Director, Learning and Performance

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Columbus, OH

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

Nationwide’s Sales Development & Training organization is seeking a leader to transform, build, and shape the design and delivery of learning for Nationwide Financial sales teams, using modern learning design methods and tools, including generative AI. The Director leads the Design Team, has 5–7 direct reports, and partners closely with the Delivery leader and SD&T leadership to support sales skills development across Nationwide Financial. The role also partners directly with sales leaders in business lines including Group Benefits, Independent & Institutional Distribution (IID), and Strategic Account Management (SAM). The Director owns the transition and launch of the Seismic Learning platform and serves as its ongoing business owner for adoption, governance, and continuous optimization. The role leads needs assessment, program design, and delivery for supported business lines; develops scalable, innovative learning solutions; and works with the Delivery Team and business leaders to translate sales skill gaps into learning interventions. The Director coaches and develops Learning & Performance consultants and specialists, and oversees the design and governance of facilitator guides, participant materials, job aids, and other learning assets. The position leads learning and training activities from business partnership and needs assessment through instructional material development, delivery, evaluation, and tracking of skill assessment and return on investment. It translates corporate strategies and learning vision into learning strategies, aligns resources and initiatives with business needs, and collaborates across the enterprise. The Director manages staff, budgets, and resources and works with executive leaders and business partners to assess organizational effectiveness and learning impact. This is a hybrid position based in Columbus, Ohio. Associates located near a Nationwide campus collaborate in the office three days per week; current remote associates may also be considered. Travel and non-standard work hours may be required. The position is exempt and not eligible for overtime. FINRA Series 6 and 26 licenses are required within 120 days of hire.

Requirements

FINRA Series 6 and Series 26 licenses required within 120 days of hire.
Typically, ten or more years of demonstrated experience in learning technologies and technical and professional instructional design.
Five years of management experience.
Strong facilitation and change management experience.
Broad technical expertise in analysis, design, development, and implementation of learning solutions.
Knowledge of behavioral and organizational development concepts.
Strong planning, organizing, leadership, and process management knowledge.
Knowledge of current policies, practices, and trends affecting the business and organization.
Ability to present and articulate ideas and plans and build organizational momentum behind strategies.
Strong organizational savvy, relationship-building skills, and consulting ability.
Ability to set work priorities, use resources effectively, apply problem-solving methods, and make sound decisions.
Strong leadership, team development, and motivation skills.
Ability to stand while teaching and move furniture, equipment, and supplies around a classroom may be required.
Ability to travel and work non-standard hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree, preferably with an emphasis in business, education, psychology, or a related subject area.
Advanced studies in instructional technology, management, organization development, or behavioral sciences leading to a master's or doctorate degree.
Professional certification such as Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP).
Knowledge of the Kirkpatrick Model or other models for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of training and learning programs.

Responsibilities

Create strategic implementation plans, priorities, and initiatives for the area of responsibility, aligned with the learning vision, business needs, and company goals.
Lead coordination of training and learning activities, including needs assessment, instructional material development, delivery, and tracking of skill assessment and return on investment.
Own the Seismic Learning platform transition and launch, and oversee platform adoption, governance, and continuous optimization.
Partner with Group Benefits, IID, SAM, and other supported business lines to assess needs and lead program design and delivery.
Drive innovative learning design using available tools and technologies, including generative AI, to scale content development and improve learner experience.
Partner with the Delivery Team and business leaders to translate identified sales skill gaps into learning solutions.
Lead, coach, and develop Learning & Performance consultants and specialists.
Direct staff in the design and development of learning solutions, curricula, and leadership development strategies.
Create and govern branded facilitator guides, participant materials, job aids, and other learning assets.
Design or guide evaluation tools and methodologies, ensure evaluation takes place, and assess the ongoing viability and effectiveness of learning initiatives.
Direct resources to meet strategic intent, business needs, and corporate strategy.
Work across functional and organizational boundaries to develop and deliver learning requirements and coordinate and brand learning activities.
Partner and consult with executive leadership and enterprise Learning & Performance leaders to diagnose needs, evaluate planning tools, and assess the impact of learning strategies on organizational effectiveness and company results.
Communicate and market learning resources, initiatives, and curricula to business partners and peers.
Prepare and manage budgets and resources for critical initiatives.
Secure project sponsors and contribute expertise on trends, strategy, or resources to support projects and company objectives.
Manage associates, including performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow planning, hiring and placement, and disciplinary actions.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
At least 18 days of paid time off per full calendar year for newly hired associates, prorated quarterly based on hire date
Nine paid holidays
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
Company-paid pension plan
Business casual attire