Talent Development Specialist (Office of Human Resources) at The Urban Institute in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

Who we are:

At the nonprofit Urban Institute, we believe in the power of evidence to improve lives and strengthen communities.  Our employees are empowered to open minds, shape decisions and offer solutions.  We encourage intellectual honesty, innovation, diversity, and mutual respect, and our analysis elevates the debate, wherever it takes place.

Urban’s greatest asset is our people. We strive to attract and cultivate a vibrant, creative, and diverse community.  Our employees drive Urban’s mission through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, effective communication, results-orientation, and relationship cultivation.  Our success depends on engaging individuals who possess and value these attributes. 

How you’ll contribute:

Urban’s Human Resources Office seeks a talent development specialist, responsible for the administration, management, facilitation, and record-keeping of Urban-wide learning and development programs.

The specialist will report directly to the senior director, talent development and will be responsible for delivering and implementing trainings as well as supporting Urban’s performance management processes. Successful candidates will have demonstrated their ability with training program management and facilitation by working collaboratively, being meticulous, and demonstrating an understanding of organizational needs.

Responsibilities:

• Administer and manage the training course catalog, which includes activities such as liaising with subject matter experts and maintaining and reporting on participant training records; monitoring course completion and documentation for all trainings; and responding to inquiries




• Plan and coordinate training logistics, which includes communicating and liaising with internal stakeholders




• Facilitate or co-facilitate professional development and skill-based trainings, such as timekeeping, soft skills, and onboarding orientations




• Support the capture and collation of the training evaluation data; monitor and report on the effectiveness of trainings across Kirkpatrick Levels 1, 2, and 3




• Identify updates to current training programming based on evaluation data trends and analysis




• Administer and manage the compliance online training portal, which will include monitoring and reporting on participant completion




• Manage day-to-day operations of the learning management system to include troubleshooting with staff and managing course catalog, enrollments, and waitlists




• Assist in revising and creating training content in collaboration with subject matter experts and other team members




• Develop participant materials and job aids to include FAQs, work instructions, and other guidance documents




• Provide coaching and support to training participants




• Maintain all program materials, job aids, and other associated materials in the learning management system




• Support the annual performance management cycle implementation, administration, and management

What you’ll bring:

The successful candidate will possess or demonstrate:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and education in a discipline related to organizational development, training and development, human resource development, human resource management, or adult learning and education




• Two plus years of experience coordinating training programs and multiple training events




• Two plus years of experience delivering and facilitating trainings and orientations




• Knowledge and experience with training delivery; implementation of adult learning theory; and training evaluation and analysis




• Knowledge of HR policies/procedures and best practices




• Ability to work with functional groups, internal stakeholders, and different levels of employees to effectively and professionally achieve results and promote a collaborative and supportive environment




• Ability to communicate with diplomacy, professionalism, and tact; excellent relationship management skills




• Proven ability to consistently manage, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, work assignments, and relationships to execute high-quality work with limited guidance; excellent attention to detail




• Excellent written and oral communication skills




• Proficiency with MS Office applications

Note: as part of the interviewing process, candidates will be asked to demonstrate their facilitation skills.

What you’ll experience:

Working in the Nation’s Capital, the epicenter of public policy among a network of policy experts, you can expect to have an impact on policy areas you care about and work with great colleagues who are smart, mission-driven, and collaborative.  You will blend academic rigor with on-the-ground collaboration, be encouraged and supported to fulfill your potential through meaningful work that matters, and enjoy a welcoming workplace free from harassment, discrimination and intolerance.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage.  Competitive paid time off allowance, and eligibility to participate in a generous retirement savings plan and reimbursable commuting expense program.   

The Urban Institute is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected status under applicable law.

The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.