Director, Learning and Performance

Nationwide • Columbus, OH

1d • $122,000 - $182,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Nationwide Financial’s Sales Development & Training organization is seeking a leader to transform and shape how learning is designed and delivered to sales teams, using modern learning design methods and tools, including generative AI. The Director leads the Design Team, with 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 business leaders in areas including Group Benefits, Independent & Institutional Distribution, and Strategic Account Management.

The Director owns the transition and launch of the Seismic Learning platform and serves as its ongoing business owner for adoption, governance, and optimization. The role leads learning needs assessment, program design, learning delivery, evaluation, and measurement; translates company and learning strategies into effective learning solutions; and oversees the creation and governance of learning materials. The Director manages staff, budgets, and resources, and works across the enterprise to align learning initiatives with business priorities and organizational results.

This is a hybrid position based in Columbus, Ohio. Candidates near a Nationwide campus will work in the office three days per week; current remote associates may also be considered. The role may involve travel and non-standard work hours, and may require standing while teaching and moving classroom furniture, equipment, and supplies.

Requirements

• FINRA Series 6 and Series 26 licenses are 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.
• Strong planning, organizing, leadership, and process management knowledge.
• Knowledge of behavioral and organizational development concepts.
• 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 methodology, and make sound decisions.
• Strong leadership, team development, and motivation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate degree, preferably with 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, company goals, and strategies.
• Lead the coordination of training and learning activities.
• Own the Seismic Learning platform transition and launch, and lead its adoption, governance, and ongoing optimization.
• Partner with business lines, including Group Benefits, IID, and SAM, to assess needs and lead learning program design and delivery.
• Develop innovative learning design approaches using available tools and technologies, including generative AI, to scale content development and improve learner experience.
• Partner with the Delivery Team and business unit leaders to translate sales skill gaps into learning solutions.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Learning & Performance consultants and specialists, including overseeing learning assets and design governance.
• Guide the design of evaluation tools and methodologies, ensure learning evaluation takes place, and assess the ongoing viability and impact of learning initiatives.
• Direct staff in designing and developing learning solutions, curricula, and leadership development strategies.
• Work across functional and organizational boundaries to develop and deliver learning requirements.
• Consult with executive leadership on strategic and integrated business planning and assess the impact of learning strategies on organizational effectiveness and company results.
• Communicate and promote learning resources, initiatives, and curricula to business partners and peers, ensuring coordination and branding of learning activities.
• Prepare and manage budgets and resources for critical initiatives.
• Partner with business and Learning & Performance leaders to diagnose needs, identify strategic learning or related projects, recommend actions, and secure sponsors.
• Manage associates, including performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow planning, hiring, placement, and disciplinary actions.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days per full calendar year, 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed