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:

• 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
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into accessible, engaging content
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent training initiatives
• Collaborative self-starter—ability to work well in a small team environment while also managing workload autonomously
• Adaptability—able to pivot between topics, audiences, delivery modes (virtual vs. in-person)
• Strong customer service orientation and a collaborative, consultative approach with departments and leadership
• Cultural competence and ability to design inclusive training for a diverse university community

Job Summary:

Determines training needs, develops instructional programs to meet management and employee requirements, and conducts studies to determine program effectiveness. Coordinates and conducts courses and seminars and compiles training manuals and other aids.

Essential Functions:

• Deliver Organization Development (OD) workshops as appropriate in topics such as Customer Service, Performance Management, and Supervisor Skills.
• Deliver weekly Faculty Staff and Development (FSDP) workshops related to professional and personal skill development.
• Recognize and accommodate various learning styles while creating energizing learning experiences that meet the needs of the targeted audience.
• Work with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to proactively identify and analyze workforce learning and development needs.
• Determine and state learning objectives and create content that matches the objectives for both online and classroom environments, depending on need.
• Update existing programming content to meet specific client needs and reflect current trends.
• Create or assist in the creation of supporting material/media (audio, video, simulations, role plays, games, etc.)
• Ability to develop and measure learning outcomes. Also, decide on the criteria used to judge learners' performance and develop assessment instruments.
• Maintain project documentation. Cultivate and maintain relationships with stakeholders (subject matter experts, technical professionals, communication professionals, faculty, etc.)

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in a higher education, nonprofit, or large complex organizational setting
• Experience training on a variety of workplace topics, such as professional communication, time management, difficult conversations, supervisor skills, performance management, etc.
• 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
• Experience working with a diverse population of staff and faculty stakeholders

Preferred Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Proficiency with 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
• Basic data/reporting skills to track training metrics, completion rates, and evaluation feedback

Physical Effort:

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.