Principal Jobs in Durham, NC

This is a senior individual contributor role responsible for improving organizational performance through strategic consulting, performance analysis, learning design, and business partnership. This role works directly with executive and senior leaders to identify workforce challenges, diagnose root causes, recommend learning and non-learning solutions, and drive measurable business outcomes. This position is responsible for creation of effective workforce performance solutions that support enterprise-wide learning and bridge performance gaps. These solutions include but aren’t limited to courseware that adhere to adult learning principles and incorporate broad, complex interventions that range in media and complexity. The candidate must have the ability to be a hands-on manager of multiple projects/programs with a focus on customer service and execution against time constraints.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Business Consulting

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, directors, and vice presidents across the organization.

• Build deep understanding of business objectives, operational challenges, performance metrics, and workforce strategies.

• Participate in strategic planning discussions to identify workforce capability implications of business initiatives.

• Influence leaders toward solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms.

Performance Analysis & Diagnosis

• Conduct rigorous performance consulting engagements to identify workforce challenges and performance opportunities.

• Assess business, operational, behavioral, process, technology, and knowledge factors contributing to performance gaps.

• Differentiate between:

• Knowledge and skill gaps

• Process issues

• Technology or system constraints

• Organizational barriers

• Leadership challenges

• Communication gaps

• Incentive or accountability issues

Solution Architecture & Design

• Design comprehensive learning and learning-adjacent solutions that improve workforce and organizational performance.

• Formal learning programs

• Digital learning experiences

• Performance support tools

• In-the-flow-of-work learning solutions

• Knowledge management strategies

• AI-enabled learning and support experiences

• Coaching frameworks

• Leader enablement programs

• Change and adoption strategies

• Communications campaigns

• Balance learner needs, business priorities, operational realities, and measurable outcomes.

Executive Communication & Influence

• Lead conversations with senior leaders and executive stakeholders.

• Translate complex problems into concise, actionable business insights.

• Use storytelling techniques to make data meaningful and drive decisions.

• Create executive-ready presentations and consultation materials.

Data Analytics & Insight Generation

• Analyze business performance metrics, learner data, operational KPIs, workforce trends, and stakeholder feedback.

• Identify patterns, opportunities, risks, and emerging capability needs.

• Synthesize multiple data sources into clear narratives and recommendations.

• Use qualitative and quantitative insights to guide solution design and prioritization.

Enterprise Leadership & Innovation

• Serve as a recognized subject matter expert within the Learning & Development function.

• Introduce innovative practices, technologies, and methodologies.

• Maintain expertise in learning strategy, performance consulting, organizational effectiveness, workforce transformation, and AI-enabled learning.

• Influence enterprise learning strategy and operating models.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required)

• 8+ years of experience in related field.

• In lieu of degree,10+ years of experience in related field.

Bonus Points

• Strong PowerPoint skills, including building decks for executive-level presentations

• Strong storytelling skills, including executive facilitation

• Experience in serving as strategic advisor and providing thought leadership to customers and stakeholders outside of the learning organization

• Knowledge of modern learning ecosystems, including Learning Experience Platforms (LXP), Learning Management Systems (LMS), and AI-enabled learning technologies

• Strong relationship building, critical thinking & strategic thinking ability

What You’ll Get

• The opportunity to work at the cutting edge of health care delivery with a team that’s deeply invested in the community

• Work-life balance, flexibility, and the autonomy to do great work

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage along with numerous health and wellness programs

• Parental leave and support plus adoption and surrogacy assistance

• Career development programs and tuition reimbursement for continued education

• 401k match including an annual company contribution

• Learn more

Where You’ll Work

Our Hybrid Flex approach is built on presence with a purpose – giving you flexibility to work remotely with intentional in-person connection – that supports a workplace that’s flexible, connected, and future focused.

In a Hybrid-Flex role, you’ll work in the office at least two days a week for collaboration and connection. In a Remote Flex role, you’ll work virtually, with a few in-office visits each year for meaningful moments that matter.

Whether your role is Hybrid Flex or Remote Flex depends on the nature of the work and distance from our Durham headquarters. We welcome candidates from outside the local area and in any states listed on this job posting. Onsite expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Salary Range

At Blue Cross NC, we take great pride in a fair and equitable compensation package that reflects market-price and our starting salaries are typically planned near the middle of the range listed. Compensation decisions are driven by factors including experience and training, specialized skill sets, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs. Our base salary is part of a robust Total Rewards package that includes an Annual Incentive Bonus*, 401(k) with employer match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and competitive health benefits and wellness programs.

• Based on annual corporate goal achievement and individual performance.

$107,901.00 - $172,642.00

Skills

Coaching, Creative Strategies, Curriculum Development, Digital Media, Facilitation, File Management, Instructional Design, Leadership, Learning Strategies, Motion Graphics, Multimedia Design, Multimedia Systems, Needs Assessment, Organizational Development (OD), Performance Improvements, Project Portfolio Management (PPM), Strategy Development, Talent Development, Training Delivery

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JOB ALERT FRAUD: We have become aware of scams from individuals, organizations, and internet sites claiming to represent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in recruitment activities in return for disclosing financial information. Our hiring process does not include text-based conversations or interviews and never requires payment or fees from job applicants. All our career opportunities are published on https://bcbsnc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/BCBSNC. If you have already provided your personal information that you suspect is fraudulent activity, please report it to your local authorities. Any fraudulent activity should be reported to: HR.Staffing@BCBSNC.com.