Learning And Development Specialist Jobs in Texas

Job Summary

The Learning & Development Director is responsible for leading all learning and development functions at Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries. Working under the direction of the VP, People Services, this position manages the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of employee development programs across instructor-led and online formats. The Director oversees the GoodwillU learning management system, manages vendor and strategic partnerships, and collaborates with department leaders and subject matter experts to build a culture of continuous learning aligned with Goodwill’s mission, values, and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

Learning Strategy & Program Management

• Leads the design, development, and delivery of learning programs in both instructor-led and online formats, including leadership development, compliance, safety, management, and soft skills training.
• Oversees the management and instructional needs of the LEAD program in partnership with the VP, People Services.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of learning content and resources on a routine basis and recommends improvements to support departmental and organizational goals.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts across all divisions to ensure learning content remains current, relevant, and aligned with operational needs.
• Supports instructional design efforts and partners with SMEs to develop training materials for all divisions.

Learning Management System & Technology

• Oversees ongoing maintenance and administration of GoodwillU, including curriculum management, completion tracking, reporting, and distribution of announcements and resources.
• Manages LMS vendor relationships and evaluates platform enhancements to improve the employee learning experience.
• Ensures documentation, reporting, and course creation activities reflect HOT Goodwill’s learning culture and organizational standards.
• Coordinates facility scheduling and end-user communication related to learning activities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coaching

• Coaches department heads and managers on development pathways and opportunities through routine meetings and consultations.
• Serves as a resource to staff and leadership on available development tools, programs, and external learning opportunities.
• Manages strategic vendor partnerships that enhance employee development (e.g., Mental Health First Aid, external training providers).
• Represents HOT Goodwill in the community in a professional manner consistent with the organization’s mission and values.

Organizational Effectiveness

• Promotes a team environment that fosters learning, growth, and participatory engagement across the organization.
• Ensures departmental equity and full compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in all aspects of work.
• Attends all required trainings and professional development activities.

Supervisory Duties

This position carries full supervisory authority over designated Learning & Development staff, including responsibility for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance evaluation, and corrective action. Additional supervisory duties include:

• Recommends merit increases and changes to employee job status, including promotions, reassignments, and separations.
• Conducts performance evaluations and performance improvement plans for direct reports.
• Observes training sessions and provides structured, constructive feedback to L&D staff.
• Ensures all staff have completed applicable training checklists.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A criminal background check is required in accordance with applicable law and Goodwill policy.
• Valid driver’s license, minimum liability insurance, and access to reliable personal transportation required; driving within HOT Goodwill’s twenty-county service territory is expected.
• Drug screen required.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in learning and development, organizational development, or a related field, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or program leadership role.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, mission-driven, or retail/service environment strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS administration) and eLearning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate) preferred.
• Instructional design experience and/or CPTD, SHRM-CP, or equivalent certification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to design and facilitate engaging learning experiences for diverse adult learner populations across multiple formats and delivery modes.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design frameworks (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), and organizational development best practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking to groups ranging from front-line staff to executive leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint; video/audio editing skills and LMS administration experience strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to evaluate data and training outcomes to inform continuous improvement.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, approachable leadership style with demonstrated ability to build relationships across departments and levels of the organization.

Core Competencies

• Emotional Maturity and Respect
• Integrity
• Capacity for Change and Innovation
• Interpersonal Skills
• Commitment to Development and Empowerment of Self and Others
• Stewardship and Accountability
• Commitment to Goodwill’s Mission, Vision, and Values
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Community and Service
• Business Acumen
• Commitment to Excellence and Customer Service

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be encountered by an employee performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is typically required to:

• Sit for extended periods while working at a computer; regularly use standard office equipment including keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
• Stand, walk, and move throughout training facilities and store/program locations across the service territory.
• Lift and carry training materials, equipment, or supplies up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Communicate verbally with individuals and groups in person and via video conferencing; use standard office technology for correspondence and presentations.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment at HOT Goodwill’s corporate offices, with regular travel to retail stores, program sites, and other locations within the twenty-county service territory. Noise levels range from quiet to moderate. Occasional exposure to airborne particles (dust and lint) in retail and warehouse environments. Regular use of computers, video conferencing platforms, and standard office equipment.

Discrimination Reports

It is the policy of Heart of Texas Goodwill to ensure equal employment opportunity in accordance with all state and federal regulations and guidelines. Employment discrimination against employees and applicants due to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age (40 years old or more), genetic information, military status, or veteran status is illegal. Any employee who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Compliance Officer.

Point of Contact: Compliance Officer | 1700 S New Road, Waco TX 76711 | 254-753-7337 ext. 450 | hr@hotgoodwill.org

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person