AVP Training & Development

Job Summary

The AVP Training & Development (AVP, T&D) is a key strategic leader within the organization, responsible for the shaping, executing, and enhancing all learning/training initiatives and apprenticeship programs that strengthen employee skills, performance, and satisfaction. This role ensures that all training and apprenticeship programs align with industry standards, regulatory, and safety requirements, and organizational business objectives.

The AVP, T&D will partner with senior leaders and key stakeholders across the enterprise to design, deliver, and measure blended learning solutions that directly support business strategy and drive measurable results. This leader must bring a strategic mindset, and the ability to proactively address evolving regulatory requirements, workforce development needs, and organizational priorities.

• Develop and refine the organization’s learning strategy, ensuring they align with our overall business strategy (our Annual Operating Plan and Blueprint Key Actions) and adapts to evolving market conditions and regulatory requirements.
• Provides strategic leadership and direction for the development, implementation, and execution of all our learning, training, and apprenticeship programs, ensuring compliance with all regulated training requirements, including but not limited to 49 CFR Parts 213, 214, 218, 219, 229, 232, 234, 236, 238, 239, 240, 242, 243, 270 and 272.
• Lead and mentors a high-performing team of learning professionals and trainers, fostering an environment of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Works closely with leadership team and union to ensure learning initiatives support organizational needs and employee growth.
• Lead the ongoing internal evaluation of the effectiveness of our training & development programs, making data-driven improvements to align with the needs of the organization and its workforce.
• Ensure all training programs comply with relevant laws, industry standards, and continues to meet or exceed all compliance and regulatory training standards.
• Oversee budget management through direct reports. Assemble annual budget, summarizes, and submits for approval. Monitor project/program reports for adherence to budget, obtains information to explain variances, and provides assistance as necessary to remain within budgetary constraints or request additional funding.
• Monitors emerging trends in learning and development, including training methods and best practices, to assess and recommend appropriate solutions for enhancing our learning and development strategies.
• Devise and implement a business plan to identify subject matter experts in the development, review, evaluation, and revision of technical training programs for compliance with current statutory/regulatory requirements, documented practices technology, operational needs, and other requirements. Forecast needs for instructional standards, methods, and technical approaches and ensures the effective utilization of technical training resources.
• Provides leadership in support of our mission, vision, values, and customer service standards of Amtrak network while delivering learning programs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Learning & Development, Education, Organizational Development, Industrial Psychology, Human Resources, or related field required (or equivalent combination of training, education, and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
• 15 years of total professional experience required, in railroad operations preferred; at least five years of senior-level management experience with responsibility for training, train operations, and budget management preferred.
• Advanced leadership and management skills with proven ability to motivate others; effective writing, presentation, meeting and facilitation skills; interpersonal communication; time management; and conflict resolution and investigation skills.
• Expert knowledge of applicable federal, state and local rules and regulations governing railroad operations, training, and safety.
• Advanced knowledge of compliance requirements for apprenticeship, training grants,…