Assistant Director, Learning Experience

At Northwestern Mutual, we are strong, innovative and growing. We invest in our people. We care and make a positive difference. 

We’re strong and growing.  In a company with such a long and storied history, this may be the most exciting and important time to be a part of Northwestern Mutual. We’re strong, innovative and growing. 

We invest in our people.  We provide opportunities for employees to grow themselves, their career and in turn, our business. 

We care.  We make a positive difference in our communities. Nationally, thousands have benefitted from our support of research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our Foundation, employees and financial representatives donate time, talent and financial support to causes they’re passionate about. 

Summary 

The Assistant Director of Learning Experience takes center stage in independently designing, developing, and facilitating high-impact corporate learning programs. This influential role collaborates closely with leaders, managers, and employees to drive the enhancement of individual and organizational skills, with a primary focus on developing people leaders. With the autonomy to lead long-term programs, the incumbent serves as an invaluable team member, providing vital support for learning and development project initiatives that align seamlessly with our overarching corporate strategy. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Alignment and Consulting: 

• Proactively develop learning programs that support our business strategy. 
• Consult with division representatives, learning topic sponsors, leaders and their teams to design and implement strategic curriculum and /or learning paths for mid through executive level leaders.
• Conduct needs analysis, determine and document training objectives, and recommend the most effective learning delivery mode(s) to meet specific needs. 
• 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 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.    

Program Management: 

• Design and manage complex leader development initiatives
• 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 original project plan.
• Consult and coach facilitators, (internal & external) to present material in an effective and cohesive manner.  Proactively look for learning opportunities during facilitator coaching sessions in order to ensure clear understanding and implementation of material presented.

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 tool. Determine what type of assessment instrument will be utilized.  

Other: 

• 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 consultants, 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 the organizational strategy.  
• Accountable for spend activities to ensure adherence to established budget for assigned portfolio 
• 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 
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in adult education/training, or organizational effectiveness learning development necessary. 
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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. 

Benefits: 

Great pay package, 401K, Company sponsored retirement plan, Educational assistance, Performance based incentive pay, Medical, dental and vision insurance, Parental leave, Caregiver time off….and more 

#LI-Hybrid 

Compensation Range: 

Pay Range – Start: $82,670.00 

Pay Range – End: $153,530.00 

Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please click  here for additiona l information relating to location-based pay structures. 

Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our client’s interests at the center of all we do. Get started now! 

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click  here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits. 

Find Your Future

We’re excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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