.
• Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and build effective working relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience in presenting to senior leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in learning and development, education management, or a related field.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering effective L&D programs in an educational or corporate environment.
• Experience working with senior leadership to influence organizational culture and strategic decision-making.
• Strong understanding of the latest trends and best practices in educational technology and pedagogy.
• Experience in managing teams, including remote or geographically dispersed staff, is highly desirable.
• Experience working with WordPress is also desirable.

Qualifications:
Essential

• Master’s degree in Education, Business Management, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in Learning and Development, Instructional Design, or relevant disciplines (e.g., CIPD, ATD, etc.)
• Fellowship in FE, HE, or EEUK
• Doctoral degree (or near completion) in Education, Learning and Development, Psychology, Business Management, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education or a regulated educational environment.
• PGCE or formally recognised Education and Training Qualification
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning platforms, such as Canvas and Blackboard

Company Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and research funding.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

Organisation Overview

At Edu Connect, our vision is to be the leading global platform for fostering inclusive and diverse education. We aspire to empower individuals and organisations to reach their highest potential by cultivating an interconnected global society. Through enriched learning experiences, expanded professional networks, and unparalleled access to industry leaders, we aim to shape a world where knowledge transcends borders, active collaboration and innovation on an international scale.

Our mission is to provide transformative educational experiences that enable individuals and businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving global environment. We are committed to delivering high-quality programmes, short-courses, and access to industry-leading professionals that offer practical skills, insightful knowledge, and real-world applications. By broadening horizons, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting cultural awareness, we prepare our clients to excel in a diverse and interconnected workforce. Through our dedication to excellence and innovation, we strive to create opportunities for growth, collaboration, and academic advancement on a global stage.

Edu Connect is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

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