Learning Strategist

Job Title: Learning Strategist
Location: Cambridge, MA 02142 (Hybrid - 30% travel, majorly to the Cambridge Campus)
Duration: 06 Months

Job Description:
Client is seeking a Learning Strategist to help shape the future of how our global workforce learns, grows, and performs. In this role, you will go beyond content creation and lead the design of strategic, competency-based learning journeys that align with the client's business priorities, talent strategy, and regulatory environment.


You will partner with business leaders, HR, and cross-functional stakeholders to define learning needs, design scalable curricula, and embed learning into the flow of work. This position is ideal for an emerging learning expert who combines instructional design fundamentals with strategic thinking and an ability to influence stakeholders.


You will contribute to the design of onboarding, leadership, technical, and compliance learning programs while helping to mature client's learning ecosystem through data-informed decisions and innovative approaches.
The role reports to a Manager or Director in Learning & Development and may evolve into a more senior learning strategy or consultant role over time.


Responsibilities:
Partner with business leaders, HR, and functional stakeholders to diagnose performance gaps, strategic priorities, and future-state capability needs.
Design and oversee the development of end-to-end learning journeys and curricula that span onboarding, functional training, leadership development, and compliance requirements.
Translate business and talent strategies into measurable learning objectives, competency models, and learning blueprints that guide program design and evaluation.
Lead the design of blended learning experiences, including e-learning, instructor-led training, virtual instructor-led training (VILT), microlearning, and just-in-time learning assets.
Apply adult learning theory, instructional design frameworks (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), and learning experience design principles to ensure effectiveness, engagement, and scalability.
Collaborate with instructional designers, graphic designers, media specialists, and technology partners to bring high-quality learning solutions to life. Ensure all learning programs align with the client's quality, compliance, and regulatory standards (e.g., GxP, privacy, and data-security requirements where applicable). Define and help implement evaluation frameworks, including reaction, learning, behavior, and impact metrics, and make recommendations based on data and feedback.
Maintain and evolve learning catalogs, governance models, and documentation standards for curricula and learning journeys.
Stay ahead of emerging trends in digital learning, AI-enabled tools, learning technologies, and pharmaceutical-specific learning requirements.
Act as a learning consultant and advisor to business partners, communicating the value of learning as a driver of performance and business outcomes.


Required Skills:
Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Learning & Development, Organizational Psychology, Education, or a related field; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., CPLP, ATD, or similar) are a plus.
5 years of experience in learning & development, instructional design, performance consulting, or related roles, ideally within a corporate or regulated environment.
Demonstrated experience designing and managing end-to-end learning programs or curricula, not just individual courses.
Strong understanding of learning strategy, competency modeling, and alignment of learning to business and talent goals.
Proficiency in learning design tools such as Articulate 360 (Rise, Storyline), Adobe Captivate, or similar platforms.
Experience working with at least one Learning Management System (LMS) or Learning Experience Platform (LXP).
Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including the ability to create clear documentation, storyboards, and learning blueprints.
Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders in a matrixed, global organization.
Comfort working in a regulated environment and following SOPs, quality requirements, and documentation standards.
Openness to feedback, continuous learning, and application of data to inform design decisions.


Preferred Skills:
Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare industry, including familiarity with GxP, FDA, or similar regulatory expectations.
Experience designing leadership development, onboarding, or technical-skill curricula for complex, matrixed organizations.
Exposure to learning analytics, dashboards, and KPIs that connect learning outcomes to business impact. Familiarity with virtual and hybrid learning environments, including facilitation or co-facilitation of instructor-led or VILT sessions.
Knowledge of microlearning, mobile-first design, AI-aided content creation, and personalized learning experiences.
Experience collaborating with global stakeholders or multicultural teams.
Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive learning design.
Experience in influencing stakeholders without direct authority and acting as a trusted learning advisor.