Manager, Talent & Organizational Development

This role is heavily focused on leadership coaching, mentoring, and consultation, serving as a trusted thought partner to leaders at all levels of the organization. In addition, the Manager designs andfacilitatesimpactful learning experiences, including the development and delivery of engaging, inclusive programs that support staff and leaders across the Aquarium.

Grounded in adult learning principles and organizational development best practices,and a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and justice (DEAIJ),this role partners closely with leaders, HR colleagues, and subject matter experts to assess needs,developeffective solutions, and foster a strong, sustainable culture of learning aligned with Shedd Aquarium’s mission, values, and operational priorities.

Leadership Coaching, Mentoring & Consultation

• Serve as a trusted coach and advisor to leaders, providing one-on-one and group coaching that enhances leadership effectiveness, emotional intelligence, communication, and team performance.
• Partner with managers and teams to navigate organizational challengesinclusive ofchangemanagement, performance concerns, conflict, engagement, and collaboration.
• Design and implement structured coaching and mentoring initiatives that support leadership growth, talent development, and succession planning.
• Consult with leaders to assess individual, team, and organizational development needs andrecommend operationally applicable solutions aligned with departmental priorities.
• Support leaders in applying learning to real-time workplace challenges, reinforcing sustainable behaviorchangeand skill transfer.
• Contribute toemployee engagement and culture-building efforts through leadership development strategies and coaching-centered initiatives.

Facilitation, Learning Design & Program Delivery

• Facilitate engaging, inclusive learning experiences for frontline staff, supervisors, professionals, and senior leaders.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve leadership and organizationaldevelopmentprograms in collaboration with the Sr. Director ofLeadership& Organizational Effectiveness.
• Conduct learning needs assessments and partner with departments toidentifypriorities andcreate impactful learning solutions.
• Utilize a variety of learning methodologies and delivery approaches, including instructor-led facilitation, workshops, blended learning, e-learning, and experiential/on-the-job learning.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure learning content isaccurate, relevant, and aligned with institutional goals.
• Manage andmaintaincourse offerings within the Learning Management System (LMS), including content updates, enrollment, tracking, and reporting.
• Stay current on trends, research, and best practices in leadership development, facilitation, organizationaldevelopment, and employee engagement.

• 5+ yearsof experience in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, learning and development, employee engagement, ora relatedfield.
• Demonstrated experience providingleadership coaching and mentoringto managers and leaders.
• Demonstrated experiencefacilitatingadult learningprograms, workshops, and courses.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, facilitation methods, and learning evaluation practices.
• Provensuccessdesigning and implementing development programs that drive behavioral change and organizational impact.
• Experience using Learning Management Systems (LMS) and learning technologies.
• Experiencemaintaining, evaluating, and evolving curricula based on organizational needs.

Preferred Certifications

• Professional certification in HR, learning and development, or coaching (e.g., SHRM, PHR, CPTD, ICF).

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced coaching, facilitation, and consulting skills.
• Strong interpersonalskillswith the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse roles and perspectives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• High levelof adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
• Strong project management, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Proficiencywith HR, learning, and collaboration platforms and tools.

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets