Learning & Development Program Lead

Title: Learning & Development Program Lead

Executive Area: Human Resources

Department: Human Resources

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Remote

Job Summary

The Learning and Development Program Lead designs, implements, and manages training programs to build employee and leadership skills, improve performance, and align workforce growth with organizational goals. The position assesses development needs, creates materials (online/in-person), facilitates training, and evaluates program effectiveness using data and feedback. In partnership with HR leadership, the position plays a central role in the development and delivery of the HR Academy, translating HR policies, procedures, and systems into practical, competency-based learning for HR practitioners and leaders. Through this work, the role supports a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence across the University.

Essential Functions

Needs Assessment: Conducts analysis of training needs and supports the creation of a strategic L&D roadmap to address skill gaps and build capabilities for the future, with a focus on assessing training needs for HR staff to ensure consistent and compliant HR practices.

Program & Curriculum Design: Designs professional development programs and curated learning experiences for teams and leaders, using a variety of instructional technologies and techniques.

HR Academy Curriculum & Capability Development: Plays a critical role in designing and delivering HR Academy programming for HR personnel. Partners with HR leadership to assess needs and develop curriculum aligned with campus HR policies, procedures, processes, and systems, with the goal of strengthening core competencies across the HR community.

Program Operations and Communications: Manages the logistics, communications and marketing of training and development courses and workshops (leadership, professional development, HR Academy). Designs marketing materials including program catalogs, promotional materials, videos, and updates department websites.

Training Facilitation and Delivery: Facilitates and delivers training programs for HR personnel, employees and leaders using a variety of delivery methods, including in person and virtual instructor led.

Learning Evaluation and Impact Measurement: Develops and administers course evaluations, analyzes data and measures the effectiveness of learning and development programs.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Partnerships: Collaborates closely with subject matter experts and key stakeholders within Human Resources and across the University to deliver high quality, meaningful learning that meets organizational needs.

Leadership Development: Partners with HR and University leadership on the design and implementation of Supervisory and Management Development academies and programs. Supports the design of specialized programs for high-potentials, high-performers, and aspiring leaders.

Learning Technologies: Utilizes learning technologies, such as learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools, AI, and other e-learning platforms, to design, deliver, and manage learning programs, track learner progress, and generate reports. Researches and utilizes learning technologies, and methods to meet the needs of all employees who work onsite, remotely, and in hybrid format.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field.

Three (3) years of experience in learning and development, training, leadership development and organizational development.

Demonstrated knowledge and skill of instructional design, curriculum development, needs assessment, delivery, and evaluation of learner-centered development for wide range of employee areas, including HR, supervisory and management growth.

Experience using eLearning and design technologies (e.g., Articulate 365, Canva) to develop online courses and learning content.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build cross-functional partnerships for employees and organization-centered results.

Ability to access, handle, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including management positions related to labor relations and collective bargaining matters.

Experience with training program administration, designing and implementing large scale development programs such as leadership development, etc.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; highly effective presentation and facilitation skills.

Must effectively work in a team-oriented environment

Ability to diagnose learning needs and identify the appropriate learning solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree OD, Training/Instructional Design or related field.

Certifications in Human Resources, Training and Development or Organizational Development.

Prior work experience in a unionized environment.

Experience with development coaching and performance consulting preferred.

Ability to leverage new technologies including AI solutions to enhance learning content and program outcomes.

Additional Details

Reports to the Senior Learning and Development Program Manager.

May involve travel within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 5-8 times a year.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee's work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 27

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with your application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.