Senior Learning & Development Designer in Lawrence, Kansas at Kansas University Endowment Association

Senior Learning & Development Designer

Department: Information Systems

Reports to: Manager, DevOps CRM

FLSA Status: Exempt

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $70,000+. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

What we are looking for:

The Senior Learning & Development Designer would lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of learning programs supporting Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms and related business processes. This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate complex technical processes into engaging learning experiences for diverse audiences. The successful candidate will collaborate with stakeholders across business, technology, and operations teams to create scalable learning solutions that drive user adoption, proficiency, and organizational success.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.

Hybrid Work Environment:

Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals.

What’s a typical day look like?

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of CRM-related learning programs, curricula, and instructional materials.
• Create instructor-led training, virtual training, e-learning modules, quick reference guides (QRGs), quick reference videos (QRVs), job aids, and knowledge resources.
• Manage and maintain the CRM portion of the organization's Learning Management System (LMS) in collaboration with HR, including configurations, certifications, and reporting.
• Develop adoption and change management strategies for CRM implementations, upgrades, and feature releases
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align learning initiatives with organizational goals.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and stakeholder meetings.
• Evaluate emerging learning technologies and instructional methods, leveraging data for continuous improvement.
• Manage multiple learning projects simultaneously.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Organizational Development, Human Resources, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Learning & Development, Instructional Design, or Training Management.
• Demonstrated experience developing curriculum and training programs for CRM platforms.
• Experience administering and managing Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Paylocity.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design methodologies, and project management.
• Experience developing both instructor-led and digital learning solutions and supporting materials, such as documents, videos, and quizzes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and writing/editing capabilities.
• Strategic, learner-focused, and highly organized.

What separates the best from the rest?

• Experience supporting CRM platforms such as Salesforce (including Ascend or Advancement RM), Microsoft Dynamics, Blackbaud, Kindful, HubSpot, or similar systems.
• Knowledge of change management, user adoption strategies, and learning analytics.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, iterative environment and independently prioritizing work to meet evolving business needs.
• Familiarity with generative AI tools to streamline instructional design workflows.
• Experience with authoring tools such as Articulate 360, Rise, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Experience within nonprofit, higher education, or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, medium-up to 30 pounds.
• Occasional travel requirements can include the following: evenings, weekends, and out-of-town overnights as a regular part of the job.

KU Endowment is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job as regulated by ADA. If you require accommodation for any part of the application process or during employment, please contact humanresources@kuendowment.org to discuss your needs.

We’ve got you covered:

KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including:

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for this position on our website at https://www.kuendowment.org/careers.

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:

Human Resources

KU Endowment

PO Box 928

Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

Email: humanresources@kuendowment.org

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.