Jim Mathrusse

About Jim Mathrusse

As Director of Learning Investment Strategy, I develop and implement comprehensive learning investment strategies that align with organizational goals and reflect long-term future shifts projected in the next several years. My role includes managing budgets, assessing development needs, delivering training, and evaluating effectiveness. This includes leading large-scale transformation projects, workforce development initiatives, and innovation in learning methodologies, with a focus on innovation building as identified in collaboration technical forums as the Microsoft Garage and select Academic partnerships and venues.I specialize in bridging the gap between academia and industrial learning through strategic partnerships and data-driven models. My work focuses on ROI opportunities for L&D and seeking focused university relationships to ensure graduates are not only hire-ready but equipped for long-term success in the tech sector. I bring deep expertise in EdTech trends, workforce readiness, and scalable learning investments that align with business outcomes. I’ve led the team design of AI-powered microlearning solutions for datacenter teams, delivering just-in-time training video based on work ticket attributes — a model that improves operational efficiency and earned leadership recognition. Years ahead of conventional designs, I also developed a learner personalization framework that anticipated adaptive learning trends later adopted across Microsoft. These innovations became everyday tools from innovative work from the team and reflect my commitment to building future-ready talent pipelines through smart, strategic investment. Many opportunities exist for education transformations through innovation, impact, and intentional design. Whether analyzing ROI on learning initiatives or mentoring cross-functional teams, I bring curiosity, clarity, and a collaborative mindset. Let’s connect if you’re exploring how EdTech can drive real-world outcomes and elevate the next generation of talent. I also hold a Master\'s degree in Education from Stanford University and Master\'s of certificate in Systems Design and Project Leadership from Cornell University College of Engineering.

Experience

1. Director of Learning Investment Strategy

   Microsoft

   Jul 2025 — Present · Redmond, WA, US

   As Director of Learning Investment Strategy, I develop and implement comprehensive learning investment strategies that align with organizational goals and reflect long-term future shifts projected in the next several years. My role includes managing budgets, assessing development needs, delivering training, and evaluating effectiveness. This includes leading large-scale transformation projects, workforce development initiatives, and innovation in learning methodologies, with a focus on innovation building as identified in collaboration technical forums as the Microsoft Garage and select Academic partnerships and venues. Key deliverables include AI-based program development to drive measurable ROI goals to provide operational savings and audience-based revenue opportunities.Key Responsibilities include development of learning strategies, measurement and analysis of program Impact and ROI, financial effectiveness of learning programs from investment to outcomes, develop collaborative relations University programs to integrate with company learning strategies. Also, design and drive transformation projects to enhance performance to scale, collaborate with customers and business stakeholders for continuous mutual improvement, influence tools investment in alignment with strategic investment strategies and promote a culture of continuous learning to ensure the execution of the new Leadership Framework.

Education

• UC Santa Barbara

  Bachelor's Degree, History

• Cornell University

  Certificate, Project Leadership, Cornell College of Engineering

  2011 — 2012

• Cornell University

  Certificate, Customer-Focused Product and Service Design, Cornell College of Engineering

  2014 — 2015

• Stanford University

  Master’s Degree, EDUCATION

• Cornell University

  Master's Certificate, Systems Design, Cornell College of Engineering

  2015 — 2016

Skills

• Consulting
• Unified Communications
• Business Strategy
• Change Management
• Sales
• Organizational Development
• Business Analysis
• Telecommunications
• Analysis
• Process Improvement
• Strategic Partnerships
• Saas
• Mobile Devices
• Channel Partners
• Training
• Management
• Team Building
• Systems Design
• Go-to-Market Strategy
• Product Management
• Salesforce.com
• Sales Enablement
• Networking
• Strategic Planning
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Vendor Management
• Business Development
• Leadership
• Product Marketing
• Team Management
• Enterprise Software
• Sales Management
• Executive Management
• Solution Selling
• Business Planning
• Sales Operations
• Professional Services
• Product Launch
• Managed Services
• Partner Management