Academy Facilitator/Program Lead/Consultant

Summary

Independently designs, develops, and facilitates corporate learning programs throughout the organization. The primary focus for this role will be Foundations (our onboarding program), Experience Academy (our fundamental frontline customer service skills program), and additional program facilitation. Partners with leaders, managers, and employees to increase individual and organizational capabilities toward the goal of becoming a learning organization. Achieve current and future business goals through consulting, coaching, and training. Independently leads departmental and cross-departmental long-term programs and serves as a support team member for project initiatives in alignment with corporate strategy. The incumbent will be expected to mentor other less experienced staff members and provide guidance when appropriate.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management:

• Design, manage, facilitate, and evolve programs including Foundations and Experience Academy.
• Write and review instructional content to ensure alignment with corporate strategy and consistency with other internal LD programs.
• Ensures project expenses are in line with established budget parameters and are current with timeline schedule dates. Follow-up on items that either have overspent or will need additional time to ensure all parties are aware of discrepancies with the original project plan.
• Consult and coach others. Proactively look for learning opportunities during to ensure a clear understanding and implementation of the material presented.

Strategic Alignment and Consulting:

• Proactively develop learning programs that support our business strategy. Consult with division representatives, learning topic sponsors, frontline leaders, and their teams to design and implement strategic curriculum and /or learning paths for employees.
• Conduct needs analysis, determine, and document training objectives, and recommend the most effective learning delivery mode(s) to meet specific needs. Foster partnerships with groups Corporate Talent and Development and other LD teams throughout NM, ensure alignment of purpose and take advantage of possible synergies.
• Leverage cross-departmental relationships, negotiations, resources, and logistics from design to execution with front-line leadership, learning topic sponsors, {Creative Services, Communications} and other internal and external resources in order to facilitate {corporate/department/field} learning outcomes.
• Foster an organizational learning environment that is aligned to business priorities where continuous improvement and transfer of knowledge is part of everyday learning and development throughout the enterprise.

Instructional Design:

• Assess the need for, develop, deliver, and partner with internal teams and external vendors in order to tailor learning programs and curriculum to existing or future needs of the organization.
• Proactively consult with company leaders and employees in order to understand their learning needs, find opportunities, and tailor programs to address learning and development gaps.
• Responsible for the creation and development of interactive on-site and web-based training modules, self-study materials and intranet sites to be used for developing home office employees.

Metrics Evaluation:

• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of learning and development programs and communication methods. Develop recommendations for improvement of current programs.
• Conduct a summative evaluation that determines the overall effectiveness of instruction. Analyze learner outcomes and attitudes. Consider the ease of implementation and program costs.
• Create an assessment strategy. Determine what type of assessment instrument will be utilized.

Other:

• The incumbent will need to complete Coach Academy, Facilitator Academy, and Manager Academy within 12 months of the hire date.
• Broker outside training programs to fulfill client needs and negotiate cost. Evaluate and select external learning vendors when necessary. Oversee and evaluate the work of outsourced consultant, instructional designers, and facilitators. Coordinate interaction between NM employees and external learning vendors, when appropriate.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and best practices in the field of learning and development. Research, recommend, implement, and apply new instructional tools, technological advancements and/or best practices in support of the organizational strategy.
• Accountable for spend activities to ensure adherence to the established budget for program expenses.
• Facilitate and advocate professional development, training or mentoring activities, and instructor-led learning events to support organizational efforts.
• Participates in projects and other responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in instructional design, adult education, communications, organizational development, or related field
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple assignments concurrently, set priorities, and meet aggressive deadlines with a commitment to team objectives.
• Excellent writing, facilitating, and public speaking skills required.
• Strong coaching and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate and work effectively with people at all levels.
• Demonstrated diplomacy, sensitivity, and flexibility in adapting to rapidly changing needs and priorities; quick, effective decision-making skills; strong self-awareness and adaptability.
• Effective interpersonal skills in order to adapt to and navigate throughout the organization networks.
• Effectively able to listen to, engage, negotiate, and influence clients.
• Synthesize and relate complex information.
• Analyze communication and execution problems and opportunities; and develop and implement integrated training / educational strategies.
• Proven experience developing and delivering effective curriculum and training programs.
• Proven project management experience.
• Master's degree in instructional design, performance consulting, or adult learning preferred
• Ability to negotiate, lead, delegate, plan and organize.
• In-depth knowledge of the company preferred.

Compensation Range:

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Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

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We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and our commitment to a culture of belonging.

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups