Manager of Learning Systems and ELS Development

Description

At Easterseals of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we are committed to two – often interconnecting - pillars of work… early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936.

For more information about our organization, please visit us online tersealschicago.org

The Manager of Learning Systems and Employee Development is a visionary leader responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining a high-impact, data-driven professional development system that supports the success and growth of all employees across the Early Learning Services (ELS) team. This leader will oversee all aspects of professional learning and adult development, ensuring that every staff member has access to engaging, relevant, and innovative learning experiences that align with agency goals, staff needs, and compliance requirements.

With a strong understanding of adult learning principles and an eye for innovation, this role will lead Early Learning Services’ professional development efforts—from sourcing dynamic trainers to overseeing large-scale training events, monitoring program learning data, and building internal training capacity. The Manager will also oversee the Learning Management System (LMS), oversight of tracking and monitoring documentation and credentialing requirements, compliance and training documentation.

This role requires a strategic thinker, a strong collaborator, and an experienced facilitator and systems builder who thrives on creating structure, tracking results, and inspiring growth in others.

This position is headquartered at Easterseals Chicago Location at 1939 W 13th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
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• Lead the overall design, execution, and continuous improvement of the Early Learning Services (ELS) professional development strategy, ensuring all staff have access to impactful, equity-driven, and engaging learning opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and manage systems that track staff participation in all training activities, credentialing requirements (e.g., Gateways, CPR, Mandated Reporter), and professional development milestones across ELS.
• Manage and maintain the Learning Management System (LMS), including course design, user access, data analytics, compliance reporting, and content updates.
• Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge on national trends, best practices, and innovations in adult learning, instructional design, and professional development delivery.
• Develop and maintain centralized systems to monitor ongoing Early Learning Services professional development data, analyze trends, and make recommendations to improve training outcomes and workforce growth.
• Maintain individualized development plans in collaboration with supervisors, supporting career progression, goal setting, and skill tracking.
• Lead the identification, recruitment, onboarding, and management of external trainers, speakers, and consultants who reflect the agency’s mission and bring fresh, culturally responsive perspectives to adult learning.
• Provide direct training and coaching to supervisors and staff on topics such as adult learning principles, goal setting, and implementation of development plans.
• Coordinate the development and delivery of all new staff orientation, annual in-service training days, required certifications, and ongoing education for all ELS roles, including teachers, family support staff, administrators, and leadership.
• Plan and deliver engaging in-person training events and conferences, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive learning environment aligned with adult learning theory and staff feedback, while managing all related logistics including securing locations, coordinating daily operations, arranging food, and communicating schedules.
• Create and maintain a robust professional development calendar that outlines…