Invitation to Compete #39-21: Learning and Development Manager
 
Central Library - Human Resources Division
Regular, FLSA-exempt, full-time (40 hours per week) position
Salary: $38.73 - $47.08 per hour
 
This position is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Candidates are asked to submit an application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2021.
  
Overview
The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive.
 
The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.
 
Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement. We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity and growth mindset. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.
 
We foster an internal culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning and staff development. A key priority for the Library is participation in the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing Library staff and the public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to our programs and services.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Learning and Development Manager position.
 
The Seattle Public Library has an exceptional opportunity for a talented and team oriented trainer or educator who is looking to take their talents to the next level. The person in this position will help design and develop the future learning and development of approximately 700 Library employees in 27 locations throughout Seattle. The Learning and Development Manager will consult with the Library’s leadership, managers and employees to develop and/or procure training content and implement the Library’s training program in support of internal staff succession planning, service delivery and programming priorities.
 
Ongoing responsibilities will include developing and promoting training opportunities; identifying and offering learning plans for staff advancement and growth, informing Library managers and staff of specific course offerings and on the status of their individual training records and registration; responding to staff questions regarding training and development policies, procedures, systems and processes; providing day-of-training support to instructors; maintaining training data and tracking staff training; and compiling statistics to monitor progress against training plans.

The Learning and Development Manager reports to and works with the Director of Employee Relations to evaluate and deploy an annual training plan and calendar for the Library system.
 
The successful candidate will demonstrate a genuine commitment to public service, exceptional communication skills, a commitment to equity, race and social justice, interpersonal and consulting skills, and be able to provide exceptional customer service to the Library’s internal and external customers.

Career Ladders and Staff Succession Planning:  In collaboration with the Director of Employee Relations and the Leadership Team, determine current and anticipated skills required to achieve the Library’s strategic plan and service priorities. Participate in the development of the Library’s annual training plan and calendar. Work with standing committees to ensure various training priorities and initiatives are moving forward and funding is established for new services. Work with the Joint Labor-Management Committee to assist with training services and new training programs for staff. Monitor and track staff development with an equity focus to establish career ladders, ensure equitable access and career opportunities through training programs, internships and building technology skills for all Library staff. Establish and identify internal training resources at the staff and city level to leverage training resources.
 
Manage Learning and Development Opportunities: Plan, organize and implement a range of learning and development activities for managers and employees. Develop, organize, conduct and evaluate training programs, training curriculum, course content and materials to direct structured learning experiences. Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or other City of Seattle staff. Create or source interactive, multimedia presentations, monitored simulations and problem-solving scenarios. Support Human Resources staff and managers through goal setting to support the Library’s annual strategic plan via an online performance management system, support of the mentorship program, bystander training, project based learning with interns, and other system-wide learning strategies. Respond to inquiries and provide consultation on learning and development opportunities.
 
Instructional Design:  Implement adult learning theory and instructional design principles in the creation of curriculum for eLearning, in person, facilitated online learning, and blended learning events. Consult with managers and supervisors to proactively identify and assess training needs, and with subject matter experts to develop course content. Present recommendations, including mode of delivery, and implement learning solutions for specialized internal training. Create required training materials and documentation including but not limited to lesson plans, evaluations and reference materials.
 
Training Delivery:  Facilitate training, workshops and deliver presentations as appropriate and/or identify and train employees to deliver training content (train-the-trainer), and provide ongoing coaching and support for these instructors. Provide timely in-person training set-up and responsive follow-up to changes in instructional requirements, scheduling and employee attendance. Conduct training evaluations on sessions and trainers to assess level of skills and content relevance of material against targeted training objectives.
 
Program Evaluation:  Determine outcomes for learning and development programs and craft specific and relevant learning objectives for training courses and appropriate methodology for evaluating outcomes. Conduct program and course evaluations and revise content or develop alternative training methods to achieve learning outcomes, as required.
 
Budget Management and Reporting:  Document and maintain budget tracking with respective departments and overall Library budgeted hours and funds. Oversee the Joint Labor-Management Committee’s training fund expenditures and prepare related reports. Oversee the preparation of the annual training report, including data gathering and analysis. Source third-party vendors to deliver specialized training and manage service contracts.
 
Professional Development:  Stay current on best practices for learning and development, and industry trends for public libraries.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Adult Education, Instructional Design, Human Resource Development, or Organizational Development) or a combination of education, training and/or experience that suggests competency in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position. 

• Prior experience in developing and/or rolling out new training initiatives, such as: learning management systems, performance management systems, e-Learning courses, succession programs, mentorship programs, applicant tracking systems, management or supervisory skills development, or other significant training initiatives.

• At least five (5) years of experience overseeing or managing a learning and development program in a medium sized organization (300+ employees), or the equivalent education and experience. Knowledge of public libraries, nonprofits and their role within a community is required. Experience developing and providing training opportunities for employees in public libraries, museums, foundations or governmental agencies is preferred.

• Knowledge of and experience in applying adult learning theory to program and curriculum development and delivery of course content.

• A minimum of three (3) years conceptualizing, planning, leading and implementing multiple small and large scale programs simultaneously. Use of best practices in applying the principles of project management, including tracking budgets, accomplishing work through others and managing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.

• Proficient in using Cornerstone OnDemand, ADP or other learning management systems.

• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word). Demonstrated competency with storyboarding, intranet content management and document management software, preferably Microsoft SharePoint.

• Must be highly organized and possess critical thinking skills. This includes the ability to plan, organize and prioritize work under pressure. Demonstrated ability to work independently, professionally, and effectively with minimum supervision, and exercise independent judgment and decision-making when appropriate.

• Excellent written and oral cross-cultural communication and presentation skills. Ability to communicate clearly, diplomatically, and in a friendly and positive manner with staff, library patrons, and vendors from diverse cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Knowledge and experience with developing learning content for diverse populations with an equity lens to address positive learning experiences and outcomes.

• A track record of working effectively with teams and making positive contributions that enhance team cohesion. An ability to influence groups and problem solve.

• Experience in developing training and systems related to critical incidents and employee support programs is preferred.

• Experience in budget planning, tracking and reporting.

• Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner.

• A commitment to the Library's mission and principles of intellectual freedom and confidentiality.

 
How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items by 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2021 to be considered for this position.

1. NEOGOV online application
2. A cover letter that describes at least two training initiatives that you developed and/or led.
3. Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.