Experiential Learning Manager

Career Guide

An Experiential Learning Manager designs and runs hands-on learning programs that help people build job-ready skills through real projects, coaching, and structured reflection. The role often sits within Learning and Development, early career programs, or university partnerships and focuses on measurable skill growth and strong participant experiences.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Design experiential learning programs such as internships, rotations, apprenticeships, and project-based learning
Partner with business leaders to identify skill needs and define project scopes
Create learning plans, schedules, milestones, and participant support materials
Recruit and onboard participants in coordination with talent acquisition and program partners
Train and support mentors, coaches, and project sponsors
Facilitate workshops, learning sessions, and reflection activities
Track program outcomes such as skill gains, completion rates, satisfaction, and conversion to jobs
Manage program operations including timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, and logistics
Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with organizational policies
Continuously improve the program using feedback and performance data

Top Skills for Success

Program Management

Stakeholder Management

Facilitation

Coaching

Instructional Design

Curriculum Development

Assessment Design

Learning Analytics

Partner Relationship Building

Change Management

Budget Management

Talent Development Strategy

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Experiential Learning Manager

Learning and Development Manager

Program Director

Talent Development Manager

Early Career Programs Manager

Workforce Development Manager

Transition Opportunities

Organizational Development Manager

Talent Management Manager

Human Resources Business Partner

University Relations Manager

Training Manager

People Operations Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Learning AnalyticsAssessment DesignVendor ManagementBudget ManagementChange ManagementExecutive CommunicationMentor Enablement

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple measurement plan for a program you support, define clear success metrics, and report results in a short monthly update. Practice creating structured rubrics for skill evaluation and run a pilot mentor training session with feedback surveys.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 65,000 to 85,000

Mid LevelUSD 85,000 to 110,000

Senior LevelUSD 110,000 to 145,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by skills-based hiring, early career pipeline investment, and employer focus on practical learning. Demand is strongest in large organizations, technology, healthcare, financial services, and higher education.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AmazonGoogleMicrosoftIBMAccentureDeloitteJPMorgan ChaseUnitedHealth GroupKaiser PermanenteWalmartGeneral ElectricUniversity of California

Industry Sectors

TechnologyConsultingFinancial ServicesHealthcareRetailManufacturingHigher EducationNonprofit

Recommended Next Steps

Create a portfolio with one program plan, one learning session outline, and one outcomes report

Gain experience facilitating workshops for interns, new hires, or employee groups

Build a measurement dashboard with participant progress and satisfaction metrics

Develop a mentor playbook with expectations, coaching tips, and check-in templates

Strengthen partnerships by interviewing business stakeholders about skill needs and project readiness

Pursue a credential in instructional design, coaching, or program management

Apply for roles in early career programs, workforce development, or Learning and Development operations to build relevant experience