Professional Learning Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

THE POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of SEL Implementation, the Senior Manager of Learning Experience Design & Development leads the design, development, and production of high-quality digital professional learning experiences that build the capacity of educators, school leaders, families, and community partners to strengthen social and emotional learning implementation.

This position translates research, implementation science, and practitioner expertise into engaging, accessible, and interactive learning experiences delivered through self-paced online courses and other digital learning formats. The Senior Manager collaborates closely with subject matter experts, multimedia partners, and internal teams to develop practical, evidence-based, and learner-centered professional learning products.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Learning Experience Design & Development
   1. Design engaging self-paced online professional learning experiences for educators, school leaders, families, and community partners.
   2. Apply adult learning principals and instructional design best practices to create meaningful learning experiences.
   3. Develop course storyboards, learning objectives, lesson sequences, reflection activities, knowledge checks, and assessments.
   4. Partner with researchers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to translate research, field experience, and best practices into engaging, actionable learning experiences.
   5. Write instructional content, facilitator guides, participant resources, scripts, and other supporting materials.
   6. Curate authentic examples, case studies, classroom scenarios, and implementation stories that strengthen learning.
   7. Ensure all learning experiences align with CASEL's vision, research base, and professional learning philosophy.
   8. Design learning experiences that are engaging, inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of diverse adult learners
2. Digital Production & Continuous Improvement
   • Build, publish, maintain, and update online courses using CASEL's learning management system and other digital learning technologies.
   • Collaborate with multimedia designers, video producers, and subject matter experts to create engaging digital learning experiences.
   • Incorporate multimedia, interactive learning activities, downloadable resources, and assessments into courses.
   • Review and test courses for usability, accessibility, and learner experience.
   • Use learner feedback, analytics, and emerging research to continuously improve course quality and effectiveness
3. Innovation & Product Development
   • Research emerging instructional design practices, learning technologies, and digital learning strategies.
   • Recommend innovative approaches that improve learner engagement and outcomes.
   • Collaborate across CASEL teams to ensure consistency and alignment across professional learning offerings.
   • Contribute to the design and development of new professional learning products aligned with CASEL's strategic priorities.
4. Project Management
   • Manage multiple course development projects simultaneously from concept through launch.
   • Develop project plans, timelines, and production schedules.
   • Coordinate work across internal staff, consultants, and external partners.
   • Track milestones, manage deliverables, and ensure projects are completed on time and meet CASEL quality standards.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

CASEL seeks an individual who is highly motivated and committed to advancing high-quality social and emotional learning through innovative professional learning design. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience as a classroom educator and/or school or district leader in PreK–12 education.
• Strong knowledge of social and emotional learning, school climate and culture, and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to synthesize complex research and subject matter expertise into clear, engaging learning experiences for adult audiences.
• Experience designing curriculum, lessons, and professional learning for adult learners.
• Experience designing engaging digital learning experiences using multimedia, video, graphics, and interactive learning strategies.
• Demonstrated experience developing self-paced online learning experiences, including storyboarding, instructional design, and multimedia production.
• Experience using online learning platforms and authoring tools (e.g., Thinkific, Articulate Rise, Storyline, Canvas, Moodle, or similar).
• Excellent writing, editing, and content development skills, with the ability to translate SEL research and practice into engaging, practitioner-friendly learning experiences.
• Experience developing facilitator guides, participant materials, job aids, and other learning resources.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and evidence-based instructional design practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to work across teams and incorporate feedback throughout the development process.
• Experience collecting and using participant feedback and data to continuously improve learning experiences.
• Commitment to CASEL's mission and advancing educational excellence through social and emotional learning.

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. A link to or sample of a self-paces online professional learning experience or similar product the candidate designed or significantly contributed to.
4. A brief description of their role in creating the product, the intended audience, and the technology used.
5. A writing sample or published article, script, or other written product that demonstrates the individual’s writing facility.
6. A list of 3-5 references that CASEL may contact.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPETENCIES

The personal characteristics and competencies required for this position are:

• Collaborates: Works effectively with others across teams and contexts to achieve shared goals. Builds trust, shares credit and contributes to collective success.
• Communicates Effectively: Engages clearly and effectively across one-on-one, small group, and large group settings. Listens actively, adapts communication to audience needs, and fosters open dialogue.
• Values Differences: Seeks to understand and incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences. Contributes to a culture where differences are respected, leveraged, and supported.
• Partnership Focus: Develops strong understanding of partner needs and works to design responsive, relevant, and high-quality support and solutions. Builds and maintains effective relationships with partners.
• Builds Networks: Intentionally develops and sustains professional relationships across and beyond the organization to support shared goals and impact.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Demonstrates emotional intelligence and adaptability in working across roles, levels, and contexts. Builds rapport easily and navigates group dynamics with diplomacy and care.