Job Summary:
Our client is seeking a mission-aligned and strategic Learning and Development Manager to build and lead a training and values-based development program from the ground up. This role is critical to supporting our employees and program participants-many of whom face systemic barriers to employment, including prior incarceration, limited formal education, and housing insecurity-with skills training, leadership development, and cultural alignment.
This position also plays a central role in providing job-readiness and skills-based training to participants preparing for or entering the workforce, particularly in retail, customer service, and other entry-level employment pathways. The incumbent will have access to our client's state-of-the-art training facilities and a wide range of instructional resources to ensure consistent, high-impact delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement an organization-wide L&D strategy aligned with the company's mission, values, and growth goals.
- Design and deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible training experiences tailored to frontline staff, managers, and program participants.
- Develop and lead a leadership development program for high-potential/performing middle managers annually, including building a vetting and selection process to identify eligible participants.
- Manage and develop team of Leadership and Development staff providing both hard and soft skills.
- Build onboarding, career progression, customer service, and job-readiness training frameworks that meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
- Collaborate across HR, operations, mission services, and executive leadership to ensure training priorities align with organizational goals.
- Champion core values-honesty, respect, ownership, and empowerment-through every touchpoint in the learning journey.
- Manage the Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate program delivery and monitor user engagement and progress.
- Establish KPIs and feedback mechanisms to measure training effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
- Coordinate with external partners, consultants, and other Company affiliates to enhance the quality and scope of training offerings.
- Mentor and support internal training staff and foster a culture of lifelong learning across the organization.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Organizational Development, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master's preferred).
- 5+ years of progressive experience in learning and development, workforce development, or adult education.
- Demonstrated experience working with individuals facing employment barriers, such as those with limited education, re-entry histories, or housing insecurity.
- Proven success designing and delivering engaging training in multiple formats (in person, digital, hybrid).
- Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; highly emotionally intelligent and culturally aware.
- Ability to build trust and alignment across diverse teams and organizational levels.
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience in a nonprofit, social enterprise, or high-turnover service industry like retail. Knowledge of trauma-informed care and values-based leadership.
- Hands-on experience with LMS platforms and training metrics.
- Formal certification in learning and development (eg, ATD, CPLP, SHRM-CP) is a plus. Passion for creating equitable pathways to employment and growth.
- Manage training budgets, ensuring alignment with program priorities and cost effectiveness.