"Professional Learning Training Specialist, Center-Based"

Professional Learning Training Specialist, Center-Based

Company:
National Louis University

Job Location:

Category:
Other Administrative Positions

Type:
Full-Time

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

What You Will Do:

The Professional Learning Training Specialist provides training and professional learning activities across Professional Learning teams within the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood. This key role within the Institute handles training logistics for various Leadership Academy trainings, both on-site and off-site while providing important support to learners as they engage in professional development activities. The Training Specialist works closely with the Manager of Center-Based Professional Learning and with the Professional Learning team to update, develop, and facilitate new and existing Leadership Academies and professional learning activities.

Essential Responsibilities:

Training Development and Facilitation

• Collaborate with the Manager of Center-Based Professional Learning and other team members to design, develop, and update training materials and curriculum for Leadership Academies.
• Facilitate professional learning sessions, workshops, and training events (both in-person and virtual) as well as serve as coach when applicable
• Ensure content aligns with early childhood education best practices and adult learning principles

Training Logistics and Coordination

• Coordinate logistics for all training events, including scheduling, securing venues (on-site/off-site), materials preparation, shipping, and technology setup.
• Manage communication with participants regarding session details, confirmations, and follow-ups.
• Manage the development and monitoring of registration systems.
• Ensure sessions are well-organized and effectively executed.

Learner Support and Engagement

• Provide ongoing support to training participants before, during, and after professional development sessions
• Assist learners with accessing materials, registration systems, and follow-up resources.
• Collect and respond to learner feedback to improve training experiences.

Collaboration and Team Support

• Work closely with other Professional Learning team members to align training initiatives across the Institute.
• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and cross-functional projects.
• Support internal collaboration to ensure consistency and quality in professional learning experiences.

Data, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Assist in collecting data related to training attendance, required surveys, satisfaction, and outcomes.
• Oversee the appropriate documentation and reporting for attendance, including certificates of attendance, NLU, and Gateways reporting.
• Support the analysis of evaluation results and contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
• Prepare reports or summaries for leadership and stakeholders as needed.

Thought Leadership

• Stay informed on current trends, challenges, and emerging needs within the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce, with a focus on child care center leaders and administrators.
• Represent the Institute through thought leadership, including delivering conference presentations, participating in professional committees or workgroups, and contributing to e-learning resources and published articles developed by the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood (MIEC).

Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:

• Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Adult Learning Theory, or related field, Bachelor's Degree with 10yrs or more experience.
• One or more Gateways Credential preferred.
• Five plus (5+) years experience in Early Childhood Education Settings: Experience working in early childhood education and care (ECEC), preferably in roles such as: Center Director or Administrator, Lead Teacher, Instructional Coach, Quality Improvement Specialist, etc. Deep understanding of the daily realities and challenges faced by ECE center leaders and staff.
• Three plus (3+) years experience Designing and Facilitating Professional Development for Adults: Demonstrated experience planning, developing, and leading training sessions or workshops for adult learners—ideally in the ECE field. Experience using adult learning principles and effective facilitation strategies, both in-person and online.
• Three plus (3+) years program Coordination or Project Management: Hands-on experience coordinating training logistics, managing timelines, and supporting multiple professional learning initiatives. Ability to manage the details of events, materials, scheduling, and follow-up communications.
• One plus (1+) use of Digital Tools in Learning or Training Environments: Proficiency with virtual training platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), learning management systems (LMS), and presentation tools. Ideally, experience in creating or delivering e-learning content or blended/hybrid learning.
• Ability to travel locally, statewide, and or nationally.

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Travel Requirements:

This role is based at the Wheeling campus, with 50% or more local, state, and/or national travel required. The first six months of employment at NLU require 5 days per week on campus, but after this initial period, this is a hybrid role with 2-3 days on campus (based on Manager approval and team needs) and the rest of the work time remote (when not traveling). Substantial travel required. Nights and weekends required on occasion.

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