Assistant Director, Learning & Development

JOB TITLE

Assistant Director, Learning & Development

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Talent Strategies

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Director of Talent, the Assistant Director of Learning & Development advances learning and development programs across WPI and champions a culture of continuous learning for faculty and staff.

The role designs, delivers, and evaluates university-wide initiatives, including learning pathways, leadership and manager development, onboarding curriculum, and professional development opportunities, that strengthen organizational effectiveness and drive individual and institutional performance.

As a trusted advisor and strategic partner to campus leaders and Talent Strategy Partners (TSPs), the Assistant Director brings expertise in facilitation, program design, and data-informed evaluation, and manages the University’s learning management system and related technologies. This work improves employee learning, engagement, retention, and belonging across the WPI community.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Learning Program Design, Delivery & Facilitation:

• Design, develop, and deliver workshops, learning series, cohort-based programs, and learning pathways, in person and online, that support career growth for faculty and staff.
• Partner with senior leaders, TSPs, and academic and administrative leaders to assess learning needs and develop a forward-looking L&D strategy that builds critical skills for current and future needs.
• Facilitate engaging sessions for faculty, staff, managers, and senior leadership; train internal facilitators and subject matter experts as appropriate.
• Stay current on adult learning best practices and AI-enabled learning technologies to evolve program offerings.

Leadership & Manager Development:

• Design and facilitate leadership and manager development programs that strengthen coaching, communication, and supervisory effectiveness, including programs for new supervisors, emerging leaders, and faculty in leadership roles.
• Create tools and resources that support performance management, feedback conversations, and career development.

Talent & Organizational Development:

• Manage a portfolio of talent programs, including succession planning and performance management.
• Partner with Talent & Inclusion (T&I) to develop onboarding curriculum and orientation resources.
• Collaborate with T&I and divisional partners on talent management and retention strategies, including recognition and career development.
• Support organizational development initiatives, including change management and team effectiveness.

Data, Analytics & Program Evaluation:

• Conduct needs assessments and gap analyses to prioritize development opportunities and inform talent strategy.
• Track and report on program effectiveness, participation, and impact; use findings and feedback to improve programs.
• Design, administer, and analyze employee engagement and pulse surveys; translate results into dashboards, executive summaries, and recommendations.

Continuous Learning Culture, Engagement & Inclusion:

• Promote a culture of continuous learning by increasing awareness of and participation in professional and career development opportunities.
• Establish and support communities of practice that encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among faculty and staff.
• Partner with T&I and organizational leaders to embed belonging and equity principles into L&D programming and talent practices.

Learning Technology & Required Learning:

• Administer the University’s learning management system and related technologies, including course administration, governance, and user support.
• Curate content and manage digital learning libraries so employees can easily find resources.
• Coordinate required and compliance training with content owners across the University, including assigning, tracking, and reporting on completion.

Operational & Project Support:

• Coordinate scheduling, logistics, and communication for learning initiatives and events.
• Manage external vendors, facilitators, and consultants, including contracts, invoicing, and performance expectations.
• Maintain program documentation and contribute to process improvements across HR and L&D.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development, Human Resources, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in learning and development, talent or organizational development, training, human resources, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Experience designing, implementing, and facilitating employee development programs.
• Experience with learning management systems or learning technologies (e.g., LinkedIn Learning, Workday, Vector Solutions).
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism in an HR environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Organizational Development, Adult Learning, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Experience supporting leadership development and manager effectiveness programs.
• ATD (CPTD/CPLP), SHRM-CP/SCP, or equivalent certification.
• Experience with AI-enabled learning tools and instructional technologies.
• Background in higher education or a similarly complex institutional environment.
• Familiarity with Workday or other HCM systems and with behavioral/leadership assessment tools.

Salary Grade 8: $71,800– $90,000 per year (depending on experience)

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range. 

Compensation at WPI

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.