Learning & Development Manager/Human Resources Generalist

FHLB Des Moines; Williamstown (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams College seeks a Learning & Development Manager/HR Generalist to design staff development initiatives and serve as a strategic partner across the College. The role provides expert consultation on employee relations, performance management, onboarding and organizational effectiveness, and supports change management and leadership development.

This full-time, year-round position includes a comprehensive benefits package; all hires must complete an I-9 and background checks as required by

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years related experience or equivalent.
• Broad HR Generalist background with knowledge of federal and MA state employment laws.
• Instructional design expertise and understanding of adult learning processes.
• Experience with HRIS such as Workday/PeopleSoft and Google Suite; strong facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Learning & Development Strategy & Implementation: conduct needs assessments and design staff development programs.
• Program Delivery: plan organization-wide learning initiatives including leadership development and compliance training.
• Strategic Consultation: advise managers on employee relations, performance management, and workplace concerns.
• Supporting Organizational Effectiveness: guide change management, team development, and restructuring efforts.

Skills

Instructional design

Adult learning

Employee relations

Change management

Organizational development

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

PeopleSoft

Google Workspace

Job description

Williams College Human Resources is excited to announce an opportunity to join our team as an Learning & Development Manager/HR Generalist. This multi-faceted position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact by fostering a culture of professional growth while serving as a strategic partner to departments across the College. Under the general direction of the Director for Employee Engagement and Experience, the Learning & Development Manager/HR Generalist serves as a trusted resource, leading the design of staff development initiatives and providing expert consultation on employee relations and organizational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Learning & Development Strategy & Implementation: Conduct organizational needs assessments to identify staff development priorities and design comprehensive professional development programs for staff, supervisors, and leaders.
• Program Delivery: Plan and evaluate institution-wide learning initiatives, including leadership development, compliance training, and skill-building workshops.
• Strategic Consultation: Advise and consult with managers and staff on employee relations, performance management, and workplace concerns.
• Supporting Organizational Effectiveness: Provide guidance on change management, team development, and restructuring efforts while facilitating workshops to improve workplace practices.
• Policy & Compliance: Interpret and apply College policies and employment practices to ensure consistency and compliance with federal and state laws.
• Coaching: Coach and counsel employees and managers to strengthen leadership effectiveness, communication, and team dynamics.
• Onboarding Support: Collaborate with campus partners and Faculty Chairs to design and deliver orientation programs for new managers and faculty leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 5 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Broad HR Generalist background, including comprehensive knowledge of federal and Massachusetts state employment laws.
• Instructional design expertise, with a thorough understanding of adult learning processes.
• Technical proficiency with HRM/HCM systems (e.g., Workday, PeopleSoft), applicant tracking systems, and Google Suite.
• Excellent presentation skills and facilitation abilities for both small and large groups.
• High level of judgment and discretion to manage sensitive employee matters and complex organizational dynamics.
• Commitment to diversity and building an inclusive community.
• A cover letter is required for consideration and should describe your relevant professional experience. Applicants should highlight relevant experience with designing and delivering Learning & Development programs, and are encouraged to include information in regard to meeting other qualifications outlined above.

Pay ranges from $80,000 - $90,000, commensurate with experience.

Application review will begin on October 30, 2026.

This full-time, year-round position is eligible for Williams College’s robust benefits package designed to support you in your work and overall health and wellness.

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive.

ALL employees must have completed an I-9 BEFORE they can begin work. Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable.

Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at [phone] or email at [e-mail].

Instructions for Applicants

The mission of Williams College, “to provide the highest quality liberal arts education,” is advanced by the rich variety of backgrounds and experiences that faculty, staff, and students bring to the work that we do together. The college is committed to building and sustaining a learning and working environment where members from all backgrounds can learn, live, and thrive. We are deeply committed to our employees, providing tuition assistance, excellent benefits, and a warm and welcoming professional environment. We are looking for candidates who share our values in prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and sustainability.

Location and Community

Located in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, Williams offers a rich academic environment in a beautiful setting.

The Berkshires—known as a cultural corridor—are a great place to live, work, and play. With natural beauty, rich history, and top-notch schools, there Berkshires hosts an array of recreational opportunities from world-class museums to hiking trails.

The New York Capital Region, Albany International Airport, and Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Train Station are just an hour away, and Boston and New York City are within a three-hour drive.

The college's vibrant 450-acre campus is home to approximately 2,000 students who bring vibrancy to picturesque Williamstown.