Description: EMBRACING ABILITIES. EXPANDING POSSIBILITIES.
At Easterseals of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we are committed to two – often interconnecting - pillars of work… early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936.
For more information about our organization, please visit us online at www.eastersealschicago.org
The Manager of Learning Systems and Employee Development is a visionary leader responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining a high-impact, data-driven professional development system that supports the success and growth of all employees across the Early Learning Services (ELS) team. This leader will oversee all aspects of professional learning and adult development, ensuring that every staff member has access to engaging, relevant, and innovative learning experiences that align with agency goals, staff needs, and compliance requirements.
With a strong understanding of adult learning principles and an eye for innovation, this role will lead Early Learning Services’ professional development efforts—from sourcing dynamic trainers to overseeing large-scale training events, monitoring program learning data, and building internal training capacity. The Manager will also oversee the Learning Management System (LMS), oversight of tracking and monitoring documentation and credentialing requirements, compliance and training documentation. This role requires a strategic thinker, a strong collaborator, and an experienced facilitator and systems builder who thrives on creating structure, tracking results, and inspiring growth in others.
This position is headquartered at Easterseals Chicago Location at 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the overall design, execution, and continuous improvement of the Early Learning Services (ELS) professional development strategy, ensuring all staff have access to impactful, equity-driven, and engaging learning opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and manage systems that track staff participation in all training activities, credentialing requirements (e.g., Gateways, CPR, Mandated Reporter), and professional development milestones across ELS.
• Manage and maintain the Learning Management System (LMS), including course design, user access, data analytics, compliance reporting, and content updates.
• Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge on national trends, best practices, and innovations in adult learning, instructional design, and professional development delivery.
• Develop and maintain centralized systems to monitor ongoing Early Learning Services professional development data, analyze trends, and make recommendations to improve training outcomes and workforce growth.
• Maintain individualized development plans in collaboration with supervisors, supporting career progression, goal setting, and skill tracking.
• Lead the identification, recruitment, onboarding, and management of external trainers, speakers, and consultants who reflect the agency’s mission and bring fresh, culturally responsive perspectives to adult learning.
• Provide direct training and coaching to supervisors and staff on topics such as adult learning principles, goal setting, and implementation of development plans.
• Coordinate the development and delivery of all new staff orientation, annual in-service training days, required certifications, and ongoing education for all ELS roles, including teachers, family support staff, administrators, and leadership.
• Plan and deliver engaging in-person training events and conferences, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive learning environment aligned with adult learning theory and staff feedback, while managing all related logistics including securing locations, coordinating daily operations, arranging food, and communicating schedules.
• Create and maintain a robust professional development calendar that outlines required and optional trainings, ensuring compliance with Head Start, DCFS, and agency expectations.
• Build internal training capacity through observation, coaching, and training for ELS staff who provide professional development to others.
• Partner with leadership to assess training needs through feedback loops, performance data, staff surveys, self-assessments, and regulatory compliance outcomes.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with HR credentialing requirements and professional standards; maintain documentation and reporting systems to support audits, grant compliance, and licensing.
• Manage the professional development budget, including oversight of expenditures, contract negotiations, and ensuring high-quality training experiences that align with available resources.
• Collaborate with managers, site directors, and ECR Human Resource team, to identify team training needs and align learning goals with programmatic outcomes and employee success.
• Coordinate monthly reporting on training compliance, credential completion, and overall professional development engagement to ELS directors and funders.
• Participate in the annual Head Start Self-Assessment process, analyzing training-related progress toward goals and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Lead the development and delivery of hybrid learning solutions, including e-learning modules, coaching, mentorship programs, and interactive in-person sessions.
• Provide support for performance improvement planning and career development for individual staff members, in collaboration with HR and supervisors.
• Ensure that all professional learning experiences uphold the organization’s commitment to equity, inclusion, trauma-informed practices, and cultural responsiveness.
• Travel to Easterseals locations and partner sites as needed to deliver training and support implementation.
• Other duties as assigned.
  Requirements:

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, adult learning, instructional design, organizational leadership, or related field required
• Certification in Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) preferred

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in leading professional development and adult learning systems, preferably within a nonprofit, education, or early childhood setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in adult learning theory, instructional design, learning management systems, and professional development planning.
• Experience developing and managing large-scale training initiatives and events, including sourcing and managing external consultants.
• Strong understanding of credentialing systems, compliance tracking, and data reporting.
• Proven ability to supervise staff and build internal capacity through coaching and development.
• Excellent project management, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive learning.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates deep knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design, and training best practices, with the ability to implement and evaluate effective professional development experiences.
• Effectively delivers dynamic in-person and virtual trainings, workshops, and presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Applies appropriate training methods and learning formats, including e-learning, blended learning, coaching, and mentoring.
• Manages and optimizes Learning Management Systems (LMS), including uploading content, tracking completion, and generating reports.
• Analyzes professional development data, interprets trends, and uses insights to drive improvements in learning systems and staff growth.
• Conceptualizes, plans, and implements large-scale learning initiatives while aligning systems and structures to support long-term goals.
• Leads complex projects from conception to completion while maintaining alignment with timelines, deliverables, and organizational priorities.
• Builds strong, trusting relationships with staff at all levels and collaborates effectively across departments and external partnerships.
• Communicates clearly and effectively in writing and speech, including training materials, reports, and presentations.
• Coaches and supports internal trainers and supervisors to strengthen facilitation skills and apply adult learning principles.
• Uses creativity, reasoning, and logic to develop innovative solutions to challenges related to learning, compliance, and professional growth.
• Technologically adept – comfort, familiarity, and proficiently and uses variety of computer applications. Intermediate-level knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Excel, and Canva. Ability to use internet browsers and video conferencing.
• Designs and delivers training that is culturally responsive and inclusive, with a commitment to equity, access, and belonging.
• Evaluates training effectiveness, identifies gaps, and implements improvements to increase engagement and impact.
• Maintains systems for monitoring staff training compliance and credentialing requirements, ensuring accuracy and accountability.
• Influences and leads change across teams and leadership levels by building consensus and aligning efforts.
• Provides responsive support to program staff and leaders and actively works to enhance the overall professional development experience.