Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford · 2 days ago
Manager of Learning Systems and ELS Employee Development
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$71K/yr - $89K/yr
5+ years expEasterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford is committed to transforming the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational support. The Manager of Learning Systems and Employee Development is responsible for designing and implementing a professional development system that supports the growth of employees across the Early Learning Services team, ensuring access to engaging learning experiences aligned with agency goals.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Lead the overall design, execution, and continuous improvement of the Early Learning Services (ELS) professional development strategy, ensuring all staff have access to impactful, equity-driven, and engaging learning opportunities
Develop, implement, and manage systems that track staff participation in all training activities, credentialing requirements (e.g., Gateways, CPR, Mandated Reporter), and professional development milestones across ELS
Manage and maintain the Learning Management System (LMS), including course design, user access, data analytics, compliance reporting, and content updates
Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge on national trends, best practices, and innovations in adult learning, instructional design, and professional development delivery
Develop and maintain centralized systems to monitor ongoing Early Learning Services professional development data, analyze trends, and make recommendations to improve training outcomes and workforce growth
Maintain individualized development plans in collaboration with supervisors, supporting career progression, goal setting, and skill tracking
Lead the identification, recruitment, onboarding, and management of external trainers, speakers, and consultants who reflect the agency’s mission and bring fresh, culturally responsive perspectives to adult learning
Provide direct training and coaching to supervisors and staff on topics such as adult learning principles, goal setting, and implementation of development plans
Coordinate the development and delivery of all new staff orientation, annual in-service training days, required certifications, and ongoing education for all ELS roles, including teachers, family support staff, administrators, and leadership
Plan and deliver engaging in-person training events and conferences, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive learning environment aligned with adult learning theory and staff feedback, while managing all related logistics including securing locations, coordinating daily operations, arranging food, and communicating schedules
Create and maintain a robust professional development calendar that outlines required and optional trainings, ensuring compliance with Head Start, DCFS, and agency expectations
Build internal training capacity through observation, coaching, and training for ELS staff who provide professional development to others
Partner with leadership to assess training needs through feedback loops, performance data, staff surveys, self-assessments, and regulatory compliance outcomes
Ensure ongoing compliance with HR credentialing requirements and professional standards; maintain documentation and reporting systems to support audits, grant compliance, and licensing
Manage the professional development budget, including oversight of expenditures, contract negotiations, and ensuring high-quality training experiences that align with available resources
Collaborate with managers, site directors, and ECR Human Resource team, to identify team training needs and align learning goals with programmatic outcomes and employee success
Coordinate monthly reporting on training compliance, credential completion, and overall professional development engagement to ELS directors and funders
Participate in the annual Head Start Self-Assessment process, analyzing training-related progress toward goals and identifying opportunities for improvement
Lead the development and delivery of hybrid learning solutions, including e-learning modules, coaching, mentorship programs, and interactive in-person sessions
Provide support for performance improvement planning and career development for individual staff members, in collaboration with HR and supervisors
Ensure that all professional learning experiences uphold the organization’s commitment to equity, inclusion, trauma-informed practices, and cultural responsiveness
Travel to Easterseals locations and partner sites as needed to deliver training and support implementation
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in education, adult learning, instructional design, organizational leadership, or related field required
Minimum 5–7 years of experience in leading professional development and adult learning systems, preferably within a nonprofit, education, or early childhood setting
Demonstrated expertise in adult learning theory, instructional design, learning management systems, and professional development planning
Experience developing and managing large-scale training initiatives and events, including sourcing and managing external consultants
Strong understanding of credentialing systems, compliance tracking, and data reporting
Proven ability to supervise staff and build internal capacity through coaching and development
Excellent project management, communication, and facilitation skills
Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive learning
Demonstrates deep knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design, and training best practices, with the ability to implement and evaluate effective professional development experiences
Effectively delivers dynamic in-person and virtual trainings, workshops, and presentations to a variety of audiences
Applies appropriate training methods and learning formats, including e-learning, blended learning, coaching, and mentoring
Manages and optimizes Learning Management Systems (LMS), including uploading content, tracking completion, and generating reports
Analyzes professional development data, interprets trends, and uses insights to drive improvements in learning systems and staff growth
Conceptualizes, plans, and implements large-scale learning initiatives while aligning systems and structures to support long-term goals
Leads complex projects from conception to completion while maintaining alignment with timelines, deliverables, and organizational priorities
Builds strong, trusting relationships with staff at all levels and collaborates effectively across departments and external partnerships
Communicates clearly and effectively in writing and speech, including training materials, reports, and presentations
Coaches and supports internal trainers and supervisors to strengthen facilitation skills and apply adult learning principles
Uses creativity, reasoning, and logic to develop innovative solutions to challenges related to learning, compliance, and professional growth
Technologically adept – comfort, familiarity, and proficiently and uses variety of computer applications. Intermediate-level knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Excel, and Canva. Ability to use internet browsers and video conferencing
Designs and delivers training that is culturally responsive and inclusive, with a commitment to equity, access, and belonging
Evaluates training effectiveness, identifies gaps, and implements improvements to increase engagement and impact
Maintains systems for monitoring staff training compliance and credentialing requirements, ensuring accuracy and accountability
Influences and leads change across teams and leadership levels by building consensus and aligning efforts
Provides responsive support to program staff and leaders and actively works to enhance the overall professional development experience
Ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to perform all job functions, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently
Preferred
Certification in Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
Company
Easterseals serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford
We are one of the largest Easterseals affiliates, transforming the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through educational, family, and community services.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Sara Ray Stoelinga, PhD
President & CEO
Sarah Boburka
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase