Director of Learning and Professional Development
About The Position
The Director of Learning and Professional Development leads the design and execution of a workforce learning strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and OPWDD regulatory requirements. The role promotes culture, capability, and compliance across programs and is responsible for building and launching “AABR University,” an agency-wide internal learning institute focused on leadership development and DSP career growth. The director oversees training curriculum design, delivery, and evaluation for New York IDD services, including blended learning and, as needed, hands-on training in CPR/First Aid, SCIP, Choking Prevention Strategies, and other required training. The role applies adult-learning and instructional-design principles, evaluates outcomes using learning analytics, maintains training systems and audit readiness, and partners with HR, QA, and program leadership to align training with performance and compliance. The position leads and develops the Learning & Development Manager/Department, oversees budget considerations and vendor relationships, and advises programs on workforce capability development. It is office-based, with visits to program sites as needed and travel within the five boroughs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in education, HR, organizational development, social services, or a related field.
- Certifications such as CPLP, ATD, SHRM-CP/SCP, or PHR/SPHR.
- At least 7 years of learning and development experience, including curriculum design and program oversight.
- Advanced knowledge of adult-learning theories, instructional design, and learning technology.
- Demonstrated experience designing and rolling out an advanced learning and development program, such as a corporate university or leadership academy, from concept through agency-wide implementation.
- Working knowledge of OPWDD’s Core Competencies curriculum framework or comparable IDD-sector competency-based training experience.
- Experience in a regulated environment, such as healthcare, IDD, or human services.
- Strong leadership, communication, and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Commitment to person-centered and mission-driven services.
- Expertise in adult-learning approaches including andragogy, self-directed learning, competency-based development, transformative learning, experiential and situated learning, cognitive load theory, and evidence-based instructional design.
- Proficiency in Universal Design for Learning and accessible instructional design.
- Experience with learning analytics, assessments, data-driven program evaluation, modern L&D technologies, microlearning, and virtual learning environments.
- Strategic mindset and change leadership.
- Coaching and facilitation excellence.
- Strong partnership and influencing skills.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in learning.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree with QIDP certification.
- Direct experience with New York State IDD services and the OPWDD framework.
- Experience leading leadership-development or pipeline programs, ideally including successful development of a corporate-university-style institute or center of excellence.
- Certification as an instructor in CPR/First Aid, SCIP, PROMOTE, and Choking Prevention.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a multi-year learning and development strategy aligned with the organizational mission and regulatory requirements.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, growth, coaching, and accountability.
- Identify workforce skill gaps and implement targeted learning interventions.
- Lead talent-pipeline initiatives to strengthen internal leadership capacity.
- Design and launch AABR University, an internal learning institute focused on leadership development and DSP career pathways, from initial design through agency-wide rollout.
- Oversee the creation, delivery, and evaluation of training curricula tailored to New York IDD services.
- Provide hands-on training in CPR/First Aid, SCIP, Choking Prevention Strategies, and other OPWDD- or agency-required training as needed.
- Ensure training for DSPs, supervisors, and leaders is mastery-based, evidence-based, and aligned with adult-learning principles.
- Align internal training design, sequencing, and assessment with OPWDD Core Competencies or statewide DSP competency expectations.
- Ensure blended learning— in-person, virtual, and e-learning—meets diverse learning needs.
- Use metrics and analytics to evaluate outcomes and provide executive reporting.
- Apply adult-learning, instructional-science, behavioral-learning, and performance-improvement approaches in program design.
- Maintain current knowledge of OPWDD regulations and guidance.
- Oversee LMS operations, data integrity, and audit readiness.
- Ensure training records meet DSP and supervisory certification requirements.
- Collaborate with HR, QA, and program leadership to align training with performance and compliance.
- Lead and develop the Learning & Development Manager/Department.
- Manage budget considerations, vendor contracts, and external training partnerships.
- Serve as an internal consultant to programs on workforce capability development.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
