Director, Learning and Development

Overview

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary

The National Audubon Society is seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Director, Learning and Development who will be responsible for managing and supporting the assessment of organizational needs and the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that facilitate the professional development and continuous learning of Audubon staff across the organization. In addition, the Director, Learning and Development will lead the implementation of extended onboarding, collaborate on workforce planning initiatives, and the creation of the employee value proposition. By leveraging internal and external resources, the Director will be instrumental in creating a leadership development program which will tie to a robust performance evaluation process and contribute to the strategic planning initiatives at Audubon.

As a member of the HR team, the Director, Learning and Development will work across the full spectrum of the Audubon network to implement and reinforce the structures and policies necessary to improve the overall employee life cycle experience and contribute to the employee life cycle. The Director, Learning and Development will ensure all Audubon staff have the tools and resources needed to perform their roles productively and efficiently, including equal access to learning, training, and advancement opportunities.

This is a hybrid position. Candidates can work from one of our office locations in New York, NY, Washington, DC, or Oakland, CA with preference for Washington, DC.

Compensation

• Washington, DC Metro: $130,000 to $140,000/year.
• NYC Metro, Oakland/San Francisco: $135,000 to $145,000/year.

Essential Functions

• Design and implement training program in partnership with key stakeholders to support organizational goals and priorities.
• Research and refer to trainings/learning modules embedded in the HR system, including making specific recommendations for teams & individuals.
• Design, develop and deliver specific training modules – in particular for professional skills as needed.
• Liaise with external vendors to enhance the learning curriculum – determining offerings and methods of delivery.
• Create library of training resources for teams and individuals to support learning and development
• Plan the deployment of annual rollouts and manage all mandatory HR trainings for all staff and new hires, including sexual harassment and other compliance-designated training.
• Develop HCM learning management system as a learning platform for Audubon; coordinate program area training leads in its use, making existing courses/videos, and webinars accessible; work with other members of the HR team in developing curriculum; track and analyze usage through vigorous reporting.
• Through regular check-ins and the annual performance evaluation cycle, collaborate with other members of the HR team to uncover skills gaps and create short- and long-term solutions to address the gaps.
• Act as a representative of the HR team to ensure staff understands opportunities available within the organization for professional advancement.
• Assist in the development of standard reporting and dashboards for managers and other stakeholders, providing regular reporting to managers and staff on professional development progress.
• Develop strong relationships across HR in supporting client groups and meeting their training needs for organizational effectiveness.
• Serve as expert advisor in learning and development strategies, creating innovative solutions and recommending best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant HR work experience is required including experience in the design, development and oversight of learning, professional development, and mentoring of adult learners.
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Organizational Management, Organizational Development, or related area highly preferred.
• Experience in organizational development, concepts, and practices
• Experience in change management and the ability to effectively implement programs.
• Ability to be both strategic and execution focused.
• Experience in learning and development at all levels and across multiple competencies from vision to full execution.
• Strong understanding of human behavior, business management, operations, and strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships across stakeholder groups with an array of needs, including the ability to actively listen and offer proactive and practical solutions to employee concerns.
• Strong leadership, exceptional judgment, and influencing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills (written and oral); ability to explain HR policies, processes, and practices in a clear and concise manner.
• Keen interest in working with staff and members to ensure a workplace that celebrates equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability and comfort working in multi-cultural and diverse environments.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.