Sr. Learning & Development Specialist

General Summary

The Sr. Learning & Development Specialist serves as a strategic partner in designing, developing, and delivering comprehensive learning solutions that drive organizational performance and employee growth. This role integrates instructional design expertise, adult learning science, change management principles, consulting capabilities, and use of AI enabled tools to identify training needs, create engaging learning experiences across multiple modalities, and measure the impact of development initiatives.

Position Duties & Functions

Instructional Design, Content Development, and Delivery

• Leads end-to-end design and development of interactive learning experiences, programs, and curriculum that support and drive Credit Union organizational strategy forward.
• Selects appropriate instructional methods to maximize skill development such as e-learning courses, micro learnings, webinars, job aids, quick reference guides, meeting-in-a-box, simulation exercises, role play, and blended learning solutions.
• Analyzes complex content and structure into sequenced, digestible modules, ensuring clarity, relevance, and learner motivation.
• Develops course content using traditional authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline/Rise and proactively identifies new tools to enhance content design and delivery.
• Applies adult learning theory, learning science principles (ADDIE/SAM), and accessibility standards to ensure effective and inclusive training design.
• Creates detailed storyboards, scripts, and design documents to support multimedia development and ensure high-quality execution.
• Designs and facilitates high-impact workshops, virtual and hybrid learning sessions, and Train-the-Trainer programs as appropriate.
• Designs formative and summative assessments, including quizzes and knowledge-checks to validate learning objectives are achieved.
• Designs reinforcement strategies and post-learning adoption plans to ensure sustained behavior change and measurable performance impact.
• Establishes measurable success criteria in partnership with stakeholders and evaluates impact through behavioral indicators, performance metrics, and business outcomes.
• Uses AI-powered and emerging learning technology to streamline content development and enhance learner engagement and operational efficiency while maintaining quality standards.

Needs Assessment & Consulting

• Conducts needs assessments and requirements gathering sessions through surveys, interviews, focus groups, performance data analysis, and stakeholder consultations to identify performance gaps and training requirements.
• Leads stakeholder engagement and applies structured change management principles to build alignment, secure leadership buy-in, and drive sustainable adoption of learning initiatives.
• Determines when performance challenges require non-training interventions and provides strategic recommendations accordingly.
• Collaborates closely with leaders, SMEs, and cross-functional teams to translate complex content into clear, effective learning solutions.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously, including timelines, scope, version control, and stakeholder expectations.
• Conducts learning gap analyses and reviews learner feedback, post-course surveys, and training data to continuously improve content quality and effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement

• Stays current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and ATD/SHRM best practices to continuously enhance L&D capabilities.
• Recommends and implements new techniques, technologies, and approaches to improve and expand training offerings.
• Contributes to strengthening internal L&OD capability by refining design standards, improving templates and frameworks, and introducing scalable practices that elevate instructional quality across the function.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, EDUCATION

• 5+ years’ experience developing and delivering training solutions in multiple formats.
• Proven track record of leading complex training initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Experience consulting with senior leadership and managing cross-functional projects.
• Degree in education, instructional design, human resources, or another related field is desirable.
• Other preferred certifications: ATD Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) or Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), ATD Instructional Design Certificate or Master Instructional Designer designation, E-Learning or Instructional Design certifications from accredited programs.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for stated qualifications.

KNOWLEDGE And SKILLS

• Expertise in e-learning authoring tools (Articulate Storyline/Rise or similar).
• Proficiency with video editing tools, graphic design software, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) administration and optimization.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Knowledge of performance management systems and talent development platforms.
• Extensive knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design models (ADDIE/SAM), and learning science principles.
• Ability to analyze training needs, interpret data, and translate findings into actionable learning solutions.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on projects to ensure efficiency.
• Demonstrated AI fluency with the ability to apply AI tools strategically, critically evaluate outputs, and educate others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to write clear, engaging training content.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills; ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Experience with Zoom and producing virtual and hybrid learning experiences.
• Consulting mindset with ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Creative problem-solving and innovative thinking in designing learning experiences.
• Data literacy with ability to measure, analyze, and report on learning effectiveness.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to change; ability to quickly learn specialized applications and systems.
• Operates with a high degree of ownership and accountability, independently leading complex initiatives from concept through evaluation.
• Builds trust and credibility across all organizational levels.
• Sound problem-solving and decision-making ability, including the ability to prioritize.
• Ability to understand and align with our core competencies through daily projects and tasks: Growth Mindset, Diversity & Inclusion, Communication, Change Ready Leadership, Responsibility, Problem Solving, Tech & Data Savvy, CU Business Acumen.

Key skills/competency

• Instructional Design
• Content Development
• Learning Solutions
• Needs Assessment
• Project Management
• Change Management
• Adult Learning Theory
• Program Facilitation
• E-learning
• Performance Measurement