Title: Learning & Development Manager
Executive Area: Human Resources
College/School/MBU: Human Resources
Department: Human Resources
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Remote
Job Summary
The Learning and Development Manager provides functional leadership and operational oversight for Learning and Development (L&D) initiatives within the Employee Engagement portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Director of Employee Engagement, the Manager is responsible for translating the University’s learning and development strategy into scalable, high-impact learning programs that build leadership capability and strengthen workforce effectiveness.
The Manager leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of comprehensive learning solutions, manages learning operations and staff, and ensures programs are aligned with institutional priorities and HR transformation goals. This position serves as the subject matter leader for learning strategy execution and delivery across the University.
Key accountabilities include leading L&D strategies, directing organizational needs assessment, overseeing program development and delivery aligned with organizational needs, and ensuring program effectiveness using data and feedback. The position plays a leadership role in the strategic design and delivery of the HR and Leadership Academies, translating policies, procedures, and systems into practical, competency-based learning for HR practitioners and leaders.
Essential Functions
Learning Strategy Creation: Leads the creation of strategic L&D roadmaps to address skill gaps and build capabilities for the future.
Needs Assessment: Directs organizational learning needs analysis with a focus on assessing organizational, team and leadership skill gaps and aligning appropriate development solutions to strengthen capabilities.
Program & Curriculum Design: Designs professional development programs and curated learning experiences for teams and leaders, using a variety of instructional technologies and techniques.
Leadership and HR Capability Development: Leads the operational design, curriculum development, and implementation of the HR and Leadership Academies, ensuring alignment with the strategic direction established by the Senior Director of Employee Engagement.
Team Leadership and Functional Supervision: Provides direct supervision to a senior-level L&D program manager. Establishes work priorities, monitors progress toward goals and ensures high-quality program delivery. Provides project leadership to additional Employee Engagement staff contributing to learning initiatives. Fosters collaboration across the learning and development portfolio to ensure integrated and consistent delivery of development programs.
Training Oversight and Delivery: Oversees and delivers high-quality program delivery for employees and leaders using a variety of delivery methods, including in person and virtual instructor led.
Learning Evaluation and Impact Measurement: Establishes evaluation frameworks and performance metrics to measure the effectiveness and ROI of learning and development programs.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Partnerships: Collaborates closely with subject matter experts and key stakeholders within Human Resources and across the University to deliver high quality, meaningful learning that meets organizational needs.
Leadership Development: Partners with HR and University leadership on the design and implementation of Supervisory and Management Development academies and programs. Supports the design of specialized programs for high-potentials, high-performers, and aspiring leaders.
Learning Technologies: Develops the learning technology strategy inclusive of learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools, AI, and other e-learning platforms, to design, deliver, and manage learning programs.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree.
10+ years of experience in learning and development, training, leadership development, an/or organizational development.
Extensive experience developing learning strategies to support large scale training initiatives or enterprise‑wide rollouts
In-depth experience in leadership, HR and professional skills curriculum development, needs assessment, delivery, and evaluation of learner-centered development.
Experience leading, coaching, and developing a team of L&D professionals.
Extensive experience developing learning technology strategies and knowledge of supporting technologies (e.g., Articulate 365, Canva) to develop online courses and learning content.
Leads the design of HR development programs, including partnering with subject matter experts on the design of HR procedures, policies, procedures, guidelines, and related documentation.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and lead cross-functional partnerships with senior leaders, key stakeholders and SMEs.
Ability to access, handle, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including management of positions related to labor relations and collective bargaining matters.
Experience leading learning program administration and operations, designing and implementing large scale development programs such as leadership academies.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; highly effective presentation and facilitation skills.
Demonstrated experience managing staff and cross-functional initiatives in complex organizations.
Must effectively work in a team-oriented environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in organizational development, training/instructional design, educational leadership, or related field.
Certifications in Human Resources, Training and Development, Talent Management, or Organizational Development.
Certifications in leadership and team development assessments (e.g., DiSC, MBTI, Hogan, 360-degree feedback)
Prior work experience in a unionized environment.
Experience with development coaching and performance consulting preferred.
Ability to leverage new technologies including AI solutions to enhance learning content and program outcomes.
Additional Details
Reports to the Senior Learning and Development Program Manager.
May involve travel within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 5-8 times a year.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday - Friday, Standard business hours.
This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.
Salary Information
Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 31
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Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.