Training and Development Specialist II

Founded in 1997, Think Together partners with schools to change the odds for kids by providing award-winning programs during and outside the school day. We’re one of California’s largest nonprofits working in school districts from San Diego to San Francisco. Whether you’re interested in early learning, elementary, middle or high school, you can invest in your community by working at a local school or working within our home office providing support!

JOB SUMMARY:
The Training and Development Specialist II reports to the Director of Program Training and Development and is responsible for developing and delivering high-quality, impactful in-person training sessions to program staff. This position builds upon the foundational knowledge of the Specialist I role, with the added responsibility of supervising, coaching, and managing a team of trainers. The Specialist II will apply comprehensive knowledge of the organization’s student outcomes and objectives, alongside a strong understanding of adult learning strategies, to deliver effective training. This role requires a commitment to Think Together’s values and a focus on fostering a dynamic and continuous learning environment. The Specialist II will exemplify a growth mindset by identifying opportunities for improvement, promoting a culture of collaboration, and integrating innovative ideas and practices for adult learners. This position also involves travel across multiple geographic areas to deliver training and development to program staff. Collaboration with the Program Content Specialist Director of Program Training and Development is essential to ensure that trainings are aligned with student outcomes and organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership
• Supervise, coach, and manage a team of trainers, providing guidance and support to ensure effective training delivery.
• Collaborate with the Program Content Specialist to assess and develop training content that meets staff needs and enhances the student experience.
• Gather feedback through site visits from regional program staff and leaders to identify gaps and drive continuous improvement.
• Create training impact assessment criteria and develop role-specific and grade-specific coaching criteria.
• Identify and prescribe best practices for successful facilitation in the field.
• Develop scaled and scaffolded guides for program implementation.
• Foster an environment of psychological safety by collaborating effectively with diverse staff and partners.
• Manage the planning and delivery of key Think Together staff development systems including Induction and coordination of field level training.
• Manage & support the comprehensive process of creating professional development tools & resources; included but not limited to researching, designing, proofreading, editing, and formatting training content and support materials.
• Collaborate effectively to ensure that all training and staff development is aligned to Think Together goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with Director, Program Training & Development, and other departments to assess, strategize and align organizational training needs and schedules.
• Collaborate across organizational departments/regions to identify training and professional development support needs.

Training and Facilitation
• Conduct in-person training sessions for program staff, ensuring engagement and alignment with adult learning principles.
• Assess, create, and optimize training content for specific programs and student grade levels.
• Lead program training initiatives and identify training pathways for staff based on grade level and program elements.
• Develop role-specific coaching criteria, determining appropriate timing and dosage of coaching interventions.
• Recommend best practices for effective program implementation and facilitation in the field.
Training Content Development
• Oversee the creation of program training content, including project plans, pacing guides, and implementation tools.
• Apply a continuous improvement lens to training processes, refining programs based on feedback and observations.
• Create and deliver tailored training content that meets the specific needs of programs and grade levels.
• Implement criteria for assessing the impact and effectiveness of training programs, ensuring actionable evaluations.
• Develop clear, step-by-step guides to support successful program implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field; or a minimum of 5 years of experience in training and facilitation in a relevant grade level area (elementary and early learning or older youth).
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in education or expanded learning preferred.
• Supervisory experience in a training or educational context.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles.
• Experience in delivering training to diverse groups, both large and small.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Well-versed in learning design, project-based learning, and familiar with curricular providers, and educational technology and software opportunities.
• Maintain highest degree of confidentiality.
• Comply with organization policies and follow procedures.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

COMPUTER SKILLS:
• Intermediate level experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and Adobe
• Intermediate Learning Management System experience (Canvas, Blackboard, Collaboration, etc.).
• Ability to adapt and learn new content and technology (webinars, asynchronous learning, software). File Management (One Drive, Box, Dropbox, etc.)
• Email, Internet, website, and social media platforms.
• Use of typical office equipment

COMPENSATION:

• Salary Range $70,000-$75,000

 This is the targeted compensation for the position. A range of factors, including but not limited to; location, skills, experience, will be considered. Actual compensation may vary.

Think Together is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, religious creed, physical disability, mental disability, age for individuals age 40 and over, medical condition (as defined by state law (for example, cancer or genetic characteristics or HIV/AIDS), marital status, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.