Director, Learning Innovation & Impact

Job Description

The People, Culture, and Belonging Division at Vanderbilt University is at the forefront of enriching employee experience, moments that matter and pioneering learning practices. We aim to transform how our community learns, thrives, and connects, nurturing a culture where innovation meets excellence, supporting our university's noble mission goal.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Develop and launch the Futures Learning Hub as a dynamic center for staff development, leveraging AI-driven technologies to attract, develop, retain top talent and evaluate the employee value proposition.
• Conduct analysis, design, develop, curate, implement and evaluate skill-based learning and career paths, incorporating digital and experiential opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse global staff.
• In collaboration with the Workforce Optimization team, leverage effective workforce planning, development, and implementation of learning solutions to enhance the employee experience and democratize innovation, access and opportunities.
• Utilize VR/AR and MR technologies in digital classrooms, webinars, expos, and simulations to animate complex theories, enhancing decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Prototype simulations, gamified landscapes, webcomics, and Metaverse-driven modules that blend education with the thrill of virtual and strategic gameplay.
• Lead immersive, scenario-based workshops and practical sessions that bring real-world scenarios to life, promoting peer-to-peer learning.
• Spearhead data-driven learning solutions, integrating modern platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Open Sesame, and Culture Amp, collaborating with IT to enhance workforce capabilities.
• Foster collaboration across departments to build consensus and drive the collective vision and execution of Futures Learning Hub initiatives, ensuring alignment with Vanderbilt’s mission and core values.
• Articulate and present data-driven, strategic insights through persuasive storytelling.
• Lead the development and prioritization of learning, development, and technology initiative roadmaps.
• Advocate for staff ventures and oversee the realization of innovative ideas that advance staff capabilities.
• Champion measurable continuous improvement by optimizing people, processes, and technology, including AI, to democratize access and opportunity to learning, development, and growth opportunities across the organization.
• Champion of our values: belonging, self-direction, collaboration, and growth
• Additionally, undertake any other responsibilities as needed.
  
  
  

Supervisory Relationships:

This position will have individual contributor and supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Vice Chancellor of People, Culture and Belonging.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field or equivalent is required.
• A master’s degree in business or related field preferred.
  
  
  

Experience and Skills:

• Over 15 years of experience in instructional design methodologies, adult learning principles, and digital learning
• Proven knowledge of business operations, management, and leadership.
• Ability to scale solutions and thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects.
• Demonstrated management, leadership and influencing abilities.
• Strong analytical, industry benchmarking, and critical thinking skills.
• Accountability for high-quality, timely, data-driven and effective results.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across all team levels.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional, multi-site operational initiatives.
• Exceptional communication and story telling skills using data visualization.
• A strong passion for enhancing the employee experience and learning outcomes.
• Proven ability to navigate uncertainty and build cross-organizational relationships, with demonstrated experience in integrating advanced technology to enhance connectivity and foster a sense of belonging in diverse environments.
• Experience with design thinking methodologies and tools, such as facilitation, problem definition, design principles, employee journey maps, employee personas, and competitive and current state analysis.
• Expertise in digital strategy, adult learning theory, project management, ADDIE, instructional technology, Articulate 360, Adobe Cloud, Generative AI platforms, LXP, LMS, and RPA, Microsoft Office Suite
  
  
  

About Us

Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.
  
  
  

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.