Job Description And Duties

Why join CalHR?The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) was named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for strengths development, a national recognition of organizations that build cultures helping people do their best work. This honor reflects our department-wide investment in a strengths-based workplace that supports growth, leadership and a stronger employee experience. Join CalHR to work in an environment that prioritizes professional development and public service.

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is the pillar of human resources management for all state employees. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 400 CalHR team members who serve as trusted advisors to our strategic partners and the public. If you are interested in providing exceptional human resource services and guidance, CalHR is the place for you. By joining our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate professionals. Get to know us more here!

CalHR employees are excluded from bargaining and are eligible to receive enhanced benefits, such as CoBen benefit allowance, employer paid life insurance, additional vacation/annual leave, and are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team in the following role. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!

About This Role

CalHR is looking for an innovative and dynamic senior-level manager to serve as the Chief Learning Officer and lead the Statewide Learning and Development Program. In this unique leadership role, you will have the opportunity to directly and positively impact approximately 150 organizations' strategic efforts and develop the knowledge, skills and abilities of a collective workforce of more than 230,000. The innovative civil service learning and development programs you develop and manage support state workforce and succession planning efforts by progressively developing the competencies of state employees and all levels of state leadership. Bring your collaborative leadership skills and passion for learning and development to this position and help both CalHR as well as state organizations develop a highly skilled civil service workforce that serves the needs of all Californians.

Under the general direction of the Division Chief, Workforce Development Division (CEA B), the Chief Learning Officer (Manager II) is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and statewide governance for the Statewide Learning and Development Program within the Workforce Development Division at CalHR. The incumbent oversees the development and delivery of statewide workforce learning and leadership development programs as an integrated workforce development strategy serving California state government and directs the operations of the Statewide Learning and Development Program, including Talent Development, Workforce Development Division Operations, and Learning Management System Administration supporting the State's enterprise learning platform systems.

How To Apply

Information about applying for a state job can be found here: Three Steps to a State Job. If you’re interested in exploring additional job opportunities at CalHR, please reach out to our recruitment team at CalHRTalentEngagement@calhr.ca.gov. We’d love to hear from you!

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Career Development: CalHR provides continuous learning and training opportunities to support personal and professional growth, including two Professional Development Days per fiscal year.
Location: CalHR is centrally located near the Ice Blocks in downtown Sacramento, with many dining and shopping options nearby.
Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is fostered through measures like telework and adjustable schedules, allowing personal and professional lives to thrive together.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity: A work culture that emphasizes a culture of diversity and inclusivity, offering tangible rewards and recognizing the intrinsic value of varied perspectives and collaboration.
Generous State Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental insurance, long-term disability insurance, 11 paid holidays per year, paid time off, defined benefit retirement program, commute program, employee wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and medical/dependent care reimbursement accounts.

This position may be eligible for a telework opportunity in accordance with departmental policies and operational needs. Employees are currently required to work in-person at least two (2) days per week. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees will be required to work in-person at least four (4) days per week in alignment with Executive Order N-22-25. Additional in-office days may be required based on operational needs.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions ranging from 2% to 4.62% in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) hours. Please note that the salary ranges listed in this Job Control may not reflect these reductions associated with the 2025 Personal Leave Program. Please follow the link for more information regarding the 2025 Personal Leave program: https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.

Merit Salary Adjustment (MSA): Every seven (7) - twelve (12) months depending on the position and based on performance, employees may receive a 5% salary increase until they reach the maximum salary of the position.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

MANAGER II

Additional Documents

Job Application Package Checklist
Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-522649

Position #(s):

363-920-4802-001

Working Title:

Chief Learning Officer

Classification:

MANAGER II

$9,572.00 - $10,867.00

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) oversees a wide range of matters related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment, and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR.

Our Mission: To serve as the trusted advisor to our strategic partners and the public, providing exceptional human resource services and guidance in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Our Vision: Shaping California’s future of public service excellence with fair and equitable employment opportunities and a diverse, engaged workforce.

Core Values: People Centric, Leadership, Accountability, DEIA, Integrity, and Transparency.

Please note, CalHR is not an E-Verified employer.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Special Requirements

All interested applicants are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Please provide direct responses to each of the numbered items listed below. Applicants must number and include the full text of the SOQ items in their response. Please include specific examples of your education, training, and/or experience. SOQs should be limited to a maximum of three (3) pages, single-spaced, twelve-point Arial font, using standard Microsoft Word margins.

Describe your experience leading or managing learning and development or related programs. Include the scope of your responsibility; how you enhance or maintain your knowledge of innovative best practices, applicable laws, regulations, and policies; and provide an example of how you resolved a complex learning and development or related challenge while balancing compliance, resource investment, and meeting internal and external business needs. Describe the outcome.
Describe your experience managing and developing subordinate staff and supervisors in a multidisciplinary team. In your response, provide an example of how you addressed a challenging personnel issue, improved team performance, or fostered accountability while maintaining morale and organizational effectiveness. Include the outcome of your actions.
This position serves as a strategic partner to internal and external stakeholders and is expected to foster a culture of collaboration and service excellence. Describe your approach to promoting collaboration and customer service within your staff. In your response, include an example of how you improved processes, strengthened stakeholder relationships, and/or enhanced service delivery while balancing competing priorities or limited resources.

Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ, please see our Work4CA guide.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 7/9/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including Your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) And Applicable Or Required Documents) Must Be Submitted To Apply For This Job Posting. Application Packages May Be Submitted Electronically Through Your CalCareer Account At Www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When Submitting Your Application In Hard Copy, a Completed Copy Of The Application Package Listing Must Be Included. If You Choose To Not Apply Electronically, a Hard Copy Application Package May Be Submitted Through An Alternative Method Listed Below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Human Resources

Human Resources Office

Attn: Classification & Hiring Unit

1515 S Street, North Building, Suite 500

Sacramento, CA 95811-7258

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Human Resources

Human Resources Office

Classification & Hiring Unit

1810 16th Street

Sacramento, CA 95811-7258

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The Following Items Are Required To Be Submitted With Your Application. Applicants Who Do Not Submit The Required Items Timely May Not Be Considered For This Job:

Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. Please see the Special Requirements section for instructions.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles, leadership development frameworks, and instructional design methodologies used to develop competency-based training programs for supervisors, managers, executives, and professional staff
Knowledge of California civil service workforce policies, training requirements, and statewide workforce development initiatives, including statutory training mandates applicable to supervisors, managers, and executives
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams responsible for program development, operations, and technology administration, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, employee development, and fostering an inclusive and communicative environment
Experience overseeing enterprise learning technologies, such as learning management systems, digital learning platforms, or enterprise workforce learning systems supporting large and diverse user populations
Experience leading enterprise-level learning and development programs, including the design and implementation of leadership development strategies that strengthen organizational capability across large, complex organizations
Experience developing and implementing statewide or large-scale workforce development strategies that are responsive to stakeholder needs, including the use of workforce data and performance metrics to inform learning priorities and organizational capability initiatives
Experience overseeing complex program operations, including budget development, fiscal management, contract administration, and program evaluation within a complex organization
Demonstrated ability to provide consultation and strategic guidance to executives and senior leadership on workforce capability, leadership development, and organizational performance improvement
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative strategic partnerships with internal and external executive leadership, human resources professionals, labor representatives, and other partners to support workforce development initiatives, build consensus, prevent and resolve conflicts, and foster an inclusive and communicative environment
Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to represent an organization in executive forums, facilitate cross-department collaboration, and promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development

Benefits

CalHR ensures that all state employees, retirees and their dependents have access to competitive, quality and affordable benefits. Please visit our new Benefits website at www.benefits.calhr.ca.gov for more information!

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: https://www.calhr.ca.gov

Human Resources Contact:

Kara Pearson

(916) 909-2803

kara.pearson@calhr.ca.gov

Hiring Unit Contact:

Sarah Gessler

(916) 324-9391

sarah.gessler@calhr.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:

RA Coordinators

(916) 322-5315

RACoordinators@calhr.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Additional Application Information

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.
U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.

Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Per CCR 249.3 we may fill additional positions from this recruitment.

Examination Information

Take the online Manager II exam to become list eligible for this position.

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. Visit the CalHR LEAP page for additional information.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR)

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