Director Distribution Learning & Innovation

Horace Mann is seeking a Director, Distribution Learning & Innovation to help shape the future of learning and development for our field sales organization.

In this highly visible leadership role, you will bring our Sales Learning Ecosystem to life through modern, high-impact learning experiences designed to improve field capability, confidence, productivity, and performance. You will combine performance consulting, instructional design, facilitation, technology, and innovation to create learning experiences that are practical, immersive, and focused on measurable behavior change.

We are looking for a forward-thinking learning leader who is energized by experimentation, comfortable embracing emerging AI-enabled learning technologies, and passionate about moving learning beyond traditional events and presentations.

What You’ll Do

Learning Strategy & Experience Design

• Execute and operationalize the enterprise Sales Learning Ecosystem.
• Translate strategic learning objectives into practical, behavior-based learning experiences that support field performance.
• Design and deploy engaging, field-ready learning solutions aligned with the enterprise learning architecture.
• Build immersive learning journeys across the agent lifecycle, including:
  • AI-powered virtual role plays and coaching simulations
  • Scenario-based practice environments
  • TED Talk–style short-form learning and inspiration sessions
  • Microlearning and reinforcement activities
  • Peer-based cohort discussions and accountability groups
• Develop just-in-time performance support tools that help reinforce execution in the field.
• Connect learning and development initiatives to measurable productivity, performance, and business outcomes.

AI & Learning Technology Innovation

• Champion the use of AI and emerging learning technologies to accelerate skill development.
• Integrate AI-driven feedback and practice tools into training for sales conversations, objection handling, and product positioning.
• Pilot innovative learning tools and approaches that improve engagement, personalization, knowledge retention, and skill application.
• Continuously evaluate digital learning platforms and recommend scalable solutions.
• Leverage learning-platform data and analytics to evaluate effectiveness, refine content, and improve performance outcomes.

Field Facilitation & Capability Building

• Facilitate engaging, performance-focused virtual instructor-led learning sessions.
• Deliver cohort-based onboarding and development programs for new agents.
• Lead applied workshops that connect skill development directly to production and performance goals.
• Model effective virtual engagement techniques for leaders and subject matter experts.
• Partner with field leaders to reinforce learning through structured follow-up conversations, team meetings, and field routines.

Leadership & Performance Support

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of trainers and curriculum designers.
• Build a culture of continuous learning and position the team as ambassadors for lifelong sales skill development.
• Influence the broader sales organization in adopting virtual role plays, AI-driven practice simulations, and other tools designed to strengthen sales capabilities.
• Design reinforcement campaigns and behavior-change loops that extend learning beyond individual training events.
• Develop practical toolkits and templates that help field teams apply learning on the job.
• Support efforts to reduce time-to-productivity through targeted onboarding and development programs.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in learning strategy, sales, performance consulting, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in adult learning principles and behavior-based learning.
• Experience connecting learning initiatives to measurable revenue, productivity, or performance outcomes.
• Experience leading remote and digital learning transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into executable learning experiences.
• Strong facilitation skills, particularly in virtual environments.
• Experience designing and delivering remote and digital learning programs.
• Experience operating effectively within a matrixed enterprise environment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Comfort experimenting with and implementing AI-enabled learning technologies.
• Property & Casualty and Life & Retirement licensure including Series 6, 63, 26, or willingness to obtain required licensure within one year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within financial services, insurance, or another highly regulated sales environment.
• Experience supporting distributed or independent sales organizations.
• Budget ownership and vendor management experience.
• Property & Casualty and Life & Retirement product expertise.

What Will Help You Succeed

The successful candidate will bring an innovative, technology-forward mindset combined with strong execution discipline. You will be comfortable experimenting with new approaches while remaining focused on measurable business outcomes.

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• Innovative, curious, and comfortable challenging traditional approaches to learning
• Highly action-oriented with a willingness to test, learn, and iterate
• Data-informed and results-focused
• An engaging and energetic facilitator
• A strong collaborator who can influence without direct authority
• Passionate about developing people and improving field performance
• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $105,200–$147,950, with an anticipated starting salary of $118,000 , based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.

This position is also eligible for a 15% annual incentive opportunity, subject to the terms and conditions of Horace Mann’s applicable incentive plan.

Horace Mann offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families.

Periodic travel may be required.

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Horace Mann was founded in 1945 by two Springfield, Illinois, teachers who saw a need for quality, affordable auto insurance for teachers. Since then, we’ve broadened our mission to helping all educators protect what they have today and prepare for a successful tomorrow. And with our broadened mission has come corporate growth: We serve more than 4,100 school districts nationwide, we’re publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: HMN) and we have more than $12 billion in assets.

We’re motivated by the fact that educators take care of our children’s future, and we believe they deserve someone to look after theirs. We help educators identify their financial goals and develop plans to achieve them. This includes insurance to protect what they have today and financial products to help them prepare for their future. Our tailored offerings include special rates and benefits for educators.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status

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