Job Responsibilities
.Creating a strategic plan for management/leadership development
in the organization.
.Consulting to senior management on the most strategic training
investments relative to budget and skill gaps in the
organization.
. Developing and implementing the annual training budget and
activities.
. Evaluating outside suppliers to effectively deliver specific
components of the training calendar.
.Coaching department heads, executives and line employees on
their development needs.
. Researching and recommending training solutions in response to
specific requests.
.Monitoring latest industry and professional trends, products and
services.
A day in the life, is so varied, there is no way to put a daily%
on each activity. However, multitasking is essential as well as
good project management skills. This position can cross all
industries, I just selected the industry that I am currently
working within. I have previously worked in Healthcare and the
not for profit sector.
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Job Requirements
This position requires an advanced degree in either
organizational psychology, adult learning, organizational
development. Some of the skills can be learned on the job but
the focus is helping adults and organizations to learn which is a
discipline and profession in itself. It's helpful is someone
moves into this job after working in organizations in other
capacities first e.g. manager, line position, revenue generating
position etc. This position needs to understand how businesses
work as well as human behavior which is a field unto itself.
Someone coming right out of school even with the degree would
have a difficult time. Therefore a bachelor's degree in just
about any field is acceptable for a start on this path. While
working in an organization, individuals should pursue a master's
degree in one of the fields mentioned above.
Excellent communication skills are required and the ability to
interact effectively with all levels of the organization.
Another title for this position might be Chief Learning Officer.
Depending on the organization this position may or may not be a
part of Human Resources. I have worked in organizations where I
have not reported to Human Resources but worked collaboratively
with them.
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Uppers
.Consulting and meeting with employees at all levels within the organization in
a non-threatening environment e.g. learning is a safe topic versus other
functions within Human Resources
.See the results of a training intervention in the day to day job activities of
an employee
.Constantly researching opportunities for development
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Downers
.Constantly being asked to demonstrate the ROI for the budget and
function.
.Dealing with the misconceptions of old time "training"
versus "learning" in a knowledge economy.
.Being asked to be an "order taker" e.g. when someone comes to
you with a solution in mind rather than wanting a diagnosis of
the problem and specific solution tailored to that problem.
.Never having enough money to do the best job possible
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Lifestyle
This is a full time position with some travel to other offices related to
training activities and some off-site events for high level staff. Dress code at
this organization is business casual. This is a global company and diversity is
evident in the workforce. There will be deadlines in this position related to
specific events and projects, but for the most part the working schedule is
predictable and Monday through Friday.
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Compensation
Base salary of $115K with an annual bonus of Approximately 20K.
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Advice to Jobseekers
In tough economic times, the positions in training tend to be
eliminated. However, senior positions responsible for
organizational development are usually stable because the
position is high enough in the organization to remains
strategic. This position is not an "order taker" who fulfills
requests for training, rather an internal consultant to the
organization, observing behavior, productivity, revenues and then
responding strategically with an annual plan and long range plan.
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