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Learning Program Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Program Director

Middleton, WI ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Coach team members on teaching skills, classroom management, and customer experience * Help ... Programs offer children a Springboard to Life's Adventures by using movement-based learning and ...

Program Supervisor

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$17/hr

Learning and Development: We invest in your development and provide the tools and training you need ... Communication, adaptability, multi-tasking, teamwork, time-management * Behaviors: Patient ...

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Production Supervisor

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

This Management position implements workforce management programs and have overall accountability ... Learning Orientation: Onsite manager has demonstrated ability to adapt to a learning-based ...

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Learning Program Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$47.4K

$82K

$184.9K

How much do learning program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for learning program manager in Madison, WI is $81,989.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,400.00 and $89,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is another word for learning?

For a Learning Program Manager, another word for learning is education or training, which involve acquiring knowledge or skills through instruction, practice, or experience. These terms are often used interchangeably in professional development and organizational learning environments.

What are the 4 types of learning?

In the context of a Learning Program Manager, the four main types of learning are formal, informal, experiential, and self-directed learning. Formal learning involves structured programs like courses and workshops, while informal learning occurs through everyday activities and interactions. Experiential learning emphasizes hands-on experience, and self-directed learning is driven by the individual's initiative and goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Learning Program Manager position, and why are they important?

A Learning Program Manager typically needs a background in instructional design, project management, and adult learning theory, often supported by a degree in education, human resources, or a related field. Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools, and certifications like PMP or CPLP is highly valued. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills help candidates excel in collaborating across departments and adapting to evolving training needs. These competencies are crucial to effectively designing, implementing, and overseeing impactful learning initiatives that support organizational goals.

What is the definition of learning?

Learning, in the context of a Learning Program Manager, refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, or competencies through study, experience, or instruction. It involves designing and implementing educational programs that facilitate understanding and skill development for learners. Effective learning strategies often incorporate assessment tools and instructional design principles to ensure measurable progress.

What age do Americans leave school?

In the United States, students typically leave high school at age 18 after completing their secondary education. Some students may finish earlier or later depending on their academic progress or if they pursue alternative education paths, which can influence their readiness for roles like Learning Program Managers that often require a bachelor's degree or higher. Understanding educational backgrounds can help in assessing candidate qualifications for training and development roles.

What does a typical day look like for a Learning Program Manager, and how do they interact with other departments?

A typical day for a Learning Program Manager involves designing training programs, coordinating with subject matter experts, analyzing learning needs, and overseeing program rollouts. You will work closely with HR, department leaders, trainers, and sometimes external vendors to ensure learning solutions align with both employee development and organizational objectives. Frequent tasks include reviewing program effectiveness, managing budgets or timelines, and providing status updates to leadership. Collaboration and strong project management are key, as you'll often balance multiple initiatives and adapt to changing business priorities to deliver successful outcomes.

What does a Learning Program Manager do?

A Learning Program Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing training programs within an organization. They collaborate with stakeholders to identify learning needs, develop curriculum, and ensure training aligns with business goals. Their role includes project management, budgeting, measuring the effectiveness of learning initiatives, and leveraging technology to enhance training delivery. Effective Learning Program Managers improve employee skills, engagement, and overall organizational performance.

What are popular job titles related to Learning Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI? For Learning Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Learning Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Learning Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Learning Program Manager jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Learning Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Learning Program Manager job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,989 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Program Officer - Local Partnerships

Ascendium

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$115K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Are you passionate about building relationships that strengthen communities and create opportunities for learners? As Senior Program Officer - Local Partnerships, you'll serve as a trusted representative of Ascendium in the greater Madison and Milwaukee metropolitan areas, working alongside nonprofit leaders, community organizations, and local stakeholders to identify needs, cultivate partnerships, and guide philanthropic giving that supports upward mobility.
The Senior Program Officer - Local Partnership will oversee Ascendium's local and community-focused grantmaking portfolio. While Ascendium is a national funder, this role focuses on mission-aligned giving in our home region, ensuring it is strategic, responsive, and grounded in strong relationships with community-based organizations that provide direct services and support to learners from low-income backgrounds.
This unique role combines strategic grantmaking, portfolio management, and meaningful community engagement - helping shape how Ascendium listens, learns, and invests in our local communities. It requires residence within commuting distance to Ascendium's Madison, Wisconsin headquarters. You'll have a hybrid schedule, generally working in the office three days a week (Tuesday through Thursday) and remotely two days a week. This position frequently requires attendance at events outside normal working hours.
Job Responsibilities
On a day-to-day basis, you may do the following.
  • Strategy and grant portfolio management
  • In partnership with the Executive Chairman of the Board, the President and CEO, and other Ascendium leaders, lead the design and implementation of the organization's local and community grantmaking strategy in alignment with Ascendium's mission, values, and priorities.
  • Manage a portfolio of grants focused on direct service, human services, and community support organizations in the local region that share a commitment to ensuring upward mobility for learners from low-income backgrounds. Ascendium does not accept unsolicited funding proposals, so this position is responsible for proactively sourcing and vetting mission-aligned opportunities while professionally and diplomatically managing expectations and declining requests when necessary.
  • Regularly assess community needs, funding gaps, and emerging issues to inform grantmaking priorities.
  • Ensure grantmaking balances responsiveness to community needs with clarity, consistency, and accountability to Ascendium's broader philanthropic strategy.
  • Grantmaking and due diligence
  • Source, review, and recommend grants using sound judgment and rigorous due diligence practices.
  • Steward grants and support grant applicants through Ascendium's grantmaking process from prospect through to final funding agreements, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Oversee grant agreements, reporting, and monitoring, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and best practices.
  • Prepare concise board-facing New Funding Proposals for local giving grants.
  • Analyze outcomes and learning from the local portfolio to inform ongoing improvements.
  • Community relationships and representation
  • Serve as a visible and trusted representative of Ascendium in local communities.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with nonprofit leaders, community partners, and other local stakeholders.
  • Participate in community meetings, events, and networks to deepen understanding of local context and strengthen Ascendium's presence.
  • Foster goodwill and awareness of Ascendium's mission and values through thoughtful engagement and partnership.
  • Build relationships with other funders in the region.
  • Internal collaboration and leadership
  • Collaborate with other Education Philanthropy grantmaking staff to ensure alignment and share learning between local and national strategic philanthropic efforts.
  • Coordinate with Ascendium's legal and finance units to support effective and timely grantmaking and local engagement.
  • Collaborate and draw on expertise of internal learning and impact staff when needed to support program evaluation, evidence-building, and grant review of local partnerships and ensure grant reporting meets learning goals and board of directors expectations for measurable impact.
  • Contribute to internal discussions about overall grantmaking impact and strategy.
  • Coordinate with Education Philanthropy communications staff and Ascendium's corporate Strategic Communications team to create effective storytelling about local community efforts, highlight grant partner stories and impact, and develop and implement local engagement beyond funding (such as convenings, grant partner support and training, etc.) that contribute to Ascendium's philanthropic goals.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements
A highly qualified candidate will possess the following.
  • Significant experience (7 to 10+ years) in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, or a related field, with demonstrated responsibility for grantmaking or funding decisions.
  • A deep understanding of community-based and human service organizations, particularly those providing direct educational and training services in the Dane County and/or Milwaukee areas.
  • Strong relationship-building skills and credibility with nonprofit and community partners.
  • Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to navigate complex community dynamics.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to think strategically while remaining grounded in community and learner needs.
  • A high degree of professionalism, diplomacy, and sensitivity to the power dynamic inherent to relationships between funders and nonprofit organizations.
  • A relationship-centered leader with clear decision-making and follow-through.
  • Have a collaborative and pragmatic approach to identifying, sourcing, and stewarding partnerships.
  • Experience representing an organization publicly or serving in an external-facing leadership role, along with a familiarity with collaborative and strategic grantmaking practices is preferred.

About Ascendium
Ascendium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has helped millions of learners pursue postsecondary education since 1967, when it was formed to help fulfill the promise of the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965. Over the years, Ascendium has grown to become the nation's largest federal student loan guarantor, providing information, tools and counseling to help millions of borrowers nationwide avoid default and keep the door to re-enrollment open. Using our experience in the student loan industry, we've developed a suite of products and services that support academic achievement, financial wellness, and student loan repayment success.
We use the net proceeds from our business operations to fund our education philanthropy. Our strategic grantmaking provides funding to organizations that increase the number of low-income learners who succeed in postsecondary education and workforce training as a pathway to upward mobility. Through grantmaking and related investments in evidence-building and strategic field engagement, we seek to identify emerging innovations and reforms, validate their effectiveness, and expand proven strategies to promote large-scale, systemic change.
Other Information
Ascendium offers an outstanding benefits package designed to provide employees and their families with a high degree of security. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous time off, including up to eight weeks of paid parental leave, as well as paid volunteer time off.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement.
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Ascendium provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
H-1B sponsorship (initiation or transfer) is not available for this position.
If you would like assistance with the application process, please email Ascendium Human Resources. We invite all applicants to complete the Voluntary Affirmative Action questions when submitting application materials. The questions are found at the end of the online application process. To learn more about our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity, please visit the Ascendium Careers webpage.
Ascendium requires criminal, employment, and education background investigations before hiring.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.