Sr. Training and Development Specialist

The Training and Development Specialist demonstrates extensive knowledge in implementing and conducting training and development programs for employees. This role involves developing engaging training content that align with the organization’s goals, representing the organizations mission and values, and leveraging advanced instructional design techniques and technologies. This role requires an individual with excellent communication skills, great people skills, and a high attention to detail. The ideal candidate will have a general understanding of HR practices, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other HR professionals and University leadership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute comprehensive training modules that align with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives, represent the organizations mission, vision and values in all public speaking engagements.
• Incorporate advanced instructional design techniques and utilize a blend of Canva, Canvas, Articulate and other digital platforms.
• Research, designs, and creates high-quality instructional content for training and development programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and best practices.
• Develops and Designs survey data using Qualtrics for training and development needs, conduct in-depth evaluations of training programs and initiatives to assess their effectiveness, impact, and alignment with organizational goals, present data in a digestible format.
• Leverage advanced learning technologies and tools to enhance training delivery and tracking, stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in learning and development to introduce innovative solutions.
• Facilitate high level, engaging, interactive, virtual and in-person training sessions for employees across the organization, adapt training methods to meet diverse learning styles and organizational needs.
• Maintain an innovative and adaptable attitude, with a commitment to continuous learning and development.
• Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
• Aligns with training and developments strategic plan of implementing a biblical worldview to university training.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission and values.
• All other duties assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not require supervision of other employees.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• 5-7 years of related experience
• A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Industrial / Organizational Psychology, Learning Technologies, or a related field
• Master’s degree in human resources, educational technologies, information services or related field preferred
• Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) or other relevant certifications in instructional design, e-learning, or training technologies are preferred
• Certifications in specific digital tools and platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Articulate, Canvas, Canva) preferred
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) preferred but not required
• Proven experience in instructional design and development, with a strong focus on utilizing advanced digital platforms (e.g., Canva, Canvas, Articulate) to create interactive and engaging training content.
• Proven experience facilitating both virtual and in-person training sessions, including experience adapting content and delivery methods to meet diverse learning styles and needs.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite with focus on Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience using Qualtrics or similar tools to develop and design surveys, collect data, and conduct comprehensive evaluations of training programs. Ability to analyze and present data in a clear, digestible format to demonstrate program impact and effectiveness.
• Experience managing training projects from conception to execution, including coordinating with stakeholders, managing timelines, and delivering results aligned with strategic goals.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

• Ability to create engaging, learner-centered training content using advanced instructional design techniques and digital tools such as Canva, Canvas, and Articulate.
• High level of proficiency in using various learning technologies, including e-learning platforms, learning management systems (LMS), virtual training tools, and survey tools like Qualtrics, to enhance training delivery and evaluation.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with trainers, instructional designers, HR professionals, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Commitment to staying current with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in training and development, with an innovative mindset for introducing new learning solutions.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
• Ability to adapt training methods and technologies to meet the diverse needs of learners and organizational goals, while remaining flexible in a dynamic environment.
• A proactive approach to meeting the training needs of faculty, staff, and other internal stakeholders, with a focus on delivering high-quality service.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• May be required to travel local and campus locations
• May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate. Working environment may include facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.

Driving Requirements

If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position.