Learning & Development Specialist - Chicago, IL

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Discover a rewarding career where you can find both personal and professional fulfillment while aligning your values with your work. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. We pride ourselves on being an organization that values you and strives to be an employer of choice, fostering a vibrant culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth. Your voice matters here; we actively listen to and value our employees' thoughts, allowing you to be part of organizational decisions. Join Gateway Foundation today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Job Summary:

The Learning & Development Specialist designs, implements, and evaluates organization-wide learning initiatives with a strong foundation in adult learning theory, instructional strategy, and workforce development systems. This role is responsible for executing the strategic goals of the Center for Learning by directing learning initiatives, coordinating resources, and ensuring projects are delivered effectively, consistently, and in alignment with organizational priorities.

The position partners closely with organizational leaders and subject matter experts to ensure training programs are learner-centered, evidence-informed, and aligned with regulatory requirements, organizational priorities, and safety standards.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and deliver learning programs that enhance employee knowledge, skills, and job performance using adult learning principles and instructional design best practices.
• Execute strategic goals and initiatives of the Center for Learning by providing direction, timelines, and accountability to internal stakeholders and facilitators.
• Partner with organizational leaders and subject matter experts to define learning objectives and align training initiatives with clinical, operational, regulatory, and workforce development needs.
• Ensure all training content reflects adult learning principles, cultural responsiveness, accessibility standards, and practical application while remaining compliant with healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, organizational policies, and safety protocols.
• Conduct learning needs assessments through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and data analysis to identify skill gaps and performance challenges.
• Analyze data from audits, compliance findings, incident trends, performance metrics, and stakeholder feedback to establish learning priorities.
• Maintain accurate records of training activities, participation, and engagement; prepare reports and analyses for leadership to assess effectiveness and identify trends.
• Design and maintain learner-centered training experiences using in-person, virtual, and e-learning modalities for internal staff and external customers.
• Develop and implement standardized learning pathways that support role-based competency development, career progression, and organizational capacity building.
• Monitor and ensure completion, quality, and effectiveness of mandatory training related to ethics, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor, coach, and support internal trainers and subject matter experts to strengthen facilitation skills and build sustainable internal training capacity.
• Support budget planning and resource management in collaboration with the Director, identifying cost-effective strategies while maintaining instructional quality.
• Continuously evaluate and improve learning programs to ensure relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with evolving organizational needs and best practices.

Requirements:

• Postsecondary education required; Bachelor's degree in education, training, organizational development, or a related field preferred.
  (An Associate's degree combined with relevant training and professional experience may be considered.)
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in training facilitation, education, learning and development, or workforce development.
• Certification in training, instructional design, facilitation, or related professional credentials preferred.
• Experience in behavioral healthcare and familiarity with behavior-based program protocols strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning platforms, and digital communication tools.
• Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop engaging learning materials.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical skills to assess learning effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk and move about for up to two hours at a time to support or facilitate training.
• Ability to travel to community and correctional program sites as needed.
• Ability to review, proofread, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups.

Work Environment:

This position works primarily in an office setting with occasional visits to organizational program sites, including correctional environments. Established security precautions and procedures must be followed to ensure safety.

Compensation (based on prior relevant experience and credentials):

• Range is $90,000 annually
• Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and time off:

• 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.