VP of Learning and Development (EdTech)
Leads the strategy for organizational education and skill development within educational technology companies.
Overview
The role functions as a bridge between high-level business strategy and the practical application of instructional design. Day-to-day activities involve synthesizing data from product usage and employee performance to identify gaps in knowledge and designing scalable digital learning interventions. The rhythm of the work is characterized by long-term strategic planning cycles interrupted by the immediate needs of rapid product launches and organizational scaling. Individuals in this career manage large-scale budgets and lead multidisciplinary teams of instructional designers, content creators, and data analysts.
Success in this field requires a balance of analytical rigor and empathetic leadership to foster a culture of continuous improvement. The work feels deeply collaborative, as it necessitates constant communication with engineering, product, and sales departments to ensure educational content remains accurate and effective. Professionals who thrive in this environment are typically those who enjoy solving complex organizational puzzles and can translate technical specifications into accessible learning paths. The career is intellectually demanding, requiring a deep understanding of cognitive science and the latest trends in educational software.
responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Define the global learning strategy to align with corporate growth and product roadmaps.
- Oversee the design and implementation of internal leadership development and technical training programs.
- Direct the creation of customer-facing educational content to improve product retention and user success.
- Analyze learning analytics to measure the impact of training initiatives on business performance.
- Manage the department budget and select third-party educational technology vendors.
- Collaborate with product teams to integrate learning science principles into the core software experience.
- Lead a team of learning professionals through hiring, mentorship, and performance management.
Qualifications
- A master's degree in instructional design, education, or a related business field is standard.
- At least ten years of experience in corporate learning or educational leadership is required.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale Learning Management Systems and digital training platforms.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a high-growth technology environment.
- Strong competency in data analysis and financial reporting for educational programs.
Nice to have
- A doctoral degree in education or organizational psychology provides a competitive advantage.
- Previous experience in a scaling startup environment from Series B through IPO is highly valued.
- Certification as a Certified Professional in Talent Development or similar industry credential.
- Experience with artificial intelligence applications in personalized learning pathways.
Work environment
- Work is typically conducted in a hybrid office environment with frequent video conferencing for global team management.
- The culture is fast-paced and data-driven, requiring high adaptability to changing technological landscapes.
- Standard professional hours are expected, though global operations may require occasional early or late meetings.
- Tools used include advanced learning analytics platforms, project management software, and executive reporting suites.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation often includes significant performance-based bonuses and executive-level equity grants.
- Career progression typically leads to Chief Learning Officer or Chief People Officer positions.
- The role offers significant influence over the company's culture and long-term product direction.
- Professional development is often self-directed through high-level executive networking and industry conferences.
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