Learning and Development Specialist

Learning And Development Specialist

Organization Development (OD) is a department within the Office of Human Resources that serves as a strategic partner with University community clients to help them create and realize their strategic plans, and achieve greater levels of effectiveness and productivity in their organization. The OD consulting team provides comprehensive consultation along with customized products, services, and results-based solutions to assist University colleges, schools and departments to achieve success. This position combines instructional design and learning facilitation. The successful candidate is equally excited by designing engaging learning experiences as they are confidently delivering them.

Core competencies include exceptional facilitation skills with the ability to create engaging, learner-centered experiences that encourage participation, discussion, and knowledge application across in-person, virtual, and hybrid environments. The ability to translate complex or technical information into accessible, engaging content is also essential. Strong project management and organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple concurrent training initiatives, and a collaborative self-starter—ability to work well in a small team environment while also managing workload autonomously are required. Adaptability—able to pivot between topics, audiences, delivery modes (virtual vs. in-person), a strong customer service orientation, and a collaborative, consultative approach with departments and leadership are also important. Cultural competence and the ability to design inclusive training for a diverse university community are necessary.

Essential functions include delivering Organization Development (OD) workshops as appropriate in topics such as Customer Service, Performance Management, and Supervisor Skills. Delivering weekly Faculty Staff and Development (FSDP) workshops related to professional and personal skill development. Recognizing and accommodating various learning styles while creating energizing learning experiences that meet the needs of the targeted audience. Working with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to proactively identify and analyze workforce learning and development needs. Determining and stating learning objectives and creating content that matches the objectives for both online and classroom environments, depending on need. Updating existing programming content to meet specific client needs and reflect current trends. Creating or assisting in the creation of supporting material/media (audio, video, simulations, role plays, games, etc.). Developing and measuring learning outcomes, deciding on the criteria used to judge learners' performance, and developing assessment instruments. Maintaining project documentation. Cultivating and maintaining relationships with stakeholders (subject matter experts, technical professionals, communication professionals, faculty, etc.).

Preferred experience includes experience in a higher education, nonprofit, or large complex organizational setting, experience training on a variety of workplace topics, experience designing learning experiences grounded in adult learning theory and instructional design best practices that align with organizational goals, experience partnering with subject matter experts (SMEs) to build content, and experience working with a diverse population of staff and faculty stakeholders. Preferred technical skills include proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual facilitation platforms (e.g, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), experience with e-learning design tools (e.g., Articulate 360 (Storyline/Rise), familiarity with learning design models (e.g., ADDIE, Bloom's Taxonomy), facility with Microsoft Office/PowerPoint for content creation, and basic data/reporting skills to track training metrics, completion rates, and evaluation feedback.

Physical effort includes the ability to travel between campus locations or other locations in the Pittsburgh area, when applicable, for in-person sessions. Moderate physical effort required. May be required to stand/move for several hours at a time. May be required to move objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of equipment.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran. Assignment Category Full-time regular Job Classification Staff.Organizational Development Specialist II Job Family Human Resources Job Sub-Family Organization Development Campus Pittsburgh Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree Minimum Years of Experience Required 2 Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement. Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification Bachelor's degree in Education, Human Resources, Business, or related field; Master's degree preferred. Relevant certifications (e.g., instructional design, teaching, facilitation, DDI, ATD, CPTD, or related professional credentials) preferred. Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work Arrangement Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department. Hiring Range $55,000-$60,000 Relocation Offered No Visa Sponsorship Provided No Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable Required Documents Resume, Cover Letter Optional Documents Not Applicable