Learning, Talent and Capability Strategist

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University seeks an experienced professional to lead the strategy for its learning and talent technology ecosystem. This role involves overseeing programs that enhance employee capabilities and advocating for core values of belonging and collaboration.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years in talent development, strong skills in instructional design, and proficiency in tools like Articulate 360. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required, with a preference for a Master’s degree.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in talent development and learning systems.
• Proficient in rapid e‑learning tools.
• Familiarity with AI and modern learning infrastructures.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategy for learning and talent technology.
• Lead development of talent initiatives and integration of AI tools.
• Build data infrastructure for informed decision-making.

Skills

Talent development

Learning strategy

Instructional design

LMS administration

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in a related field (preferred)

Tools

Articulate 360

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Set and steer the strategy for Vanderbilt’s learning and talent technology ecosystem, including the LMS, talent management and skills platforms, rapid e-learning authoring tools, and AI‑powered learning platforms.
• Spearhead innovative talent development initiatives, including leadership, professional, technical, and compliance development programs, content development, and the learning platforms that deliver them.
• Architect scalable learning and talent systems, programs, and workflows that enhance employees’ capabilities and strengthen their ability to uphold and advocate for our core values.
• Innovate, design, build, and curate skill and competency‑based learning and career paths, including digital, AI‑enabled, and experiential learning opportunities that meet the needs of a diverse staff globally, preparing them for advancement, mobility, and changes in their fields.
• Translate business and experiential objectives into actionable, measurable, well‑architected talent development strategies and learning systems that connect skill development to real opportunity.
• Partner with IT, PCB Centers of Excellence, and university departments to ensure learning and talent systems integrate cleanly with the broader technology stack and align with organizational goals, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and collective execution of Futures Learning Hub initiatives.
• Continuously research, evaluate, and integrate emerging AI capabilities and the latest learning and talent technologies to keep Vanderbilt’s strategies and systems current, effective, and ahead of the field.
• Lead the development and prioritization of learning, talent development, and technology roadmaps, including governance, integration, and data standards.
• Build the data infrastructure and reporting that turn skills, learning, and talent signals into data‑informed decisions for staff, managers, and leadership, and present those insights through persuasive, strategic storytelling.
• Drive the standardization and adoption of new programs, systems, tools, and AI‑enabled workflows, and use data and clear storytelling to demonstrate their impact on capability building, career mobility, and upward advancement.
• Advocate for and oversee the realization of innovative ideas that advance staff capabilities and career mobility.
• Champion measurable continuous improvement by optimizing people, processes, and technology, including AI, to democratize access and opportunity to learning, development, and growth opportunities across the organization.
• Champion of our values: belonging, self‑direction, collaboration, and growth.
• Additionally, undertake any other responsibilities as needed.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to Learning & Development.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Technology, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Learning Systems, Organizational Learning, Talent Development, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required.
• A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

Experience and Skills

• 5 or more years of experience spanning talent development, learning strategy, and learning systems or instructional design, including hands‑on work with LMS administration and rapid e‑learning authoring tools.
• Proficient with rapid e‑learning development tools such as Articulate 360, the Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Creative Cloud, with working knowledge of AI‑assisted content creation tools.
• Familiarity with the current learning and talent technology landscape, including AI, LMS, talent and skills management platforms, HCM systems, and modern online learning and performance systems.
• Proven ability to lead large‑scale talent development programs and learning systems and technology projects from start to finish, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Ability to use data analytics, visualization, and storytelling to evaluate the effectiveness of learning and talent strategies and systems, inform skill development and mobility decisions, and make improvements, with the capacity to anticipate AI and technology trends and adjust strategy accordingly.
• Demonstrated leadership in steering strategic discussions and influencing key decisions, with exceptional communication and presentation skills and the ability to engage executive leadership.
• A strong passion for leveraging technology to enhance learning, growth, and workplace outcomes, and proven ability to navigate uncertainty and build cross‑organizational relationships.
• Experience applying design thinking methods such as workshop facilitation, problem definition, design principles, journey mapping, employee personas, and competitive and current state analysis to talent development and learning systems work.