Director, Learning & Development

About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government.  Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team! 

About the Role

As the Director, Learning and Development, the responsibilities include designing, developing, and implementing the learning and development (L&D) strategy for the Institute. Through collaboration with stakeholders, this person will play a strategic role in shaping the educational and professional development landscape at the Institute. This position will oversee the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of global training programs with a focus on DEI, career development, and compliance.  

Your Purpose and Impact: 

• Lead the assessment of organizational needs and the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that facilitate continuous learning and professional development.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to identify training needs and create learning programs that address these needs.
• Develop and facilitate high-impact in-person and virtual training sessions for employees at all levels of the organization.
• Design and develop training materials, including e-learning courses, videos, and other multimedia content.
• Maintain a network of external training and development providers to ensure access to the latest learning resources and methodologies for global organizations.
• Develop and lead DEI strategies and programs across performance management, leadership development, employee engagement, and retention. Partner with leaders across the organization to embed a DEI culture into all teams.
• Innovate and implement unique learning initiatives such as mentorship programs and cross-functional training to enhance experiential learning opportunities.
• Establish and manage the learning management system (LMS) to ensure efficient delivery, tracking and reporting of all training activities.
• Maintain a network of external training and development providers to ensure access to the latest learning resources and methodologies for global organizations.
• Oversee the budget for L&D, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic initiatives and maximize the return on investment (ROI).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, education, or a related field.
• 10 years plus of experience in Learning and Development, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
• Strong instructional design, coaching, facilitation, and training skills with evidence of effective application across international contexts and culture.
• In-depth knowledge of DEI principles, policies, and best practices, with a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within an organization. 
• Bring specific experience developing effective learning approaches across modalities for a distributed workforce. (in-person, virtual, e-learning)
• Experienced in determining and using metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of talent/learning programs.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering successful training programs that have a focus on DEIB and career development in a global environment.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design principles and adult learning theory.
• Experience with e-learning authoring tools and learning management systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in a global setting and innovating new ways to creatively deliver training programs to global employees.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently in a remote work environment.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering successful training programs.
• Have a proven track record influencing stakeholders across distinct functions, up through influencing C-suite leaders.
• Expertise in the following: learning strategy, needs analysis, program design, curriculum design, instructional design, learning evaluation, e-learning, facilitation and DEI.
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive decision-making and measure the impact of DEI initiatives
• Strong knowledge of instructional design principles and adult learning theory.
• Experience with e-learning authoring tools and learning management systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently in a hybrid work environment.

What We Offer:

We offer an environment committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, a generous PTO policy, flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement pension.

This position offers an anticipated salary range of approximately $119,200-$155,000. 

Additional Information: 

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environment and to comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI. 

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply. 

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at Human_Resources_team@ndi.org.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Salary : $119,200 - $155,000