Job brief
We are seeking a dynamic Employee Development Specialist to join our People Development team and drive learning initiatives that transform how our 500+ employees grow and succeed. In this role, you will design evidence-based training programs, leverage cutting-edge learning technologies, and partner with business leaders to create development pathways that align with our strategic objectives. You'll have the opportunity to impact career trajectories, shape our learning culture, and measure the tangible business outcomes of your training interventions. If you're passionate about adult learning, data-driven program design, and creating engaging educational experiences, we'd love to have you on our team.
Key highlights
- Conduct comprehensive training needs analyses using employee performance data, 360-degree feedback, and competency gap assessments to identify skill development priorities
- Design and develop interactive learning content using Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, or Camtasia, incorporating multimedia elements and scenario-based learning
- Implement and manage learning management systems such as Cornerstone OnDemand, Workday Learning, or SAP SuccessFactors to deliver scalable training programs
- Evaluate training effectiveness using Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation model, analyzing metrics such as knowledge retention rates, behavior change, and ROI
What is a Employee Development Specialist?
An Employee Development Specialist is a learning and development professional who creates, implements, and evaluates comprehensive training programs that bridge skill gaps and accelerate employee growth. Working with learning management systems such as Workday Learning, SAP SuccessFactors, or Cornerstone OnDemand, Employee Development Specialists design curricula using instructional design methodologies like ADDIE and Kirkpatrick evaluation models to measure training effectiveness. Their expertise in adult learning principles, competency mapping, and performance consulting drives measurable improvements in employee engagement, retention, and productivity across organizations.
What does a Employee Development Specialist do?
On a daily basis, an Employee Development Specialist conducts needs assessments through employee surveys and performance data analysis, designs interactive training modules using tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, and facilitates both virtual and in-person learning sessions via platforms such as Zoom, WebEx, or Microsoft Teams. They collaborate with subject matter experts to develop role-specific content, track learner progress through LMS analytics dashboards, and produce post-training reports measuring knowledge retention and behavior change. They also coordinate with HR business partners to align development initiatives with succession planning and performance improvement plans.
Key responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive training needs analyses using employee performance data, 360-degree feedback, and competency gap assessments to identify skill development priorities
- Design and develop interactive learning content using Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, or Camtasia, incorporating multimedia elements and scenario-based learning
- Implement and manage learning management systems such as Cornerstone OnDemand, Workday Learning, or SAP SuccessFactors to deliver scalable training programs
- Facilitate leadership development workshops, technical skills training, and compliance sessions for audiences ranging from new hires to C-suite executives
- Evaluate training effectiveness using Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation model, analyzing metrics such as knowledge retention rates, behavior change, and ROI
- Collaborate with HR business partners and department heads to create individual development plans aligned with career progression frameworks
- Develop onboarding curricula that reduce time-to-productivity for new employees while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies
- Research emerging learning trends such as microlearning, social learning, and AI-powered personalization to continuously enhance program delivery methods
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Psychology, Education, or related field, with preferred certifications in CPTD, ATD, or SHRM-SCP
- 3+ years of experience in instructional design, corporate training, or learning and development roles with measurable program outcomes
- Proficiency in learning management systems such as Cornerstone OnDemand, Workday Learning, SAP SuccessFactors, or similar enterprise platforms
- Advanced skills in e-learning authoring tools including Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, or Rise 360 for content creation
- Experience with adult learning principles, ADDIE methodology, and Bloom's Taxonomy for curriculum development and assessment design
- Strong analytical abilities to interpret training metrics, employee engagement surveys, and performance data to demonstrate program impact
- Excellent facilitation and presentation skills with experience delivering training to diverse audiences including technical teams and senior leadership
- Project management capabilities with experience coordinating multi-phase learning initiatives, vendor relationships, and cross-functional training rollouts
FAQs
What does an Employee Development Specialist do on a daily basis?
An Employee Development Specialist spends their days conducting training needs assessments, designing learning content using tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate, and facilitating both virtual and in-person training sessions. They analyze learning data through LMS platforms such as Cornerstone OnDemand or Workday Learning to track employee progress and measure program effectiveness. They also collaborate with managers and HR business partners to create individual development plans, coordinate with subject matter experts to ensure content accuracy, and continuously update training materials based on changing business needs and industry best practices.
What skills and qualifications are needed to become an Employee Development Specialist?
Employee Development Specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Psychology, or a related field, along with 3+ years of experience in training or instructional design. Key skills include proficiency in learning management systems like SAP SuccessFactors or Cornerstone OnDemand, expertise in e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate, and knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies like ADDIE. Professional certifications such as CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development) from ATD or SHRM-SCP enhance credibility, while strong analytical skills for measuring training ROI and excellent facilitation abilities are essential for success.
Who does an Employee Development Specialist work with in an organization?
Employee Development Specialists collaborate extensively with HR business partners to align training with talent management strategies, work closely with department managers to identify skill gaps and performance improvement opportunities, and partner with subject matter experts to develop accurate, relevant training content. They coordinate with senior leadership to ensure development programs support organizational goals, facilitate learning sessions for employees at all levels from new hires to executives, and often work with external vendors or consultants for specialized training delivery. They also interface with IT teams to manage learning technology platforms and with compliance teams to ensure training meets regulatory requirements.
What is the career outlook and salary range for Employee Development Specialists?
The career outlook for Employee Development Specialists is strong, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 7-10% growth in training and development roles through 2031, driven by organizations' increased focus on reskilling and employee retention. Salary ranges typically span from $55,000-$75,000 for entry-level positions to $80,000-$120,000+ for senior specialists with specialized expertise in learning technologies or leadership development. Career advancement paths include roles such as Learning and Development Manager, Talent Development Director, or Chief Learning Officer, with opportunities to specialize in areas like executive coaching, organizational development, or learning technology implementation.