Director Learning Innovation Lab

ESMT Berlin is a leading global business school with its campus in the heart of Berlin. Founded by 25 global companies, ESMT offers master, MBA, and PhD programs, as well as executive education on its campus in Berlin, in locations around the world, online, and in online blended format. We strongly believe in cross-team collaboration to achieve our mission to develop entrepreneurial leaders who think globally and act responsibly.

Join our Learning Innovation Lab team as a

Director
(m/f/x, full-time, 40 hrs./week, starting as soon as possible)

and help shape the future by bringing your expertise and passion to ESMT.

The Learning Innovation Lab (LIL) at ESMT Berlin designs dynamic, technology-enhanced learning experiences that push the boundaries of management education. Since 2018, the Lab has enabled ESMT’s online MBA programs and led broader digital learning innovations — from developing immersive experiences to AI learning & teaching enhancement. 

Acting as both a strategic partner and a center of expertise, the Lab collaborates with faculty, degree, executive education, centers and institutes to pilot emerging technologies, develop innovative learning formats, and translate educational research into practice. With a mission to expand ESMT’s entrepreneurial reach, enhance learning experiences, and lead thought leadership in digital education, the LIL stands at the intersection of education, technology, and innovation — making learning more accessible, engaging, and impactful. 

• Co-create and drive the strategic direction of the Lab in close partnership with the with academic and program leadership, ensuring that learning innovation translates into educational value and institutional growth by bridging pedagogy, technology, and business impact. 
• Serve as a sparring partner and enabler for faculty, degree and executive education programs, and institutes — orchestrating and connecting innovation efforts from ideation to adoption. 
• Balance operational excellence with exploration by elevating daily operations—driving team efficiency through prioritization, process standardization, and structured workflows — while experimenting with and developing new business models. 
• Build partnerships and pilot innovative product concepts, paving the way for successful scaling that strengthens the Lab’s role in shaping ESMT’s digital learning portfolio and long-term sustainability. 
• Act as a visible communicator and ambassador, promoting the Lab’s work internally and externally, and representing ESMT in global learning innovation communities. 
• Manage the annual budget, including the development of business plans for new initiatives and opportunities. 
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of learning designers, technologists, and media experts — cultivating creativity, ownership, and professional growth. 
• Set the decision framework and priorities for tools and learning formats, empower the cross-function team, and oversee accessibility, scalability, and data-driven impact. 

• Strategic and commercial mindset: you can connect educational innovation to institutional impact and growth. 
• A strong sense of operational discipline, with clear prioritization and efficiency to keep the team focused and effective. 
• Deep expertise in EdTech and digital learning: spanning pedagogy, emerging technologies, and key trends 
• Higher education credibility allowing you to engage faculty and management teams as a peer and thought partner. 
• Strong leadership experience, focusing on mentorship, empowerment, and team development. 
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, building trust across departments and external partners. 
• Experience driving or scaling innovation, partnerships, or funding initiatives 
• Curiosity and adaptability, with the courage to experiment and learn continuously.

Discover the perks and culture that make our workplace special.

Health and Well-Being

• Flexible remote work, including up to 15 days abroad per year
• Ergonomic office equipment and access to university sports across Berlin
• Subsidized meals at the campus restaurant

Financial Benefits

• Subsidized public transportation ticket and leasing options of bicycles/e-bikes
• Company pension scheme with Allianz

Personal Development

• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• On-campus German and English courses in small groups
• Participation in ESMT’s Executive Education and degree programs

What makes this more than just a job

ESMT offers a collegial and international work environment, with employees representing more than 55 nationalities. We encourage a self-driven mind-set and contributions that create meaningful and lasting impact. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a fair and inclusive workplace where individuals of all identities and backgrounds are welcomed and valued. Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion enriches our employees, students, and broader community.

You will work on our campus in Berlin-Mitte. Get here by public transport or bike and enjoy your lunches in our private restaurant and café or next to the beautiful Spree. Make use of our big garden and enjoy coffee and tea on the house with your team.Our vibrant community comes together through activities and events like Lucky Lunch, Wednesday Cookies, Orientation Days for new employees, Summer Party and Year End Event, our talented ESMT choir, and much more.

We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about you!

Please submit your application via our online application form, including the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• CV with relevant certificates and references
• Salary expectations and possible start date

ESMT Berlin I Melanie Seyffert I Senior Human Resources Manager I Schlossplatz 1 I 10178 Berlin I Tel: 030 21231 0 I Jobs at ESMT Berlin