Director of Learning and Professional Development

Position Summary

The Director of Learning & Professional Development will lead the design and execution of a robust learning strategy for the workforce, ensuring alignment with OPWDD regulatory requirements. This role will drive culture, capability, and compliance across all programs. A signature priority for this role is building and launching “AABR University” — an advanced, in-house learning and development institute dedicated to leadership development and DSP career growth — and rolling it out agency-wide.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Workforce Development

• Develop and implement a multi-year learning & development strategy aligned with organizational mission and regulatory requirements.

• Promote a culture of continuous learning, growth, coaching, and accountability.

• Identify workforce skill gaps and implement targeted learning interventions.

• Lead talent-pipeline initiatives to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Conceive, build, and roll out “AABR University,” a flagship internal learning institute focused on leadership development and DSP career pathways, from initial design through agency-wide launch.

Learning Design, Implementation & Evaluation

• Oversee/implement the creation, delivery, and evaluation of training curricula tailored to New York IDD services. Able to provide hands-on training of CPR/First-Aid, SCIP (Strategies for Crisis Intervention & Prevention), Choking Prevention Strategies, and other OPWDD/Agency required training as needed.

• Ensure mastery-based, evidence-based, and adult-learning aligned training for DSPs, supervisors, leaders.

• Apply working knowledge of OPWDD’s Core Competencies curriculum to align internal training design, sequencing, and assessment with statewide DSP competency expectations.

• Ensure blended learning (in-person, virtual, e-learning) that meets diverse learning needs.

• Use metrics and analytics to evaluate outcomes and provide executive reporting.

Advanced Adult Learning & Instructional Science Expertise

• Mastery of andragogy, self-directed learning, and competency-based development.

• Application of transformative learning theory to support reflective practice and mindset shifts.

• Expertise in experiential and situated learning, including scenario-based instruction.

• Application of cognitive load theory and evidence-based instructional design.

• Knowledge of behavioral learning science and performance improvement frameworks.

• Proficiency in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessible instructional design.

• Skilled use of learning analytics, assessments, and data-driven program evaluation.

• Experience leveraging modern L&D technologies, microlearning, and virtual learning environments.

Compliance, Systems & Quality Assurance

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of OPWDD regulations and guidance.

• Oversee LMS operations, data integrity, and audit-readiness.

• Ensure training records meet DSP and supervisory certification requirements.

• Collaborate with HR, QA, and Program Leadership to align training with performance and compliance.

Team Leadership & Budget Oversight

• Lead and develop the Learning & Development Manager/Department.

• Maintain budgetary considerations, vendor contracts, and external training partnerships.

• Serve as internal consultant to programs on workforce capability development.