Learning & Development Specialist

Ymca; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 56,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is seeking a Learning & Development Specialist to build and lead a high‑impact learning culture across the association. You will design, deliver, and continuously improve onboarding, role‑specific training, leadership development, and compliance programs, in alignment with the YMCA’s mission and values.

This role partners with HR leadership and program experts to assess learning needs, manage the LMS, and create engaging experiences that boost staff

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in training and professional development.
• Experience designing, facilitating, and evaluating adult learning programs.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, relationship‑building, and project management skills.
• Experience in a nonprofit, YMCA, or other mission‑driven organization preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and learning technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the YMCA's learning and development strategy.
• Design, deliver, and continuously improve onboarding, role‑specific training, leadership development, and compliance programs.
• Partner with leaders and subject matter experts to assess learning needs and build organizational capability.
• Oversee the organization’s onboarding experience and learning pathways.
• Oversee the Learning Management System (LMS), content management, reporting, and compliance tracking.
• Coordinate association‑wide learning initiatives and signature learning events.
• Evaluate learning effectiveness using feedback and data to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Learning & Development

Instructional Design

Facilitation

Project Management

Leadership Development

Tools

LMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

YMCA OF Greater Pittsburgh, Foster Plaza 5,651 Holiday Drive, Suite 520, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description

The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, national origin, race, sexual orientation, body type/shape, and physical and mental well-being, can reach their full potential with dignity. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we strive to create a welcoming environment for all.

Job Title: Learning & Development Specialist

Job Grade: 11

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $55,991 to $69,989

Reports to: Director of Human Resources

Revision Date: 7/2/2026

Primary Department: Human Resources

The person in this role will work out of the Spencer Family YMCA located at 305 Church Rd, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for building and leading a high-impact learning culture. It designs, facilitates, coordinates, and continuously improves learning and development programs that support staff growth at all levels. This includes onboarding and role‑specific training to leadership development, in alignment with the YMCA’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. This position partners closely with HR leadership, operational leaders, and subject matter experts to assess organizational learning needs, build staff capability, and deliver learning experiences that support employee engagement, performance, and retention.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the development and execution of the YMCA's learning and development strategy, ensuring programs align with organizational priorities, staff needs, and YMCA standards.
• Design, deliver, and continuously improve a comprehensive portfolio of learning experiences, including onboarding, role‑specific training, leadership development, compliance training, and organizational development initiatives.
• Partner with leaders, Human Resources, and subject matter experts to assess learning needs, identify development opportunities, and build organizational capability across the association.
• Lead and support the organization’s onboarding experience by creating engaging orientation programs, learning pathways, and seamless integration for new employees.
• Oversee the Learning Management System (LMS), including content management, learning assignments, reporting, training records, certifications, and compliance tracking.
• Coordinate association‑wide learning initiatives, seasonal trainings, leadership programs, and signature learning events that strengthen staff performance and organizational effectiveness.
• Evaluate learning effectiveness through feedback, performance measures, and organizational outcomes, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, leadership development, collaboration, feedback, and innovation that enhances employee engagement and supports organizational change.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across the association to advance learning, leadership, and organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Relationships
• Project Management
• Developing Self & Others
• Communication & Influence

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in training and professional development.
• Demonstrated experience designing, facilitating, and evaluating adult learning programs.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, relationship‑building, and project management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated success in corporate and foundation fundraising preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other learning and collaboration technologies.
• Experience in a nonprofit, YMCA, or other mission‑driven organization preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• 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.
• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and to safely supervise program activities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Current driver’s license and access to reliable vehicle for transportation.
• Regular travel within local and surrounding counties required. National travel required on occasion.

YMCA OF Greater Pittsburgh, Foster Plaza 5,651 Holiday Drive, Suite 520, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America