Learning and Development Specialist

Learning and Development Specialist

American Student Assistance™ (ASA) is a national nonprofit that is changing the way kids learn about careers and prepare for their futures through access to career-readiness information and experiences. ASA fulfills its mission through free digital‑first direct experiences, philanthropy, advocacy, thought leadership, groundbreaking research, and impact investing. We believe that exploring career possibilities, as early as middle school, and providing access to education‑to‑career pathways aligned with one’s passions and goals will result in greater confidence and long‑term success for all students.

We are looking for a Learning and Development Specialist. This role will play a pivotal role in advancing ASA’s mission by equipping employees with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive. In this highly collaborative role, you’ll assess learning needs, design engaging programs, and help drive a culture of continuous growth and professional development across the organization. You’ll have the opportunity to shape ASA’s learning strategy—from onboarding and leadership development to DEI learning and technical skill‑building—ensuring every team member has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.

• Learning Strategy & Needs Assessment
  Partner with the VP, People & Culture to develop and execute ASA’s learning and development strategy. Conduct organizational needs assessments to identify skill gaps and learning priorities aligned with business goals. Create an annual learning roadmap that supports talent development, engagement, and retention. Stay informed on industry trends and best practices in workplace learning and organizational development.
• Program Design & Implementation
  Design and deliver high‑impact learning programs that span the employee lifecycle—leadership development, onboarding, DEI learning, and upskilling initiatives. Develop blended learning solutions using instructor‑led, virtual, and self‑paced modalities. Manage ASA’s Learning Management System (LMS) ensuring effective content management and reporting. Collaborate with internal subject matter experts and external vendors to deliver high‑quality learning content. Curate external learning resources (Linked In Learning, webinars, conferences) to enhance internal programs.
• Facilitation & Employee Engagement
  Create engaging training materials, job aids, and performance support tools grounded in adult learning principles. Facilitate live and virtual workshops, lunch‑and‑learns, and team development sessions. Coach and support managers in conducting effective performance and career development conversations. Champion a culture of learning by promoting available resources and encouraging continuous skill growth.
• Measurement & Continuous Improvement
  Define success metrics and dashboards to measure program effectiveness and impact. Analyze learner feedback and performance data to refine programs and demonstrate ROI. Present insights and recommendations to the VP, People & Culture and senior leadership.
• Organizational Development Support
  Support initiatives related to career pathing, competency modeling, and succession planning. Develop tools and resources to strengthen performance management processes. Contribute to ASA’s commitment to learning, inclusion, and engagement through communication and collaboration initiatives.

• 8–10 years of experience in learning and development, instructional design, or organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated success designing and facilitating learning programs for hybrid or remote work forces.
• Proficient with Learning Management Systems and digital learning tools (Articulate, Rise, Canva, Linked In Learning, etc.).
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Deep understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design, and behavior change strategies.
• Collaborative and mission‑driven, with a passion for supporting others’ growth.

• Professional certification (ATD CPLP, CPTD, SHRM‑CP, or PHR).
• Experience in nonprofit, education, or mission‑driven…