Learning & Development Manager

IFF (CDFI)•Chicago, IL

just now•$95,000 - $122,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Learning & Development Manager leads the design and implementation of enterprise-wide learning initiatives that strengthen organizational performance, facilitates growth and development of employees and supplements mission impact. This role builds and manages a comprehensive L&D platform, designs professional development programs, conducts training programs and, and manages ongoing skills assessments to ensure team members have the capabilities required for high-quality mission impact, community engagement, and operational excellence. The position reports to the Chief People Officer (CPO). It is responsible for developing learning pathways, evaluating knowledge and skill development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning aligned with IFF’s mission. IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, education, or five years of relevant work experience as a qualified substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
5+ years in Learning & Development, organizational development, or capacity-building roles.
Strong grounding in adult learning theory, instructional design, and training facilitation.
Experience creating or analyzing KPIs and metrics related to training effectiveness.
Ability to translate financial or technical concepts into engaging, accessible learning materials.
A flexible and team-oriented mindset, with a proven ability to remain effective under pressure.
Experience working in a fast-paced environment where adaptability and a willingness to take on varied tasks are key to success.
Occasional early start or extended hours and evening or weekend work.
Must be willing to be in-office when requested.

Responsibilities

Develop a multi-year L&D strategy aligned with organizational goals, lending programs, compliance needs, and CDFI Fund requirements.
Lead the selection, customization, and launch of an enterprise learning platform (LMS), including content structure, user roles, tracking training completions, certifications, skill progression, and reporting.
Identify skill gaps and create targeted development programs for employees at all levels.
Design and implement leadership development, manager training, technical training, and professional growth initiatives.
Build a comprehensive library of learning modules covering CDFI fundamentals, underwriting, credit risk, impact reporting, regulatory requirements, and soft skills.
Establish enterprise-wide training frameworks, policies, and procedures.
Spearhead career growth initiatives by designing structured development pathways (e.g., “Loan Officer Career Ladder,” “Emerging Leaders Program,” “New Manager Bootcamp”) to enable upward mobility.
Implement coaching, mentorship, and peer-learning programs that support continuous professional growth and readiness for advancement.
Facilitate workshops on leadership, communication, conflict resolution, time management, coaching, and goal setting.
Develop and deliver training using multiple modalities (in-person, virtual, on-demand, blended learning).
Partner with internal subject matter experts in Lending, Finance, Impact, Operations, and Compliance to produce technical training modules.
Coordinate external training partners.
Develop competency models and proficiency scales for specific roles.
Analyze learning data to identify skill gaps and training priorities.
Track individual and team-level progress over time using LMS analytics and assessment tools.
Provide learning impact reports to senior leadership.
In partnership with the Chief Equity Diversity Officer (CEDO), design learning content which reflects the organization's mission, values, and behaviors and CDFI’s commitment to economic justice, financial inclusion, and culturally responsive service.
Ensuring training is accessible and inclusive.
Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.
Perform other projects as assigned.
Establish and manage existing KPIs for training impact, such as course completion rates, knowledge test scores, skills proficiency metrics, time to productivity for new hires, and performance improvement tied to training.
Build career development frameworks and resources to support employee growth, coach managers on fostering learning within their teams, and integrate Learning and Development metrics with the Talent Management Dashboard