Learning & Workforce Development Specialist (4425

Find your Career at NIU!

The Center for Governmental Studies works with external clients on projects supporting NIU’s mission. This position is for a project focused on workforce development and the training needed for effective development. This position is hybrid, combining remote work with occasional in-person facilitation or event attendance (primarily in the Chicago Metro area with some events in other parts of the state). Travel will be required based on program needs.

This position is hybrid, combining remote work with occasional in-person facilitation or event attendance (primarily in the Chicago Metro area with some events in other parts of the state). Travel will be required based on program needs.

Position Summary: The position is a professional Learning & Workforce Development Specialist responsible for researching and executing special projects. It involves design, development, and implementation of effective learning and development programs to enhance professional growth and organizational success. The role conducts research on reaching historically under-served and rural populations, researches best practices for Career/Job Fairs, and conducts event evaluations. The role also executes special projects related to programs and functions.

This is a dynamic role bridging instructional responsibilities with project management activities to foster personal and organizational growth.

• Research hard-to-reach program graduates.
• Collaborate with the Career Services team to outreach to hard-to-reach Illinois Works graduates using social media and other technologies to engage them in receiving career and transition services.
• Attend Career/Job Fairs run by Illinois Works grantees and Career Services to conduct research and evaluate the effectiveness of those events.
• Support Career Services with special projects and conduct research on graduates.

• Instructional Design, Research & Development

• Collaborate with stakeholders to research and assess learning needs and identify training objectives.
• Research, design, develop, and implement engaging instructional materials, including e-learning modules, workshops, and blended learning solutions.
• Research the best instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) to create curriculum aligned with organizational goals.
• Leverage technology and tools (including authoring tools like Articulate) to create interactive and innovative learning experiences.
• Conduct research, evaluations, and assessments to measure the effectiveness of training programs and iterate as needed.
• Manage the preparation and technical delivery of live virtual sessions.

• Execution of Special Projects
• Partner with various program teams to research and execute special projects as needed.

• Revenue Generation
• Responsible for working with externally funded projects for positive revenue generation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Proven experience in instructional design, adult learning principles, and curriculum development.
• Demonstrated successful experience as a trainer, presenter and facilitator.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Demonstrated experience with evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience with student/graduate support services.

• Strong knowledge of learning technologies (e.g., LMS platforms, authoring tools like Articulate or Captivate).
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in performance assessment, needs analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and foster growth in individuals and teams.
• Creative problem-solving and innovation in learning design.
• Emotional intelligence and active listening for effective coaching.
• Collaboration and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset for evaluating learning outcomes and ROI.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze data.
• Familiarity with technologies:
  Microsoft Suite;
  Web Ex & Zoom;
  Microsoft Teams & SharePoint;
  Mentimeter & Web Ex Engage; ;
  Google Classroom & Absorb;
  Storyline Suite;
  Survey…