Leadership Development Program Manager

Easter Seals Southern California; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Easterseals Southern California seeks a Leadership Development Program Manager to lead planning, delivery, and evaluation of our enterprise leadership development ecosystem. You will translate strategy into practical learning pathways for emerging leaders through the C-suite, partnering across teams to ensure accessible, results-driven programs.

Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, you will manage programs, collaborate with LxD and Instructional Design, and drive continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Organizational/Leadership Development or related field; advanced development in leadership required.
• 5+ years of experience in leadership development or organizational learning.
• Experience in nonprofit or human services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, delivery and evaluation of ESSC's enterprise leadership development ecosystem.
• Translate strategy into practical learning pathways for all levels, from emerging leaders to executives.
• Manage program delivery, timelines, budgets, risks, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Leadership development

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree + advanced leadership dev

Job description

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence-delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities.

Lead the strategy, design, and delivery of ESSC's leadership development programs, creating impactful learning experiences that build leadership capabilities from emerging leaders to executives. Partner across teams to deliver accessible, results-driven development aligned with ESSC's mission and values.

Starting Salary: $103,500k - $129,500k / yr.

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development (L&D), the Leadership Development Program Manager leads the planning, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of ESSC's enterprise leadership development ecosystem. In partnership with the Director, the manager translates strategy into a shared human-centered leadership foundation, development pathways from emerging leaders through the C-suite, and practical learning that strengthens leadership in everyday work. Leads cross-functional initiatives and partners with the Learning Experience Design (LxD) Partner, Instructional Design, and Operations Manager to deliver connected, accessible learning experiences with measurable results. In all responsibilities, the position demonstrates a strong commitment to ESSC's mission and values by supporting a safe, compliant, and responsive workplace injury management process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Advances Leadership Development Strategy and Program Management

Partners with the Director to refine the leadership ecosystem, define learning journeys and outcomes, and guide phased implementation, evaluation, and expansion. Oversees core leadership development and pathways from emerging and high-potential leaders through C-suite executives, ensuring alignment with ESSC's competencies, leadership standards, performance expectations, and organizational needs. Manages program delivery, stakeholder engagement, timelines, resources, risks, and budgets, elevating capacity and priority decisions to the Director as needed.

Sustains Leadership Development Ecosystem and Organizational Effectiveness

Extends learning beyond formal programs through ongoing development, peer learning, practical tools, and workplace application. Partners across functions to integrate ESSC's competencies and align leadership development with performance management, talent development, succession, and other organizational priorities. Under the Director's guidance and in collaboration with LxD Partners, provides consultation, facilitated conversations, and team‑building experiences that address leadership needs and strengthen team effectiveness.

Advances Learning Design, Delivery, and Internal Capacity

Partners with LxD and Instructional Design colleagues to create accessible, blended learning experiences that drive practical application and sustained behavior change. Develops Leadership Faculty, facilitators, mentors, and subject‑matter experts through shared practices and developmental feedback. Models human‑centered leadership and leverages emerging approaches, technologies, and learner insights to continuously strengthen learning quality, relevance, and impact across ESSC.

Measures Impact and Drives Continuous Improvement

Partners with the Director and Operations Manager to evaluate learning effectiveness, behavior change, leadership readiness, and organizational outcomes. Collaborates with key stakeholders and committees to identify development needs, address barriers, and leverage data and feedback to improve programs and inform strategic recommendations. Contributes to annual impact reports and other internal and external reporting needs to demonstrate program value and organizational impact.

Manages External Partnerships and Vendors

Partners with the Director to select appropriate assessments, practitioners, and external learning and coaching partners. Oversees vendor performance, resources, and alignment with ESSC's leadership standards, development needs, and program outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree in Organizational Development, Leadership, Adult Education, Human Resources, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced professional development in leadership development, adult learning, organizational change, and program evaluation required.

Preferred Education

Master's degree preferred. Credentials in learning evaluation or leadership assessments and International Coaching Federation coaching credential strongly preferred. Experience in human services, healthcare, nonprofit, or a similarly mission‑driven setting preferred.

Minimum Experience

5 years of p