Organizational Development Specialist

SDSU Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Academy for Professional Excellence (Academy), a project of SDSU Research Foundation and San Diego State University’s School of Social Work, is seeking an Organizational Development Specialist. Established in 1996, the Academy revolutionizes workforce development for health, human service, and social impact organizations by designing and delivering culturally responsive, recovery-oriented, and immersive learning experiences. These programs empower professionals to build skills for immediate application, strengthening organizations and transforming individuals, families, and communities. The Academy's work spans various levels of workforce development, from onboarding to leadership programs and organizational strategy, collaborating with diverse partners like public agencies, universities, and community-based organizations. Their expertise includes curriculum development, training, coaching, simulation, eLearnings, leadership development, technical assistance, evaluation, and strategic consultation. Each year, over 50,000 individuals benefit from their transformative learning and development programs. The Academy fosters a culture of communal development, emphasizing culturally responsive practices, well-being, healing, healthy relationships, and changed behaviors. The Strategy, Development & Organizational Advancement (SDOA) Division focuses on strategic development of learning, products, and practices to enhance organizational culture, brand identity, health, and innovation. This division builds responsive solutions in evaluation, strategy, and systems, grounded in data and partnerships. The Organizational Development Team within SDOA designs, implements, coordinates, and facilitates initiatives to advance the Academy’s Strategic Plan, focusing on staff development and organizational growth. They partner across divisions to enhance organizational health, recruit, develop, and retain staff, ensure equitable policies, and solicit funding.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.
6-years of progressively responsible experience performing varied or specialized administrative and analytical duties and/or service as a program administrator.
Experience with organizational functions, structures, and group dynamics, with the ability to bring political acumen to support collaborations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to synthesize and convey information in a concrete and easy-to-follow manner.
Systems thinker able to problem-solve and address issues holistically.
Able to translate complex concepts and produce visual and interactive elements for staff learning experiences that achieve instructional goals.
Knowledge of adult learning theory, universal design, and current workforce development trends and best practice.
Experience designing, developing, and delivering training and eLearnings.
Working knowledge of common software application packages that can be used to create accessible, self-directed learning modules, including video editing and captioning.
Presentation and facilitation skills that are responsive to diverse engagement styles.
Coaching experience with individuals and teams supporting effective collaboration and culturally responsive practices.
Able to independently interpret a wide variety of complex procedures and protocols.
Able to handle multiple, simultaneous projects of varying nature, content, and complexity and meet deadlines.
Adaptable with the flexibility to shift projects mid-stream and/or adjust goals as needed to accommodate new information.
Able to take ownership of projects and translate ideas into practice.
Self-starter and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively on teams.
Detail-oriented with the ability to also be strategic and see the context and big picture beyond the details.
Skilled at tracking and following up to ensure processes are implemented, gathering and acting on feedback to improve processes.
Experience in having honest discussions and implementing behavioral changes needed to advance equity, inclusion, and healing, healthy relationships.
Able to listen and willingness to learn and try on new things.
The patience to meet people where they are at and support their growth.
Able to perform basic mathematical calculations and utilize standard computer programs for word processing, spreadsheets, report preparation, and other work products as needed.
Must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.

Nice To Haves

Skilled with video editing and online design products, e.g. Canva, Camtasia, Adobe, Articulate RISE

Responsibilities

Designs, coordinates, implements, and facilitates initiatives that advance the Academy’s Strategic Plan.
Supports staff development, including developing and delivering training and tools that support the Academy’s System of Practice.
Sets the standards for staff Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and performance evaluations.
Updates and maintains the Academy’s Protocols and Procedures Manual.
Supports organizational culture, staff engagement, and Academy growth, including participating in the development of grant applications and maintaining continuing education accreditation.
Serves as a member of the People Development Strategy Team and produces training curricula, materials, and tools.
Works with the Leadership Development/Hiring Supervisor to design and implement training for people leaders on the Academy’s People Leader Competencies.
Designs, writes, revises, and facilitates accessible learning experiences, tools, and resources applying adult learning theory and universal design principles.
Produces, records, and edits videos to create asynchronous staff learning experiences.
Provides coaching for individuals and teams that support staff growth, effective collaboration, and the Academy’s System of Practice.
Partners with the Workforce Management and Development Team to ensure curriculum development reflects evolving best practices and identify and contract with subject matter experts.
Supports development, review, and analysis of the annual Organizational Health Assessment and other periodic surveys of staff.
Oversees the management and production of Academy All-Staff meetings, including facilitation, coordination, materials preparation, and survey administration, analysis, and reporting.
Supports the implementation of the Academy’s Strategic Plan, focusing on initiatives that support Academy culture and integrating the Academy System of Practice.
Develops and conducts research in support of change management and organizational development best practices.
Maintains the Academy Protocols and Procedures Manual (PPM); contributes to writing and editing Academy protocols and procedures, and adapts Foundation policy.
Oversees the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)/ Quality Assurance (QA) process for the Protocols and Procedures Manual.
Supports the development and submission of grant and contract proposals, including researching funding sources, gathering information, and supporting writing, production, and submission.
Supports applications and produces reports as required to maintain and expand the Academy’s continuing education accreditation.
Facilitates the Performance Management process, updating the performance evaluation, creating resources, and ensuring effectiveness.
Leads the organizational Individual Development Process (IDP), updating it, creating resources, and ensuring effectiveness.
Performs other duties as assigned, which are in the best interests of the Academy for Professional Excellence.
Travels to off-site locations for Academy and Program meetings (primarily in Riverside and San Diego).