Director, Learning and Development

Easterseals Southern California•Irvine, CA

1d•$145,000 - $165,000

About The Position

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. Are you ready to shape the future of talent at ESSC? Join us as the Director of Learning and Development, where you’ll help lead our comprehensive learning strategy, develop high-impact leaders, and empower our workforce to excel. You’ll help develop and oversee cutting-edge training programs, performance management, and digital learning platforms—ensuring our teams have the skills and knowledge to thrive today and tomorrow. The Director of Learning and Development (L&D) is responsible for designing, leading, and supporting the execution of the organization’s overall learning strategy to build workforce capability, support leadership development, and drive business performance. This role oversees all training initiatives, professional and leadership development, performance management, instructional design and learning technologies to ensure employees have the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to achieve current and future organizational goals. In all responsibilities, the position demonstrates a strong commitment to ESSC’s mission and values by supporting a high‑quality, person‑centered service environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
10+ years of progressive experience in learning and development, talent development, or organizational development.
5+ years of people leadership experience.
Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
Expertise in adult learning theory, instructional design, and leadership development.
Experience with learning technologies and digital transformation.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead change and influence at the executive level.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
Ability to analyze learning outcomes, program effectiveness and performance data to drive continuous improvement.
Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals of Southern California and/or program requirements.
Ability to maintain a driving record in compliance with Transportation Safety Standards; maintain auto insurance and vehicle registration.
Ability to travel to different program locations.
Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.

Responsibilities

Designs and implements a comprehensive learning and development strategy aligned with organizational objectives.
Partners with leadership to identify critical capability gaps and future skill needs.
Partners the VP of Talent and Development to establish learning priorities, budgets, and success metrics.
Oversees the design and delivery of professional and leadership development, compliance training, and technical skills training programs.
Supports in the design and delivery of onboarding and up boarding programs.
Ensures learning solutions incorporate best practices in adult learning, instructional design, and blended learning methods (in-person, virtual, and e-learning).
Focuses on continuous improvement of programs based on data, feedback, and business outcomes.
Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the organization’s performance management framework.
Ensures performance management process reinforces accountability, goal alignment, feedback, and associate development.
Empowers managers through training and tools to conduct effective goal setting, coaching, check-ins, and performance conversations
Uses performance data and other feedback to inform learning priorities, and leadership development.
Designs and manages leadership development programs for all levels, from emerging leaders to executives.
Partners with VP of Talent and Development in leading professional development programs to support career pathing and internal mobility through targeted development programs.
Designs and leads coaching and mentorship programs to support both leader and associate growth and development.
Oversees the learning management system (LMS) and digital learning platforms.
Evaluates and implement new learning technologies and tools to enhance scalability and learner experience.
Promotes a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
Leads, coaches, and develops a high‑performing team.
Manages vendor relationships and external learning partners.
Ensures compliance with regulatory and organizational training requirements.
Performs other duties as assigned.