Specialist, L&D Programs

Holland America Group•Miami, FL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Specialist, Learning & Development (Programs) develops and maintains capability-based learning content that supports shipboard teams. The role contributes to the development and upkeep of role-based capability frameworks and assessments and enables their effective use by partnering with shoreside leaders and supporting shipboard teams through practical, crew-ready materials such as presentations, job aids, and instructor and participant guides. The Specialist also supports and contributes to the ongoing maintenance and evolution of learning programs, maintains related knowledge repositories, and applies feedback and evaluation insights to improve learning effectiveness as business and operational needs evolve.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in Human Resources, Education, Learning & Development, Organizational Development, Hospitality Management, Business, or a related field.
Working knowledge of learning and content development practices, including the ability to create clear, engaging presentations, job aids, instructor and participant guides, assessments, and other enablement materials.
Proficiency with content development and collaboration tools, such as Microsoft 365 (PowerPoint, Word, Teams), SharePoint Online, and learning or content authoring tools (e.g., Articulate, Rise, Canva, or similar).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with shoreside leaders, subject matter experts, and shipboard teams across diverse backgrounds and cultures.
2–4 years of relevant experience supporting learning and development, training, content development, or learning programs in an operational or frontline environment.
Demonstrated experience developing practical learning and enablement materials, such as presentations, job aids, instructor and participant guides, assessments, or similar resources.
Experience supporting or enabling learning programs, including updating content and incorporating feedback, operational changes, or evolving requirements.
Experience partnering with stakeholders and subject matter experts to gather input, validate content, and support effective execution.

Nice To Haves

Relevant shipboard experience in learning and development or training environments is strongly preferred and may be considered in lieu of some shoreside experience, where the candidate demonstrates the required content development and collaboration capabilities.
Experience working in regulated or operational environments where learning content must align with defined standards, procedures, or requirements is preferred.

Responsibilities

Capability Framework Development, Maintenance & Enablement: Support the initial development of role-based capability frameworks and assessments, and contribute to their ongoing maintenance, refinement, and enablement once established. Partner with shoreside leaders and subject matter experts to validate expectations, update frameworks and assessments as roles, standards, or business needs evolve, and clarify intended use. Enable effective application of frameworks and assessments by supporting shipboard teams with clear guidance, tools, and practical enablement materials.
Learning Program Development & Enablement: Develop, maintain, and enable learning programs, including the design and development of program-specific content and materials that support consistent understanding and execution across the program lifecycle.
Translate program requirements and operational needs into cohesive, crew-ready materials aligned with defined learning intent and expected outcomes. Support the ongoing evolution of learning programs by incorporating feedback, operational changes, and evaluation insights into program content, structure, and enablement approach.
Content Development and Management: Develop and maintain practical learning and enablement materials, including presentations, job aids, instructor and participant guides, assessments, and supporting digital assets, including ad hoc materials as needed.
Apply practical learning design techniques to ensure materials are clear, engaging, and appropriate for shipboard audiences. Maintain learning content and knowledge repositories, including version control, updates, and retirement of outdated materials, ensuring content remains current, accessible, and aligned with applicable regulatory, safety, and operational requirements.
Stakeholder Partnership & Collaboration: Collaborate with shoreside leaders, subject matter experts, and L&D colleagues to gather input, validate content, and ensure learning solutions align with business needs and operational realities. Support shipboard teams by providing guidance and clarification related to assessments, programs, and learning materials. Communicate clearly and professionally with stakeholders at varying levels of the organization to support alignment, adoption, and effective execution.
Evaluation & Continuous Improvement: Review feedback and evaluation insights related to learning programs and assessments to identify improvement opportunities.
Partner with analytics or reporting resources, as applicable, to understand outcomes and apply insights to content and enablement enhancements. Make practical adjustments to learning and program materials to improve usability, clarity, and effectiveness for shipboard audiences.

Benefits

Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage
401(k) plan that includes a company match
Employee Stock Purchase plan
Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion.
Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year. All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year. Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.
Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement
On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus