Sr. Talent Development Specialist

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

4d

About The Position

The University of Iowa's Organizational Effectiveness team is a high-impact group doing ambitious work — modernizing how the university approaches leadership development, organizational consulting, and the employee experience. If you're energized by building, not just maintaining, this role is worth a close look.
As an Organizational Effectiveness consultant and learning professional, you'll move fluidly between two modes of work. On the consulting side, you'll partner with campus departments through a structured process — from discovery and needs assessment through recommendations and implementation — helping leaders navigate change, improve team performance, and strengthen how their organizations function. On the learning side, you'll design and deliver leadership development experiences for supervisors and managers, translating institutional priorities into practical, relevant programming that sticks.
You'll also contribute to professional development efforts for HR professionals across campus, support data collection and analysis that drives program improvement, and collaborate with colleagues on broader initiatives across the employee lifecycle — including onboarding, performance management, and career development.
This role is a natural fit for someone who sees Organizational Effectiveness and Learning & Development not as separate disciplines, but as two expressions of the same work — and who thrives in an environment where they can help shape what comes next.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, business administration, psychology, instructional design, human resources management, industrial/organizational psychology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience, typically three or more years, in organizational development, leadership development, learning and development, human resources, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and support projects and programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication to different audiences.
• Strong consulting and collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment.
• Ability to gather and interpret data and use information to inform program improvements.
• Experience with computer software applications including Microsoft Office and video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and familiarity with AI-enabled tools.
• Experience facilitating workshops, trainings, or professional development programs.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in organizational development, business administration, industrial/organizational psychology, human resources, or a related field.
• Experience supporting leadership development or organizational development initiatives.
• Experience working in a large, complex organization such as a university or healthcare system.
• project management
• change management
• leadership coaching
• Human resources certification (PHR or SPHR)

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the implementation of organizational development and leadership development initiatives aligned with University HR priorities.
• Support the development, coordination, and delivery of leadership development programming for faculty and staff.
• Collect and analyze data related to leadership development programs and organizational effectiveness initiatives.
• Prepare reports and summaries related to program participation, outcomes, and effectiveness.
• Support implementation of initiatives aligned with institutional strategic priorities and University HR goals.
• Assist in identifying campus needs and opportunities for leadership and organizational development programming.
• Provide guidance and support to managers, supervisors, and HR professionals on topics related to leadership development, team effectiveness, and workplace development.
• Develop communication materials related to leadership development programs and services in alignment with University HR communication strategies.
• Ensure programs and services are implemented in accordance with University policies and applicable regulations.
• Provide input and support to organizational development consulting engagements related to organizational change, team effectiveness, and performance improvement.

Benefits

• Regular salaried position. Pay Level 4A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees