Senior Learning Solutions Design Architect (Skilling)

Overview

Microsoft’s Global Learning & Skilling (GLS) Team plays a pivotal role in shaping Microsoft’s future. We achieve this by crafting an innovative skilling strategy and implementing best-in-class programs aimed at empowering our employees, managers, and leaders with cutting-edge capabilities. We are looking for a Senior Learning Solutions Design Architect (Skilling) with a specialized focus and expertise on designing and developing skilling experiences who will help create an environment where every employee can do their best work. With learning/skilling as a strategic business imperative, this role is central to achieving our Learning Strategy ambitions, that include mobilizing differentiated skilling at scale, making Microsoft the most AI-fluent workforce in the world, and enabling our People Priority of Innovative Talent & Skills.  

As a Senior Learning Solutions Design Architect (Skilling), you will be at the forefront of designing and developing a cutting-edge portfolio of skilling experiences that can be effectively scaled and customized across org-based academies.  Partnering within-business Learning & Development (L&D) Teams, you will steer the development of skilling goals in alignment with Learning Strategy 2.0 and ELC’s priorities. You will collaborate closely with key leadership stakeholders and L&D Subject Matter Experts (SME) to drive the organization’s strategic business outcomes through innovative learning and skilling initiatives.   You will synthesize cutting-edge learning theories with practical application, ensuring each methodology is adaptable, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals. This position requires a strategic mindset to anticipate future skilling needs and the ability to translate complex learning concepts into clear, actionable solutions skilling solutions for diverse audiences.   

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Technical Writing, Paralegal, or related field AND 6+ years experience in instructional design, experience design, education
  • OR Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Education, Marketing, English, Communication, or related field AND 4+ years experience in instructional design, experience design, education
  • OR Master’s Degree in Psychology, Education, Marketing, English, Communication, or related field AND 3+ years experience in instructional design, experience design, education
  • OR equivalent experience.
• A portfolio or design samples will be requested to demonstrate capabilities.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Education, Marketing, English, Communication, or related field, or related field AND 8+ years of experience in instructional design, experience design, education
  • OR Master’s Degree in Psychology, Education, Marketing, English, Communication, or related field AND 6+ years instructional design, experience design, education
  • OR Doctoral Degree in Psychology, Education, or related field AND 3+ years experience in instructional design, experience design, education
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 8+ years experience in instructional design, experience design, education OR equivalent experience. 

Instructional Design IC4 – The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $94,600 – $183,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $122,000 – $200,500 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until December 2, 2024.

Responsibilities

Learning Design Excellence (Skilling):  

• Impact the company’s culture through the development of innovative skilling learning experiences aligned to Microsoft’s Leadership Principles, Manager Expectations, Values and Cultural Attributes.   
• Lead the design and documentation of comprehensive, innovative skilling methodologies and experiences portfolio 
• Take a data-driven and human-centered approach to validate learning needs and architect end-to-end learning experiences that are relevant to the needs of both our learners and the organization.  
• Apply the latest in behavioral sciences, generative AI and neuroscience to guide the development of signature, leading-edge solutions, taking an evidence-based approach to design 
• Leverage personas, experience journey maps and learner data to determine solution hypotheses that directly support the learning outcomes and measures of success  
• Apply design thinking to create and rapidly test skilling solutions early-in-design and ensure ongoing iterations are fully targeted to effectively build capability and shift mindset 
• Partner closely with subject matter experts across experience management, technology, operations, global diversity and inclusion, and related areas to create durable and impactful skilling experiences 
• Ensure all solutions meet Microsoft’s standards, including accessibility and global readiness, and apply these standards, starting at the earliest phases of the design process 
• A portfolio or design samples will be requested to demonstrate capabilities 

Learning Solutions Architecture (Skilling):  

• Utilize strategic planning and process optimization to architect and create flexible, modular skilling programs that can be scaled and customized across various job roles, and skill levels 
• Drive the transformation of skilling methodologies and learning experiences by expanding and refining existing skilling solutions to meet and exceed evolving organization and industry demands 
• Shape and evolve the skilling experience development approach including creation, curation, and maintenance of up-to-date, industry-relevant content to support dynamic and engaging skilling and learning experiences 

Skilling Academies:

• Manage the design, development, and delivery of skilling solutions that make academies more cohesive, discoverable, and relevant for our learners 
• Partner with in-biz L&D Teams and consult on the curation and build of Discipline-aligned skilling content for org-based Academies 
• Support cross-Academy skilling and content strategies for shared disciplines/roles across orgs, to minimize duplication of content, and further improve the learner experience   

Stakeholder Collaboration (Skilling):

• Support scalable skilling content development through in-biz SME and design partners, providing design support and services 
• Leverage ELC-approved core learning technologies, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), Viva Learning, Academies and approved course authoring tools to design, recommend and innovate skilling learning experiences   
• In partnership with L&D teams, consolidate feedback on VL (plus Academy) experience requirements to influence PG semester plan prioritization cycles to improve skilling offerings  
• Consults on best practices in identifying and developing relationships with key stakeholders/partners across audiences, business units, or verticals/industries to represent their skilling-related needs 
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in skilling solutions and processes, ensuring skilling experiences and solutions meet the evolving needs of employees

Other

•  Embody our culture and values

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

• Industry leading healthcare
• Educational resources
• Discounts on products and services
• Savings and investments
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Generous time away
• Giving programs
• Opportunities to network and connect

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.