Statewide Director of Learning and Development

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking a Statewide Director of Learning and Development (L&D). As the leader of DDS’s Learning and Development team, the Statewide Director provides vision and direction to a statewide group of training professionals, prioritizing their growth through coaching, mentorship, and upskilling opportunities. This includes fostering expertise in instructional design, facilitation, and advanced learning technologies to ensure the team remains agile and innovative. The Director champions the use of tools such as Articulate Storyline and Rise for eLearning development, Snagit and Camtasia for video creation, and Vimeo for secure, scalable content distribution. By leveraging these tools, the Director ensures training resources are accessible, engaging, and aligned with the diverse needs of DDS staff.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

• Design and lead a comprehensive learning strategy that aligns with DDS’s mission, vision, and evolving operational needs.
• Conduct regular needs assessments and partner with leadership to define strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Establish and communicate a forward-thinking vision for training and workforce development, supported by robust program evaluation, data analysis, and annual updates to ensure continuous improvement and scalability.
• Facilitate alignment of regional training teams under a unified framework of best practices, leveraging innovative delivery methods and emerging technologies to ensure all staff, regardless of location, have access to high-quality, standardized training.
• Partner with department leaders, including Field Operations, Legal, OQE, and Human Rights, to integrate best practices into workforce development.
• Develop strategies for recruitment, onboarding, and retention, focusing on cultivating a diverse workforce and creating inclusive training programs that support equitable opportunities for staff at all levels.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of impactful workforce development programs, such as the Direct Support Certificate Program, Urban Youth Program, and Internship initiatives.
• Oversee the design, development, and delivery of training programs, ensuring adherence to instructional design principles and adult learning theory.
• Regularly update curricula to reflect changes in state and federal regulations, DDS policies, and advancements in care delivery practices.
• Leverage eLearning tools such as Articulate Storyline and Rise to create engaging, interactive training experiences.
• Maximize the effectiveness of the MassAchieve Learning Management System to deliver training, track compliance, and generate actionable insights.
• Establish and manage a systematic process to track and ensure compliance with all mandatory training requirements, including those mandated by statute, policy, and regulation.
• Develop and oversee contracts with external providers for curriculum design, development, and delivery where specialized expertise is required.
• Collaborate with universities, community colleges, EOHHS agencies, and other stakeholders to share resources, host statewide conferences, and advance mutual workforce development objectives.
• Develop and oversee the department’s learning and development budget, ensuring the efficient use of resources for curriculum development, technology, contracted consultants, and training delivery.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to the L&D team, fostering expertise in instructional design, facilitation, technology, and analytics.
• Serve as DDS’s representative on EOHHS and HRD Training Directors Committees.

• Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of adult learning theories and principles, including instructional design, facilitation techniques, and best practices for training diverse audiences.
• In-depth understanding of planning and assessment methodologies, including needs analysis, program evaluation, and outcome measurement.
• Expertise in eLearning tools and technologies, such as Articulate Storyline, Rise, Camtasia, Snagit, and Vimeo, as well as learning management systems (e.g., MassAchieve).
• Knowledge of survey platforms like Qualtrics, including the design, distribution, and analysis of surveys to gather actionable insights for training evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with emerging training trends, including microlearning, adaptive learning, virtual reality, and gamification.
• Knowledge of data collection and analytics methodologies, including the use of dashboards and reporting systems to evaluate training impact and track compliance.
• Comprehensive understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles and their integration into training programs to promote equity and accessibility.
• Current knowledge of DDS priorities, policies, practices, and the regulatory landscape affecting training and workforce development.
• Deep knowledge of organizational development principles, change management strategies, and process improvement practices.
• Awareness of state and federal regulations governing mandatory training and workforce compliance.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall, to oversee complex training initiatives and ensure timely delivery.
• Advanced technology skills, including the ability to select and integrate digital tools like Qualtrics for survey-based feedback and training needs assessments.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable content tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong visual design skills for creating engaging training materials and presentations.
• Expertise in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and team building to address challenges and foster a collaborative learning environment.
• Advanced facilitation skills, including leading workshops, training sessions, and cross-departmental collaborations effectively.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team of L&D professionals, providing coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for upskilling in a hybrid and unionized work environment.
• Capacity to foster collaboration across decentralized teams while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and training standards.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Demonstrated ability to mediate conflicts, navigate competing interests, and build consensus among stakeholders.
• Capability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners, including regional staff, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply data from survey platforms like Qualtrics to drive decision-making and continuous improvement in training programs and strategies.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively, taking the initiative while engaging stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to champion change and build organizational buy-in for new training technologies, methodologies, and priorities.
• Eight (8) years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional, administrative, and supervisory or management experience, of which the duties included the management of training, organizational development, change management, and communication
• Experience in the design, development, and facilitation of learning programs in a variety of settings, including human service settings is required.

About the Department of Developmental Services
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential support. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs, visit: www.mass.gov/dds

To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Statewide Director of Learning and Development.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

Comprehensive Benefits

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