Director of Learning and Development

About the role

Edu Connect is looking for a Director of Learning and Development based in South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, UK. The Director leads the strategy, design and implementation of learning and development across the organisation, ensures educational courses align with organisational goals and improves the skills of staff and students. The role sits in the senior leadership team and reports to the Executive Director.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement an L&D strategy aligned with organisational objectives, working with senior leadership to identify the skills needed for future growth.
• Oversee the design, delivery and evaluation of training programs, workshops, e-learning modules and other learning solutions, integrating best practices in pedagogy and instructional design.
• Create and manage leadership development programs and support performance management and career development initiatives.
• Manage relationships with external training providers, consultants and institutions, and oversee the selection of learning technologies and platforms.
• Manage the L&D budget and report regularly on the impact and progress of L&D initiatives to senior leadership.
• Drive organisational development, cultural change and change management programs, and work closely with lecturers, tutors and other departments.

Required profile

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in learning and development, education management or a related field.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering L&D programs in an educational or corporate environment.
• Experience working with senior leadership and influencing organisational culture; experience managing remote or geographically dispersed teams is highly desirable.
• Essential: Master's degree in Education, Business Management, Human Resources or a related field, and professional certification in L&D, instructional design or a related discipline (e.g. CIPD, ATD).
• Desirable: Fellowship in FE, HE or EEUK; doctoral degree (or near completion); PGCE or recognised education qualification; experience in higher education or a regulated educational environment.

Required skills

• Instructional design, curriculum development and educational technology.
• Project management, data-driven decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including presenting to senior leadership.
• Desirable: familiarity with learning management systems such as Canvas and Blackboard, and experience with WordPress.

What we offer

• Salary of £41,500-£52,500.
• Opportunities for professional development and research funding.
• Work place pension scheme.