Learning & Workforce Development Specialist (4425)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Learning & Workforce Development Specialist (4425) Classification Research Associate Position Number 00004425 Open Date 07/14/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 07/29/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Temporary FLSA Exempt Job code 1620SPS04 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Center for Govt Studies College/Unit Public Policy Govt Workforce Division Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv Location LH 204 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.cgs.niu.edu/

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Center for Governmental Studies works with several external clients on various projects supporting NIU's mission. This position posting is for a project focused on workforce development and the training needs required for effective development.

This position is hybrid, combining remote work with occasional in-person facilitation or event attendance (primarily in the Chicago Metro area with some events in other parts of the state). Travel will be required based on program needs.

Position Summary

The position is a professional Learning & Workforce Development Specialist, responsible for researching and executing special projects. This position is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of effective learning and development programs to enhance professional growth and organizational success. This position conducts research on reaching historically under-served and rural populations. This position will research best practices for Career/ Job Fairs and conduct event evaluations. The position also executes special projects related to programs and functions.

This position is a critical and dynamic role that bridges instructional responsibilities with project management activities, fostering personal and organizational growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Career Services Support & Research

• Research hard-to-reach program graduates.
• Collaborate with the Career Services team to outreach to hard-to-reach Illinois Works graduates using social media and other technologies in order to engage them to receive career and transition services.
• Attend Career/Job Fairs run by Illinois Works grantees and Career Services in order to conduct research and evaluate the effectiveness of those events.
• Support Career Services with special projects & conduct research on graduates.

Instructional Design Support & Research

• Collaborate with stakeholders to research and assess learning needs and identify training objectives.
• Research, design, develop, and implement engaging instructional materials, including e-learning modules, workshops, and blended learning solutions.
• Research the best instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) to create curriculum aligned with organizational goals.
• Leverage technology and tools (including authoring tools e.g. Articulate) to create interactive and innovative learning experiences.
• Conduct research, evaluations, and assessments to measure the effectiveness of training programs and iterate as needed.
• Manages the preparation and technical delivery of the live virtual session.

Execution of Special Projects

• Partner with various program teams to research and execute special projects as needed.

Revenue Generation

• Responsible for working with externally funded projects for positive revenue generation

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

N/A

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Proven experience in instructional design, adult learning principles, and curriculum development.
• Demonstrated successful experience as a trainer, presenter and facilitator.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Demonstrated experience with evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience with student/graduate support services.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• Strong knowledge of learning technologies (e.g., LMS platforms, authoring tools like Articulate or Captivate).
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in performance assessment, needs analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and foster growth in individuals and teams.
• Creative problem-solving and innovation in learning design.
• Emotional intelligence and active listening for effective coaching.
• Collaboration and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset for evaluating learning outcomes and ROI.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze data.
• Familiarity with the following technologies:
• Microsoft Suite
• Virtual Meeting Software (WebEx & Zoom)
• Collaboration Software (Microsoft Teams & SharePoint)
• Presentation Engagement Software (Mentimeter & WebEx Engage)
• Client Management System (Monday.Com)
• Learning Management System (Google Classroom &Absorb)
• Virtual Course Development Software (Storyline Suite)
• Online Survey Platform (SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, & Smartsheets)
• Marketing Automation Platform (Constant Contact)
• Data Management System (Illinois Works Reporting System [IWRS])
• Social Media (for research and outreach purposes)

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• A master's degree is preferred.

Physical demands/requirements

• General office requirements.
• Long periods of time seated/stationary.
• Some travel is required based on program needs.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 08/16/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date 02/15/2027 Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours M - F, 8am - 4:30pm, some evenings & weekends as needed. Salary $70,000.08 - $75,000.00/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,916.67 - $3,125.00/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/93906 to submit the following materials by 7/29/2026:

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References

Applications submitted after 7/29/2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/93906 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).