HR Shared Services - Learning & Development Specialist

This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by partneringwith BZC staff, business unit leaders, Subject Matter Experts, and HR staff to facilitate organizational development and increase workforce performance and employee engagement by designing, administering, coordinating, and evaluating high-quality training experiences.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.

1. *  The Learning & Development Specialist applies knowledge of fundamental learning concepts, practices, and methods used in instructional training and design to develop and evaluate e-learning courses and provide support for instructor-led training and blended learning.

2. *  Manages training requests and interfaces with business unit managers and Subject Manager Experts to designs and develop e-learning training and supporting aides and materials appropriate for the audience, content, and learning objectives. This may include custom or canned training programs on various topics and development of appropriate training experiences, including role plays, simulations, team exercises, interactions, group discussions, and lecture, as appropriate.  Consults with the AVP of HR on all training initiatives.

3. *  Assists with managing training projects, working with Subject Manager Experts and/or HR staff to provide support for instructor-led, e-learning or blended learning programs. Interfaces with staff as needed with respect to content needed and subsequent content and course review and testing to develop programs and materials related to the subject that are appropriate for the audience and employee job responsibilities and take into consideration accessibility needs. Assures appropriate collaboration and input from departments.

4. *  Performs training needs assessments with various business units and weaves into annual training plans. Works with the AVP of HR to outline annual training plans. Works with DEI Manager with respect to annual DEAI topics and training. Assists in developing plans for appropriate training and development solutions.

5. *  Organizes learning and training, reviewing and refining e-learning programs to assure content is kept up to date and updates curricula as appropriate. With an emphasis on technology, creates interactive methods to enhance e-learning and measure training effects. Makes recommendations for the best application of technology in designing, delivery and evaluation of training programs. Coordinates with the departments and their liaison to provide effective training options.

6. *  Evaluates the effectiveness of training programs and considers evaluation methods as part of training design. Creates and provides summary reports to inform management of training participation and impact.

7. *  Manages the training budget. Coordinates the purchase or production of instructional materials, supplies, equipment, visual aids, etc., for classes designed to meet the training needs of the Society.

8. *  Delivers/facilitates delivery of new hire orientation on a regular basis and training sessions as requested. Assists with and supports workshops and classes to promote the development of staff and promote their continuous development.

9. *  With AVP of Human Resources and Sr. V.P. of HR, develops marketing and BZC University (“BZSU”)branded materials consistent with BZC overall branding standards and protocols.

10.   Keeps abreast of and remains current on the latest industry technology, tools and trends in e-learning education and instructional media.

11.   Serves as a primary back-up administrator for the Learning Management System. Coordinates and accurately administers the Learning Management System, including initial training program enrollments and registrations, with attention to completion of required training. Handles associated communications and maintains all training records, ensuring both participant and employer compliance and notify Sr. V.P. of HR of non-compliance. Creates and schedules regular reports to notify managers and participants of upcoming training deadlines and/or incomplete training

12.   Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree in business administration, social science, organizational psychology, human resources, or a related field from an accredited college or university or eight years of equivalent experience and/or training. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Three years’ directly relevant, comparable-level experience in corporate training, instructional design.
• Experience designing and developing interactive e-learning courses, including using technology/ software to manipulate training content and media images for learning purposes.
• Solid presentation skills and excellent written communication skills required.
• Requires initiative and ability to identify tasks to be completed and to move forward without prompting.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• English fluency at a working professional level.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience designing e-learning courses using Articulate, Captivate, Camtasia, or similar authoring software desirable.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.

• Proven track record in facilitating group learning or new hire orientations preferred.
• Experience with preparing and managing budgets. Basic mathematic skills desired.
• Knowledge of other class development tools such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, or Premiere a plus.
• Experience with the administration of a Learning Management System (such as Dayforce, Cornerstone, Matrix, Skillsoft, Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, etc.), including reporting.
• Multi-lingual ability and/or Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:  See Physical-Mental Requirements form.

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