Professional Development Specialist

This is a hybrid position based in our Chicago/O’Hare Area office. Candidates must live within a 100-mile radius of home-office.

Under the supervision of the Manager, Certificates and Learning Programs, this role supports and owns key functional aspects of the implementation and ongoing use of SOA’s Learning Management System (LMS) and virtual learning programs portfolio. Works independently and collaboratively to ensure effective LMS adoption, operational readiness, and the reliable delivery of high-quality virtual events and programs. This role partners with vendors, volunteers, and SOA staff to plan, implement, deliver, and continuously improve learning programs with a strong focus on user experience, training, quality assurance, troubleshooting, and content support.

• Support and own designated functional aspects of LMS implementation, testing, and ongoing management in partnership with other departments and vendors.
• Support and lead content upload, organization, and ongoing maintenance within the LMS.
• Proactively identify and maximize the use of LMS features and functionality to improve learning delivery, efficiency, and user experience.
• Develop, configure, and maintain in-platform learning assets, templates, and content using LMS-native tools.
• Collaborate with E-learning and Content & Business Partnerships teams to ensure accurate course setup, consistency, and a high-quality user experience.
• Perform quality checks on content, workflows, and learner-facing functionality, promptly identifying and addressing issues.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve user guides, FAQs, and training materials to support LMS adoption and effective use.
• Run and interpret standard LMS reports related to user enrollment, participation, and program completion. Develop custom reports in collaboration with IT and vendors where required.
• Own the accuracy, integrity, and effective use of LMS-related data in Salesforce, including validation of data flows, reconciliation with LMS reporting, and development of reports to support program performance, enrollment tracking, and decision-making.
• Provide clear data summaries, detailed reports, and insights to internal teams to support decision-making, improvements, and stakeholder management.
• Coordinate and elevate technical issues to IT or vendors as needed, owning follow-through and resolution.
• Review LMS analytics, user feedback, and reporting to identify trends and inform ongoing program and platform improvements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for LMS-related questions for internal stakeholders.

• Support the execution and quality of virtual events and programs.
• Support and own the functional implementation and ongoing use of virtual event tools, including but not limited to event mobile app, event platform(s), virtual production, recording vendors, and related data integrations, including Salesforce where applicable.
• Create and manage event project plans, including defined deliverables, milestones, and deadlines.
• Serve as the primary technical owner for virtual events, providing guidance and real-time support to presenters, moderators, and attendees before and during events.
• Establish and manage event testing, rehearsal, and quality control procedures, including checklists and readiness standards.
• Produce comprehensive virtual event reports, including attendance, polling, Q&A data, and other data sources.
• Research and evaluate new tools, features, and practices to enhance digital learning and virtual event experience.
• Learn and apply SOA-approved technology tools to support event delivery and operational efficiency.
• Some overnight travel required.
• Other responsibilities as assigned are to support strategic functions and SOA initiatives.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Education, Business Administration, Project Management, or other related areas.
• One to three years of experience in planning and delivering virtual programs and events and project management.
• At least one year of…