Director of Learning and Professional Development

Position Summary

The Director of Learning & Professional Development will lead the design and execution of a robust learning strategy for the workforce, ensuring alignment with OPWDD regulatory requirements. This role will drive culture, capability, and compliance across all programs. A signature priority for this role is building and launching “AABR University” - an advanced, in-house learning and development institute dedicated to leadership development and DSP career growth - and rolling it out agency-wide.

Key Responsibilities

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. Certifications (CPLP, ATD, SHRM CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR)
• Minimum of 7 years of L&D experience, including curriculum design and program oversight.
• Advanced knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design, learning technology.
• Demonstrated experience designing and rolling out an advanced Learning & Development program - such as a corporate university, leadership academy, or similar structured institute - from concept through agency-wide implementation.
• Working knowledge of or direct experience with OPWDD’s Core Competencies curriculum framework, or comparable IDD-sector, competency-based training experience.
• Experience in regulated environments (healthcare, IDD, human services).
• Strong leadership, communication, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Commitment to person-centered and mission-driven services.

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.