Organizational and Talent Development Specialist

Rice University is seeking an experienced learning and organizational development professional to administer the university's Learning Management System (LMS), design and facilitate learning and leadership programs, and support talent development initiatives.

About the Role

This hybrid position combines in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The role oversees course assignments, reporting, and performance management system support, ensuring accurate data and a seamless learning experience for employees.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director of Training and Development with marketing Rice’s learning offerings, including crafting targeted messages, updating websites and calendars, and conducting presentations for employee groups.
• Lead talent development initiatives such as performance management, goal management, succession planning, and campus-wide programs.
• Design, develop, and facilitate instructor-led and e-learning programs using adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE) on topics like leadership, performance management, communication, and workplace effectiveness.
• Conduct training needs assessments and develop 4–6 high-impact learning programs annually aligned with organizational priorities.
• Facilitate team and leadership development initiatives, including coaching, team interventions, and workshops using assessments like Birkman, DiSC, and CliftonStrengths to improve communication, collaboration, and leadership effectiveness.
• Manage and maintain the Learning Management System (LMS), including course assignments, tracking, and reporting for stakeholders and leadership.
• Support the performance management lifecycle (goal setting, check-ins, evaluations) through training, coaching, and ensuring data accuracy and compliance.
• Design, update, and run reports on performance management status for effective follow-up.
• Build and maintain relationships with HR partners, leaders, and staff across the university.
• Analyze performance and learning data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Perform additional duties and participate in projects as they arise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree. In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• Three or more years of experience training and coaching adult learners, administering an LMS, and supporting talent development processes.

Skills

• Excellent communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office (especially PowerPoint) and e-learning software.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines.
• Experience developing engaging training materials and applying adult learning principles to design impactful programs.
• Strong understanding of workplace dynamics with the ability to recommend and facilitate effective interventions.
• Ability to identify development gaps and create targeted, business-aligned solutions.
• Adept at leading team sessions and meetings to drive decision-making and problem-solving.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a client-service orientation and ability to collaborate across the university.
• Ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable recommendations.

Preferences

• Experience supporting organizational change initiatives.
• Familiarity with higher education or complex organizations.
• Advanced experience with LMS and performance management systems.
• Experience with workplace assessments (e.g., DiSC, Birkman, StrengthsFinder); certification in assessment tools strongly preferred.

Pay

Annual hiring range: $85,000 to $92,000. This is an exempt (salaried) position under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime.

Benefits

For details on Rice University’s benefits, visit Rice University HR Benefits.