Learning and Development Specialist

About the Role

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—from onboarding and role-specific training to leadership development—aligned with the YMCA’s mission, values, and strategic priorities. The role 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree preferred.
• 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.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

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