Learning Designer Services (Next-Generation Education) (Independent Contractor)

MasterClass is seeking an independent contractor Learning Designer to build a groundbreaking educational program. This role involves combining world-class faculty, AI-powered personalization, and evidence-based learning science to deliver transformative career outcomes. The contractor will deliver project-based work, maintain control over their methods, and collaborate closely with the MasterClass team to achieve high-impact results in accelerated learning and curriculum design.

Must Have

• Research and synthesize best practices in accelerated learning.
• Design curriculum and learning experiences blending storytelling, AI personalization, and rigorous pedagogy.
• Collaborate with internal teams to translate learning science into product features.
• Interview employers and industry leaders to ensure curriculum addresses business needs.
• Conduct surveys and user research to validate measurable career outcomes.
• Extract and codify expertise from high-profile subject matter experts.
• Deliver project outcomes on time and according to scope.
• Deep expertise in instructional design, learning science, or curriculum development.
• Comfort using AI as a research and synthesis accelerator.
• Experience conducting user research, surveys, and stakeholder interviews.
• Ability to work at high speed with incomplete information.

Good to Have

• Passion for helping people learn business topics.
• Passion for transforming how people learn and advance their careers.

NOTE: MasterClass is seeking to engage individuals to provide these project-based services as a 1099 / independent contractor only. This is not an employment opportunity.

We are seeking an experienced Learning Designer to provide independent contractor services that will help MasterClass build a groundbreaking educational program that combines world-class faculty, AI-powered personalization, and evidence-based learning science to deliver transformative career outcomes. As an independent contractor, you will deliver project-based work, maintain control over your methods, and operate your own business, all while collaborating closely with our team to achieve high-impact results.

What You Will Provide:

• Research and synthesize best practices in accelerated learning, working with leading academics and practitioners who are reimagining how adults acquire high-value skills.
• Designing curriculum and learning experiences that blend compelling storytelling with AI personalization and rigorous pedagogy—making challenging material both engaging and effective.
• Collaborate with relevant internal MasterClass teams as an external contractor to translate learning science into product features, using AI tools to rapidly test and iterate on learning approaches.
• Interview employers, industry leaders, and professionals to ensure curriculum directly addresses real business needs—focusing on immediately applicable skills rather than theoretical knowledge.
• Conduct surveys and user research to validate that learners achieve measurable career outcomes: promotions, salary increases, and new opportunities.
• Extract and codify expertise from high-profile subject matter experts, shaping learning content according to project specifications and timelines.
• Deliver all agreed project outcomes on time and in accordance with the scope defined in your independent contractor agreement.

Contractor Profile:

• Deep expertise in instructional design, learning science, or curriculum development
• Passion for helping people learn business topics
• Comfort using AI as a research and synthesis accelerator
• Experience conducting user research, surveys, and stakeholder interviews
• Ability to work at high speed with incomplete information
• Passion for transforming how people learn and advance their careers

We need individuals who can provide independent contractor services at a fast-pace, in high-impact situations. Speed over perfection. Assume great intent. If you’re stuck, say it.

Pay Transparency

$70-$80 / hour

The rate listed is for NYC/CA/WA. As a company, we have a location based strategy, which means the disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location where the position may be filled. MasterClass’s ranges are based on paying competitively for our size and industry.