Director of Learning and Development

Job Details: Job Location: College Point, NY 11356, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 Salary/year, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Human Resources, Position Summary

The Director of Learning & Professional Development will lead the design and execution of a robust learning strategy for the workforce, ensuring alignment with OPWDD regulatory requirements. This role will drive culture, capability, and compliance across all programs. A signature priority for this role is building and launching “AABR University” — an advanced, in-house learning and development institute dedicated to leadership development and DSP career growth — and rolling it out agency-wide.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Workforce Development

• Develop and implement a multi-year learning & development strategy aligned with organizational mission and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, growth, coaching, and accountability.
• Identify workforce skill gaps and implement targeted learning interventions.
• Lead talent-pipeline initiatives to strengthen internal leadership capacity.
• Conceive, build, and roll out “AABR University,” a flagship internal learning institute focused on leadership development and DSP career pathways, from initial design through agency-wide launch.

Learning Design, Implementation & Evaluation

• Oversee/implement the creation, delivery, and evaluation of training curricula tailored to New York IDD services. Able to provide hands‑on training of CPR/First-Aid, SCIP (Strategies for Crisis Intervention & Prevention), Choking Prevention Strategies, and other OPWDD/Agency required training as needed.
• Ensure mastery‑based, evidence‑based, and adult-learning aligned training for DSPs, supervisors, leaders.
• Apply working knowledge of OPWDD’s Core Competencies curriculum to align internal training design, sequencing, and assessment with statewide DSP competency expectations.
• Ensure blended learning (in‑person, virtual, e‑learning) that meets diverse learning needs.
• Use metrics and analytics to evaluate outcomes and provide executive reporting.

Advanced Adult Learning & Instructional Science Expertise

• Mastery of andragogy, self‑directed learning, and competency‑based development.
• Application of transformative learning theory to support reflective practice and mindset shifts.
• Expertise in experiential and situated learning, including scenario‑based instruction.
• Application of cognitive load theory and evidence‑based instructional design.
• Knowledge of behavioral learning science and performance improvement frameworks.
• Proficiency in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessible instructional design.
• Skilled use of learning analytics, assessments, and data‑driven program evaluation.
• Experience leveraging modern L&D technologies, microlearning, and virtual learning environments.

Compliance, Systems & Quality Assurance

• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of OPWDD regulations and guidance.
• Oversee LMS operations, data integrity, and audit‑readiness.
• Ensure training records meet DSP and supervisory certification requirements.
• Collaborate with HR, QA, and Program Leadership to align training with performance and compliance.

Team Leadership & Budget Oversight

• Lead and develop the Learning & Development Manager/Department.
• Maintain budgetary considerations, vendor contracts, and external training partnerships.
• Serve as internal consultant to programs on workforce capability development.

Qualifications: Required

• Bachelor’s degree in education, HR, organizational development, social services, or related field. Certifications (CPLP, ATD, SHRM CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR)
• Minimum of 7 years of L&D experience, including curriculum design and program oversight.
• Advanced knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design, learning technology.
• Demonstrated experience designing and rolling out an advanced Learning & Development program — such as a corporate university, leadership academy, or similar structured institute — from concept through agency‑wide implementation.
• Working knowledge of or direct experience with OPWDD’s Core Competencies curriculum framework, or comparable IDD‑sector, competency‑based training experience.
• Experience in regulated environments (healthcare, IDD, human services).
• Strong leadership, communication, and data‑driven decision‑making skills.
• Commitment to person‑centered and mission‑driven services.

Preferred

• Master’s degree with QIDP certification.