Learning and Development Manager

 Join a mission-driven team focused on employee development and continuous improvement 

We’re Sonoran Desert Institute and we are seeking an experienced Learning and Development Manager to join our amazing team 

Our story:

Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) has been changing lives since 2000. As a DEAC accredited school, our mission is to provide students with current, industry-driven, quality education, delivered through online distance education and practical applications. SDI is an employee-owned company creating a culture with an ownership mentality at the foundation. We believe in rewarding our employees through the success of the institution. We’re proud to be recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Come be a part of our dynamic organization where you will have the ability to impact the lives of others as they pursue their educational journey with us.

What you'll be doing:

The Learning & Development Manager will lead the strategy, development, and execution of SDI’s learning and development initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and employee growth needs. The Learning & Development Manager is responsible for designing scalable training programs, overseeing implementation, and measuring effectiveness to drive continuous improvement and performance outcomes. 

The ideal candidate is a strategic and hands-on leader with deep experience in training management, talent development, and organizational learning, who is passionate about fostering a culture of ongoing growth and development across the organization.

• Developing and implementing our training and development strategy in alignment with organizational goals and objectives 
• Identifying training needs and priorities through needs assessments, performance evaluations, and stakeholder feedback 
• Designing, developing, and delivering training programs and materials using various instructional techniques and formats, including instructor-led training, e-learning, and workshops 
• Evaluating individual and organizational performance to ensure training is meeting business needs, improving performance, and supporting career growth initiatives 
• Developing and maintaining an annual training calendar and schedule 
• Leading and facilitating training sessions and workshops, ensuring a positive, effective, and engaging learning experience for participants 
• Providing coaching and developmental support to staff to enhance their skills and effectiveness 
• Tracking and reporting on training metrics and KPIs to measure the impact and ROI of training programs 
• Staying updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in training and development 

What we offer:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Award winning culture 
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Comprehensive benefits package with 100% company-paid medical option for employee
• 401(k) with generous company match and no vesting period
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Company-paid Life insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Volunteer time off!)
• 14 Paid holidays
• Referral program
• Education Tuition Benefit program
• Career development opportunities with a growing company
• And perhaps most importantly, a team who is dedicated to your success!

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Training, Human Resources, or a related field; Advanced degree in Training and Development, Organizational Psychology, or similar, highly preferred 
• Minimum six years of experience in corporate training management, with a proven ability to build and deploy scalable training programs while remaining actively engaged in hands-on design and facilitation 
• Minimum three years experience leading and managing direct reports and trainees 
• Experience in a higher education setting, highly preferred 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels 
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Effective project management skills for managing training initiatives and timelines 
• In depth knowledge of instructional design principles and adult learning theory 
• Experience with e-learning authoring tools and technologies 
• Knowledge of competency-based training and performance management 
• Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS) and other training technology platforms 
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, SmartSheet, Excel, and SharePoint 
• Certification in training and development (e.g. CPTD, CPLP, ATD Master Trainer) 

Sonoran Desert Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It recruits and hires without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran or disability status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any factors prohibited by law and affirms in policy and practice to support equal opportunity in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

*Unless specifically agreed upon, SDI does not provide relocation assistance 

**Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

***All benefits not available immediately upon hire. Some eligibility requirements may need to be met to be eligible for some benefits based on company policy.