Job Details: Job Location: College Point, NY 11356, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 Salary/year, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Human Resources, Position Summary
The Director of Learning & Professional Development will lead the design and execution of a robust learning strategy for the workforce, ensuring alignment with OPWDD regulatory requirements. This role will drive culture, capability, and compliance across all programs. A signature priority for this role is building and launching “AABR University” — an advanced, in-house learning and development institute dedicated to leadership development and DSP career growth — and rolling it out agency-wide.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Workforce Development
- Develop and implement a multi-year learning & development strategy aligned with organizational mission and regulatory requirements.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, growth, coaching, and accountability.
- Identify workforce skill gaps and implement targeted learning interventions.
- Lead talent-pipeline initiatives to strengthen internal leadership capacity.
- Conceive, build, and roll out “AABR University,” a flagship internal learning institute focused on leadership development and DSP career pathways, from initial design through agency-wide launch.
Learning Design, Implementation & Evaluation
- Oversee/implement the creation, delivery, and evaluation of training curricula tailored to New York IDD services. Able to provide hands‑on training of CPR/First-Aid, SCIP (Strategies for Crisis Intervention & Prevention), Choking Prevention Strategies, and other OPWDD/Agency required training as needed.
- Ensure mastery‑based, evidence‑based, and adult-learning aligned training for DSPs, supervisors, leaders.
- Apply working knowledge of OPWDD’s Core Competencies curriculum to align internal training design, sequencing, and assessment with statewide DSP competency expectations.
- Ensure blended learning (in‑person, virtual, e‑learning) that meets diverse learning needs.
- Use metrics and analytics to evaluate outcomes and provide executive reporting.
Advanced Adult Learning & Instructional Science Expertise
- Mastery of andragogy, self‑directed learning, and competency‑based development.
- Application of transformative learning theory to support reflective practice and mindset shifts.
- Expertise in experiential and situated learning, including scenario‑based instruction.
- Application of cognitive load theory and evidence‑based instructional design.
- Knowledge of behavioral learning science and performance improvement frameworks.
- Proficiency in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessible instructional design.
- Skilled use of learning analytics, assessments, and data‑driven program evaluation.
- Experience leveraging modern L&D technologies, microlearning, and virtual learning environments.
Compliance, Systems & Quality Assurance
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of OPWDD regulations and guidance.
- Oversee LMS operations, data integrity, and audit‑readiness.
- Ensure training records meet DSP and supervisory certification requirements.
- Collaborate with HR, QA, and Program Leadership to align training with performance and compliance.
Team Leadership & Budget Oversight
- Lead and develop the Learning & Development Manager/Department.
- Maintain budgetary considerations, vendor contracts, and external training partnerships.
- Serve as internal consultant to programs on workforce capability development.
Qualifications: Required
- Bachelor’s degree in education, HR, organizational development, social services, or related field. Certifications (CPLP, ATD, SHRM CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR)
- Minimum of 7 years of L&D experience, including curriculum design and program oversight.
- Advanced knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design, learning technology.
- Demonstrated experience designing and rolling out an advanced Learning & Development program — such as a corporate university, leadership academy, or similar structured institute — from concept through agency‑wide implementation.
- Working knowledge of or direct experience with OPWDD’s Core Competencies curriculum framework, or comparable IDD‑sector, competency‑based training experience.
- Experience in regulated environments (healthcare, IDD, human services).
- Strong leadership, communication, and data‑driven decision‑making skills.
- Commitment to person‑centered and mission‑driven services.
Preferred
- Master’s degree with QIDP certification.
- Direct experience with NYS IDD services and OPWDD framework.
- Experience leading leadership‑development or pipeline programs, ideally including prior success building a “corporate university” style institute or center of excellence.
- Certified instructor in CPR/First Aid, SCIP-Strategies for Crisis Intervention & Prevention & PROMOTE, and Choking Prevention
Key Competencies
- Strategic mindset and change leadership.
- Coaching and facilitation excellence.
- Strong partnership and influencing skills.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.
- Continuous improvement and innovation in learning.
Working Conditions
- Office-based with visits to program sites as needed.
- Occasional evenings/weekends for training.
- Travel within the five boroughs required.