Senior Learning Specialist - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The Senior Learning Specialist delivers San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance learning and development programs by facilitating in-person and virtual sessions, supporting career development programs, administering L&D programs in the Learning Management System (LMS), supporting curriculum design, and applying AI to improve how learning is designed and delivered. The role executes the program design and strategic direction set by the Learning & Development Manager and reports to that manager. The position primarily focuses on facilitating engaging instructor-led and virtual training for team members and leaders across a range of topics. Supporting responsibilities include curriculum design, LMS administration, professional development, and leveraging AI to enhance instructional design and the learning experience. Applicants must submit a portfolio showcasing designed learning experiences, including examples of AI use, and a cover letter outlining their design approach, AI use, and the impact of their work.

Requirements

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in training facilitation, learning and development, or instructional design, including delivering in-person training to adult learners.
A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Instructional Design, or a related field.
Experience administering an LMS, including course deployment and completion reporting.
Experience using AI tools to support learning content development, program delivery, or administrative workflows.
A California driver’s license.
Strong working knowledge of the training and development process, including needs analysis, instructional design models, adult learning theories, and evaluation.
Ability to facilitate group discussions and classroom learning sessions, seminars, and workshops for diverse audiences.
Ability to develop clear, engaging learning materials, including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and job aids.
Proficiency in LMS administration, including course setup, enrollment management, and completion reporting.
Proficiency in MS Office, PowerPoint, Word, Adobe, and other moderately complex computer software programs.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple programs, schedules, and deadlines.
Working knowledge of AI tools for learning content development and workflow automation, including responsible use, data privacy, and human review of AI-generated content.
Ability to work effectively both independently and with others in a diverse team environment.
Ability to analyze participant feedback and program data and present findings clearly.
Effective oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
Submit a portfolio of designed learning experiences, including examples of AI use, and a cover letter describing design approach, AI use, and work impact.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a nonprofit, hospitality, or zoo environment, or equivalent experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.
Experience supporting leadership development or onboarding programs.
A master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Adult Learning, or a related field.
An Instructional & Learning Design Certificate.

Responsibilities

Facilitate in-person and virtual L&D programs, including New Team Member Orientation, New Leader Orientation, the HR Manager Training Series, and Leadership Development programs.
Prepare sessions, manage classroom logistics, and adapt delivery for audiences across the Zoo, Safari Park, and conservation sites.
Deliver content in accordance with program design and strategic direction set by the Learning & Development Manager.
Support career development programs, including the Wildlife Care Development Program (WCDP) and Roots to Grow.
Support participant enrollment, scheduling, communications, and attendance tracking, and serve as a point of contact for participants and their managers.
Help build, pilot, and roll out Roots to Grow materials, gather feedback, and recommend adjustments to the Learning & Development Manager.
Administer learning programs and content in the LMS, including building and assigning courses, managing enrollments and due dates, running completion reports, and following up with participants and managers.
Support curriculum design in partnership with the Learning & Development Manager; develop facilitator guides, participant materials, job aids, and e-learning content.
Identify, evaluate, and apply AI tools to improve learning design, delivery, content development, personalized learning, and LMS and reporting workflows.
Follow SDZWA data privacy and responsible-use guidelines, review AI-generated content for accuracy, pilot tools with the Learning & Development Manager, and coach team members on effective AI use.
Collect and analyze participant feedback, assessment results, and completion data to support program measurement and reporting.
Provide the Learning & Development Manager with data and insights to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Partner with internal managers, program stakeholders, and the Talent Management team to understand learning needs and align programs with the SDZWA mission and values.
Stay current with trends and best practices in facilitation, instructional design, and learning technology.