Associate Director, Learning and Development

at  Heartland Alliance

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS) Chief Operating Officer, the Associate Director of Learning & Development is responsible for coordinating and facilitating an annual training curriculum aligned with the objectives and strategy of HHCS goals. Collaborates with functional management teams to assess ongoing and future training and development needs, as well as the effectiveness of established programs. Oversees New Employee Onboarding training for HHCS and related scopes of work. Identifies and supports infrastructure development needs to build a learning culture across HHCS. Supports in the development of HHCS standard operating procedures to support related infrastructure. Assess organization needs, manages training plans, and evaluates results. Drives training efforts toward continuous improvement with data to ensure that HHCS staff at all levels have the knowledge and resources they need to be successful in their roles, and advises the Senior Leadership Team of opportunities. Seeks new approaches to teach desired skills and designs efficient teaching practices.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA degree in adult learning, social services/social work, counseling, human resources, or health care or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional level training experience, which includes the development and implementation of training programs and policies.
• Formally trained in teaching principles for adults and methods of instruction.
• Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Language Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write reports that present data and other information in a logical and cogent manner. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management. Bilingual a plus.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; Teams or Zoom, and other software routinely used by Heartland Human Care Services. Proficient in tools for assessment such as Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, Survey Gizmo.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (K/S/A)

• Leadership Competencies – In order to perform the job successfully, and individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
• Strategic Agility - Sets a vision and creates strategies in the midst of a complex, uncertain, and changing environment; Thinks big picture to make long-term decisions; Thinks innovatively to improve processes and services; Inspires innovative thinking and helps the organization adapt to change and face adversity.
• Communication - Delivers honest, clear, persuasive, and timely information; Collects (i.e., actively listens) and synthesizes information; Communicates in an inclusive and respectful way; Communicates appropriately and effectively in written and verbal form to various stakeholders (e.g. participants, staff, partners, funders); Represents Heartland Human Care Services externally with the power to inspire and influence others.
• Teamwork & Collaboration - Delivers honest, clear, persuasive, and timely information; Collects (i.e., actively listens) and synthesizes information; Communicates in an inclusive and respectful way; Communicates appropriately and effectively in written and verbal form to various stakeholders (e.g. participants, staff, partners, funders); Represents Heartland Human Care Services externally with the power to inspire and influence others.
• Managerial Courage - Challenges group-think and creates an environment welcoming diverse perspectives; Identifies, diffuses, and rectifies unethical, unsafe, or uncomfortable situations; Engages in courageous communication and critical thinking to balance differing views across teams and the organization; Manages challenging situations and conflicts in a professional manner even if it requires an unpopular stance.
• Talent Development - Builds capacity of future leaders and empower teams; Leverages unique backgrounds, experiences and strengths to develop a cohesive team and create an inclusive environment; Manages employees with understanding and empathy (i.e. displays emotional intelligence); Supports employees’ well-being by understanding and working to address work stress and vicarious trauma; Provides timely feedback that is authentic, direct, and actionable.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Each program site operates on a 24/7 basis, 365 days per year. To meet both the needs of our participants and contractual obligations, employees are required to be flexible in regards to scheduling and work location.
• Program sites are located throughout the Chicago area, including the North and South sides of Chicago, as well as the suburbs. Employees may be required to report to any one of our locations on a temporary or permanent basis

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• The employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk.
• The employee must be able to stoop, kneel and/or crawl.
• The employee is regularly required to use hands to key, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The employee must have unrestricted ability to provide physical restraint.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus