Learning & Workforce Development Specialist (4425

Learning & Workforce Development Specialist

Position Information

Working Position Title
- Learning & Workforce Development Specialist

Classification
- Research Associate

Position Number -

Employee Class
- Staff

Full-Time/Part Time
- Full-Time

FTE - 1.00

Position Status
- Temporary

FLSA
- Exempt

Job code - 1620

SPS
04

Union Representation
- Non-Union

Unit/Department
- Center for Govt Studies

College/Unit
- Public Policy Govt Workforce

Division
- Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv

Location - LH 204

Overview
- The Center for Governmental Studies works with several external clients on various projects supporting NIU's mission. This position posting is for a project focused on workforce development and the training needs required 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.

Position Summary
- The position is a professional Learning & Workforce Development Specialist, responsible for researching and executing special projects. This position is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of effective learning and development programs to enhance professional growth and organizational success. This position conducts research on reaching historically under-served and rural populations. This position will research best practices for Career/Job Fairs and conduct event evaluations.

The position also executes special projects related to programs and functions. This position is a critical and dynamic role that bridges instructional responsibilities with project management activities, fostering personal and organizational growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Career Services Support & Research 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 in order to engage them to receive career and transition services. Attend Career/Job Fairs run by Illinois Works grantees and Career Services in order to conduct research and evaluate the effectiveness of those events.

Support Career Services with special projects & conduct research on graduates. Instructional Design Support & Research 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 e.g. Articulate) to create interactive and innovative learning experiences. Conduct research, evaluations, and assessments to measure the effectiveness of training programs and iterate as needed. Manages the preparation and technical delivery of the live virtual session. 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

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) - 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.

Additional Requirements (SPS) - 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 the following technologies:
Microsoft Suite, Virtual Meeting Software (Web Ex & Zoom), Collaboration Software (Microsoft Teams & SharePoint), Presentation Engagement Software (Mentimeter & Web Ex Engage), Client Management System (), Learning Management System (Google Classroom & Absorb), Virtual Course Development Software (Storyline Suite), Online Survey Platform (Survey Monkey, Google Forms, & Smartsheets), Marketing Automation Platform (Constant Contact), Data Management System (Illinois Works Reporting System [IWRS]), Social…