Learning Specialist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois learning specialist roles are concentrated in Chicago's corporate training sector, major universities like Northwestern and University of Illinois, and school districts spanning Cook County. Employers including Allstate, United Airlines, and large healthcare networks like Northwestern Medicine regularly hire for instructional design and learning specialist positions that may include visa sponsorship.
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UCP Teaching & Learning
About the Department
Innovative, career-driven learning experiences define University of Chicago Professional. In our commitment to spread the University's knowledge as broadly as possible, we offer impactful and flexible programs and courses that introduce individual and corporate audiences to up-to-the-minute research, the latest standards in their field, a new professional network, and the University of Chicago's rich intellectual community. Our instructors, seasoned professionals all, deliver unparalleled expertise drawn from years of industry experience. We give our students the tools to succeed in our fast-moving, interconnected world and achieve a competitive edge at any stage of their careers.
Job Summary
We are seeking an Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning to join our Program Strategy and Innovation team. Responsibilities will include overseeing course production and delivery operations on the learning management system (LMS), Canvas; executing new programs; and customizing existing ones for different formats. This role will also involve collaborating with learning designers, instructors, and partners to design engaging in-person and hybrid courses guided by adult learning principles.
Reporting to the Director of Teaching and Learning, the Assistant Director will ensure that learning content is accurately configured, tracked, and continuously improved on Canvas. They will also work closely with partners to ensure that the LMS runs smoothly and provides a seamless user experience from course access to completion. This position requires a passion for learning design for professional, adult audiences. The ideal candidate will be able to think creatively about course delivery across a variety of modalities, audiences, and formats, and bring an energetic, solution-focused mindset to the team.
Responsibilities
- Designs and develops engaging online, hybrid, and in-person learning experiences grounded in adult learning theory, instructional design best practices, and accessibility standards.
- Partners with faculty, instructors, and subject matter experts to design innovative learning activities, assessments, and instructional materials that support defined learning outcomes for online, hybrid, and in-person learning experiences.
- Consults with instructors and program teams to implement course revisions and continuous improvements based on learner feedback and program goals.
- Designs, administers, and analyzes course evaluations and learner surveys to assess learner satisfaction and provides recommendations that enhance course design, delivery, and learner outcomes.
- Ensures course materials meet accessibility standards, such as WCAG, institutional guidelines, and quality assurance expectations.
- Coordinates the planning, publishing, maintenance, and lifecycle of certificate programs and courses in Canvas and resolve delivery issues prior to course releases.
- Conducts quality assurance (QA) reviews in Canvas to ensure course content is accurate, functional, accessible, and aligned with established quality standards.
- Develops, documents, and maintains standards, policies, procedures, templates, and quality control checklists that support consistent, high-quality course delivery.
- Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows, improve production processes, and increase operational efficiency across course development and delivery.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align LMS functionality with evolving instructional, operational, and learner experience needs.
- Evaluates new Canvas features, integrations, and educational technologies, recommending enhancements that improve instructional quality, learner engagement, and operational effectiveness.
- Maintains accurate documentation and tracking systems to support course production, revisions, and ongoing program maintenance.
- Monitors and analyzes trends, identifies opportunities, and explores innovative approaches to teaching and learning problems. Works with other units across campus to aggregate services in an academic context.
- Identifies existing content and converts it into an e-learning environment, then creates user support materials.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Master's degree.
- Post-graduate education in learning design or instructional services.
Experience:
- Background in creating learning materials and/or teaching in higher education institutions.
- At least three years of related work experience in learning design and delivery.
- At least three years of related work experience in a relevant setting for a company, university, or a complex organization.
- Highly skilled project manager comfortable with multitasking and multiple deadlines.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- High levels of proficiency with learning technology tools such as Canvas.
- Solid digital communications skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
- Skilled in conducting quality assurance testing.
- Understanding of reporting and analytics for eLearning activities.
Preferred Competencies
- Pursue program excellence and optimization.
- Excellent organizational skills and a keen attention to detail.
- Maintain an optimistic outlook and creatively marshal resources to achieve results amidst challenging circumstances.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Work both independently and collaboratively, with flexibility and adaptability.
- Creative, solutions-focused person who demonstrates initiative by suggesting different approaches, ideas, and options.
- Balance multiple competing priorities without disruption of efficiency.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and working in situations when all the answers aren’t clear.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Interpret data and generate actionable insights.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and responsive to learner and team needs.
- Strong communication skills.
Working Conditions
- Produce work outside of standard business hours, on occasional evenings and weekends.
Application Documents
- Résumé/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
- References Contact Information (3) (preferred)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Information Technology
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$68,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
UCP Teaching & Learning
About the Department
Innovative, career-driven learning experiences define University of Chicago Professional. In our commitment to spread the University's knowledge as broadly as possible, we offer impactful and flexible programs and courses that introduce individual and corporate audiences to up-to-the-minute research, the latest standards in their field, a new professional network, and the University of Chicago's rich intellectual community. Our instructors, seasoned professionals all, deliver unparalleled expertise drawn from years of industry experience. We give our students the tools to succeed in our fast-moving, interconnected world and achieve a competitive edge at any stage of their careers.
Job Summary
We are seeking an Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning to join our Program Strategy and Innovation team. Responsibilities will include overseeing course production and delivery operations on the learning management system (LMS), Canvas; executing new programs; and customizing existing ones for different formats. This role will also involve collaborating with learning designers, instructors, and partners to design engaging in-person and hybrid courses guided by adult learning principles.
Reporting to the Director of Teaching and Learning, the Assistant Director will ensure that learning content is accurately configured, tracked, and continuously improved on Canvas. They will also work closely with partners to ensure that the LMS runs smoothly and provides a seamless user experience from course access to completion. This position requires a passion for learning design for professional, adult audiences. The ideal candidate will be able to think creatively about course delivery across a variety of modalities, audiences, and formats, and bring an energetic, solution-focused mindset to the team.
Responsibilities
- Designs and develops engaging online, hybrid, and in-person learning experiences grounded in adult learning theory, instructional design best practices, and accessibility standards.
- Partners with faculty, instructors, and subject matter experts to design innovative learning activities, assessments, and instructional materials that support defined learning outcomes for online, hybrid, and in-person learning experiences.
- Consults with instructors and program teams to implement course revisions and continuous improvements based on learner feedback and program goals.
- Designs, administers, and analyzes course evaluations and learner surveys to assess learner satisfaction and provides recommendations that enhance course design, delivery, and learner outcomes.
- Ensures course materials meet accessibility standards, such as WCAG, institutional guidelines, and quality assurance expectations.
- Coordinates the planning, publishing, maintenance, and lifecycle of certificate programs and courses in Canvas and resolve delivery issues prior to course releases.
- Conducts quality assurance (QA) reviews in Canvas to ensure course content is accurate, functional, accessible, and aligned with established quality standards.
- Develops, documents, and maintains standards, policies, procedures, templates, and quality control checklists that support consistent, high-quality course delivery.
- Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows, improve production processes, and increase operational efficiency across course development and delivery.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align LMS functionality with evolving instructional, operational, and learner experience needs.
- Evaluates new Canvas features, integrations, and educational technologies, recommending enhancements that improve instructional quality, learner engagement, and operational effectiveness.
- Maintains accurate documentation and tracking systems to support course production, revisions, and ongoing program maintenance.
- Monitors and analyzes trends, identifies opportunities, and explores innovative approaches to teaching and learning problems. Works with other units across campus to aggregate services in an academic context.
- Identifies existing content and converts it into an e-learning environment, then creates user support materials.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Master's degree.
- Post-graduate education in learning design or instructional services.
Experience:
- Background in creating learning materials and/or teaching in higher education institutions.
- At least three years of related work experience in learning design and delivery.
- At least three years of related work experience in a relevant setting for a company, university, or a complex organization.
- Highly skilled project manager comfortable with multitasking and multiple deadlines.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- High levels of proficiency with learning technology tools such as Canvas.
- Solid digital communications skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
- Skilled in conducting quality assurance testing.
- Understanding of reporting and analytics for eLearning activities.
Preferred Competencies
- Pursue program excellence and optimization.
- Excellent organizational skills and a keen attention to detail.
- Maintain an optimistic outlook and creatively marshal resources to achieve results amidst challenging circumstances.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Work both independently and collaboratively, with flexibility and adaptability.
- Creative, solutions-focused person who demonstrates initiative by suggesting different approaches, ideas, and options.
- Balance multiple competing priorities without disruption of efficiency.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and working in situations when all the answers aren’t clear.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Interpret data and generate actionable insights.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and responsive to learner and team needs.
- Strong communication skills.
Working Conditions
- Produce work outside of standard business hours, on occasional evenings and weekends.
Application Documents
- Résumé/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
- References Contact Information (3) (preferred)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Information Technology
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$68,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Learning Specialist Job Roles in Illinois
See all 84+ Learning Specialist Jobs in Illinois
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Search Learning Specialist Jobs in IllinoisLearning Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for learning specialists in Illinois?
Large Illinois employers with established HR and legal infrastructure are the most consistent sponsors for learning specialist roles. These include major corporations like Allstate, Hyatt, and United Airlines in Chicago, as well as healthcare systems like Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Health Care. Chicago's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters means more employers with the resources and processes to support H-1B visa sponsorship for instructional design and learning roles.
Which visa types are most common for learning specialist roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common visa for learning specialists in Illinois, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in instructional design, education, or a related field. TN visas are available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying education-related roles. Candidates already holding OPT or STEM OPT from Illinois universities are often well-positioned to transition into sponsored employment.
How to find learning specialist visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is a dedicated job board for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship in the U.S., with filters for role type and state. Searching for learning specialist positions in Illinois on Migrate Mate surfaces employers that have a documented history of sponsoring work visas, which saves significant time compared to manually researching individual companies. Filtering by Illinois also helps identify opportunities in Chicago's corporate training sector and at state universities.
Which cities in Illinois have the most learning specialist sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the vast majority of learning specialist sponsorship opportunities in Illinois, driven by its density of corporate headquarters, large hospital systems, and higher education institutions. The surrounding suburbs, particularly Deerfield, Schaumburg, and Oak Brook, also host significant employer campuses where training and development functions are based. Outside the Chicago metro, Champaign-Urbana has opportunities tied to the University of Illinois system.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for learning specialist visa sponsorship?
Illinois employers sponsoring H-1B workers must meet Department of Labor prevailing wage requirements for the learning specialist role as classified in the specific metro area, with Chicago wages typically benchmarked against other major urban markets. Illinois has a strong university pipeline, particularly from University of Illinois and DePaul, meaning employers are often familiar with hiring international graduates. Candidates should confirm that a prospective employer has an established immigration sponsorship process, as smaller organizations may lack the infrastructure to file petitions efficiently.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored learning specialist jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.