Professional Director of Learning and Development

Strategic Leadership & Workforce Development: Develop and implement a multi-year learning & development strategy aligned with organizational mission and regulatory requirements. Promote a culture of continuous learning, growth, coaching, and accountability. Identify workforce skill gaps and implement targeted learning interventions. Lead talent-pipeline initiatives to strengthen internal leadership capacity. Conceive, build, and roll out "AABR University," a flagship internal learning institute focused on leadership development and DSP career pathways, from initial design through agency-wide launch.

Learning Design, Implementation & Evaluation: Oversee/implement the creation, delivery, and evaluation of training curricula tailored to New York IDD services. Able to provide hands‐on training of CPR/First-Aid, SCIP (Strategies for Crisis Intervention & Prevention), Choking Prevention Strategies, and other OPWDD/Agency required training as needed. Ensure mastery‐based, evidence‐based, and adult-learning aligned training for DSPs, supervisors, leaders. Apply working knowledge of OPWDD's Core Competencies curriculum to align internal training design, sequencing, and assessment with statewide DSP competency expectations. Ensure blended learning (in‐person, virtual, e‐learning) that meets diverse learning needs. Use metrics and analytics to evaluate outcomes and provide executive reporting.

Advanced Adult Learning & Instructional Science Expertise: Mastery of andragogy, self‐directed learning, and competency‐based development. Application of transformative learning theory to support reflective practice and mindset shifts. Expertise in experiential and situated learning, including scenario‐based instruction. Application of cognitive load theory and evidence‐based instructional design. Knowledge of behavioral learning science and performance improvement frameworks. Proficiency in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessible instructional design. Skilled use of learning analytics, assessments, and data‐driven program evaluation. Experience leveraging modern L&D technologies, microlearning, and virtual learning environments.

Compliance, Systems & Quality Assurance: Maintain up‐to‐date knowledge of OPWDD regulations and guidance. Oversee LMS operations, data integrity, and audit‐readiness. Ensure training records meet DSP and supervisory certification requirements. Collaborate with HR, QA, and Program Leadership to align training with performance and compliance.

Team Leadership & Budget Oversight: Lead and develop the Learning & Development Manager/Department. Maintain budgetary considerations, vendor contracts, and external training partnerships. Serve as internal consultant to programs on workforce capability development.

Qualifications: Required Bachelor's degree in education, HR, organizational development, social services, or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree with QIDP certification. Direct experience with NYS IDD services and OPWDD framework. Experience leading leadership‐development or pipeline programs, ideally including prior success building a "corporate university" style institute or center of excellence. Certified instructor in CPR/First Aid, SCIP-Strategies for Crisis Intervention & Prevention & PROMOTE, and Choking Prevention

Key Competencies: Strategic mindset and change leadership. Coaching and facilitation excellence. Strong partnership and influencing skills. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural humility. Continuous improvement and innovation in learning.

Working Conditions: Office-based with visits to program sites as needed. Occasional evenings/weekends for training. Travel within the five boroughs required.