Director of Learning and Professional Development

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.

• Direct experience with NYS IDD services and OPWDD framework.

• Experience leading leadership-development or pipeline programs, ideally including prior success building a “corporate university” style institute or center of excellence.

Certified instructor in CPR/First Aid, SCIP-Strategies for Crisis Intervention & Prevention & PROMOTE, and Choking Prevention

Key Competencies

• Strategic mindset and change leadership.

• Coaching and facilitation excellence.

• Strong partnership and influencing skills.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.

• Continuous improvement and innovation in learning.

Working Conditions

• Office-based with visits to program sites as needed.

• Occasional evenings/weekends for training.

• Travel within the five boroughs required.