Job Details
Description
We have an exciting new opportunity for a Director of Education (traditionally known as Director of Learning and Development) to join our team, with an anticipated start in January/February of 2026.
The
Director of Education will lead the advancement of Schlegel Villages’ learning strategy, helping to nurture a culture of curiosity, growth, and continuous improvement across our Villages. This role oversees the design, delivery and evaluation of learning programs and education initiatives through Ron Schlegel University (RSU), ensuring each offering reflects our values and supports our long-term vision and success.
Partnering closely with Support Office teams, village leaders, and external education partners and supported by the Sr Director of People Development and Engagement, the Director of Education will create meaningful, accessible, and innovative learning opportunities that empower our team members to reach their highest potential and deliver exceptional care and service.
Summary Of Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the evolution of our learning strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and a culture of continuous growth.
- Oversee key learning initiatives, including the Learning Management System (LMS), virtual and in-person training, workshops, and blended programs.
- Translate insights from learning activities into improvements in strategy, policy, and organizational development.
- Design and support engaging learning programs grounded in adult learning principles across virtual, eLearning, and in-person formats.
- Support the creation and refinement of competency maps that define expectations for team member and leadership roles.
- Facilitate learning experiences and support SMEs in delivering high-quality education sessions.
- Lead, coach, and develop our internal Master Trainers in delivering core signature programs.
- Maintain and enhance the LMS, ensuring resources are accurate, accessible, and up to date.
- Stay current on trends and technologies to continuously improve the learner experience
- Support team member development through RSU pathways, including scholarships and tuition assistance.
- Model serving leadership and contribute to change initiatives that align with our values and culture.
- Establish and track learning metrics, gather feedback, and use data to refine programs and demonstrate impact.
- Build strong relationships with internal partners and external organizations to advance inclusive, innovative education solutions.
- Advocate for learners by ensuring training is relevant, accessible, and responsive to real needs across the Villages.
Travel Requirements
Schlegel Villages Support Office is located in Kitchener, Ontario, with 18 Villages located throughout Southern Ontario. This is a hybrid role with requirements to be on site and/or weekly travel to our Villages. Geographical home base of candidates is flexible, but regular travel will be expected.
To be successful as our new Director of Education, you will have:
- Proven experience in learning and development, instructional design, and building educational content.
- A solid understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design best practices.
- Skilled facilitation abilities with the confidence to engage learners in both virtual and in-person settings.
- Hands-on experience with LMS platforms and eLearning tools such as Articulate.
- Ability to measure learning impact and connect outcomes to organizational goals.
- Exceptional communication, collaboration, and external partner engagement skills.
- Leadership experience with the ability to coach, develop, and inspire others.
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of educational content and sector requirements related to Senior Living.
- Experience supporting tuition assistance or scholarship programs.
- Familiarity with change management strategies and tools.
- A creative, innovative mindset with a passion for designing future-focused learning solutions.
- Ability to navigate complexity, listen deeply, and balance multiple perspectives.
How Schlegel Villages Supports Our Team Members
- Competitive salary, and benefits;
- Significant opportunities for Growth and Development: Our Leaders come from within;
- Ongoing Team Member Appreciation incentives and generous rewards and recognition;
- Extended Health Benefits & Retirement Savings;
- Individualized Assistance for Team Member Education and Development;
- Loans and Scholarships to help our team members realize their greatest potential;
- Financial Hardship Support Program: Wilfred Schlegel Hope Fund;
- A Unique Family Culture: Every Person in Every Village is a branch of our Family Tree
You can be you while being a part of our family.
At Schlegel Villages we are redefining elder care through innovation, village design and culture change, but we know the key to our Village success and our residents’ satisfaction is YOU and our teams.
We aspire to provide all members of our communities, including team members, with a life enriching experience. We are family owned and operated and we take our mission seriously: “to provide holistic health care in a home environment, located within an internal neighbourhood design that promotes a caring community with emphasis on optimal health and life purpose for each resident”.
Schlegel Villages is pleased to accommodate individual needs in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), within our recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please speak with the hiring leader.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are ingrained within the Schlegel Culture, and our Villages are more welcoming, open-hearted and vibrant because of it. Each Village is strengthened by the unique lived experience of every person connected to it. Everyone is included and respected in their spirituality, cultural diversity and individuality. Regardless of ability, heritage or cultural roots, our people are embraced, just as they are, and we celebrate and support life purpose within the community.