HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Senior Learning Specialist delivers the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance learning and development programs, facilitating all in-person and virtual sessions, supporting career development programs, administering L&D programs in the LMS, supporting curriculum design, and applying AI to improve how learning is built and delivered. This role executes against the program design and strategic direction set by the Learning & Development Manager. This position reports to the Learning & Development Manager.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Facilitates all in-person and virtual Learning & Development programs, including New Team Member Orientation, New Leader Orientation, the HR Manager Training Series, and our Leadership Development programs. Prepares sessions, manages classroom logistics, and adapts delivery to different audiences across the Zoo, Safari Park, and conservation sites. Delivers content in line with the program design and strategic direction set by the Manager, Learning & Development.
- Supports career development programs, including the Wildlife Care Development Program (WCDP) and Roots to Grow. Provides participant support (enrollment, scheduling, communications, attendance tracking) and serves as the point of contact for participants and their managers. Helps build, pilot, and roll out Roots to Grow materials, gathers feedback, and recommends adjustments to the Manager, Learning & Development.
- Administers learning programs and content in the Learning Management System (LMS). Builds and assigns L&D program courses, manages enrollments and due dates, runs completion reports, and follows up with participants and their managers to keep programs on track. Compliance course deployment is owned by the Manager, Learning & Development.
- Supports curriculum design for L&D programs in partnership with the Manager, Learning & Development. Develops facilitator guides, participant materials, job aids, and e-learning content using adult learning principles and instructional design models.
- Identifies, evaluates, and applies AI tools to improve how learning is designed, delivered, and administered, including content development, personalized learning, and LMS and reporting workflows. Follows SDZWA data privacy and responsible use guidelines, reviews AI-generated content for accuracy, pilots new tools with the Manager, Learning & Development, and coaches team members on effective use.
- Collects and analyzes participant feedback, assessment results, and completion data to support program measurement and reporting. Provides the Manager, Learning & Development with the data and insights needed to evaluate program effectiveness, and recommends improvements.
- Partners with internal managers, program stakeholders, and the Talent Management team to understand learning needs and keep programs aligned with SDZWA mission and values. Stays current with industry trends and best practices in facilitation, instructional design, and learning technology.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
This role primarily focuses on facilitating engaging instructor-led and virtual trainings for team members and leaders across a variety of topics. Supporting responsibilities include curriculum design, LMS administration, and professional development, with an emphasis on leveraging AI to enhance instructional design and the learning experience. Applicants must submit a portfolio showcasing learning experiences they have designed (such as participant guides, eLearnings, or curricula), including examples of how they incorporated AI, along with a cover letter outlining their design approach, use of AI, and the impact of their work.
JOB EXPERIENCE
- Requires 5 years of progressively responsible experience in training facilitation, learning and development, or instructional design, including delivering in-person training to adult learners. Experience in a non-profit, hospitality, or zoo environment, or equivalent experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to handle all aspects of the position.
- Previous experience administering a Learning Management System (LMS), including course deployment and completion reporting, is required.
- Previous experience using AI tools to support learning content development, program delivery, or administrative workflows is required.
- Experience supporting leadership development or onboarding programs preferred.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Instructional Design, or a related field required.
- Master’s in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Adult Learning, or a related field preferred.
- Instructional & Learning Design Certificate Preferred.
- CA driver’s license required.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Strong working knowledge of the training and development process, including needs analysis, instructional design models, adult learning theories, and evaluation.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate group discussions and conduct classroom learning sessions, seminars, and workshops for diverse audiences.
- Able to develop clear, engaging learning materials, including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and job aids.
- Proficient in LMS administration, including course setup, enrollment management, and completion reporting.
- Proficient in MS Office, PowerPoint, Word, Adobe, and other moderately complex computer software programs.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple programs, schedules, and deadlines at once.
- Working knowledge of AI tools for learning content development and workflow automation, with an understanding of responsible use, data privacy, and human review of AI-generated content.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and with others in a diverse team environment.
- Able to analyze participant feedback and program data and present findings clearly.
- Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a high level of tact and diplomacy.
SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Family Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
- Hourly Rate: $39.45
