Learning and Development Manager at Goodwill of Silicon Valley

Description

Goodwill of Silicon Valley (GWSV) is seeking a mission-aligned and strategic Learning and Development Manager to build and lead a training and values-based development program from the ground up. This role is critical to supporting our employees and program participants—many of whom face systemic barriers to employment, including prior incarceration, limited formal education, and housing insecurity—with skills training, leadership development, and cultural alignment.

This position also plays a central role in providing job-readiness and skills-based training to participants preparing for or entering the workforce, particularly in retail, customer service, and other entry-level employment pathways. The incumbent will have access to GWSV’s state-of-the-art training facilities and a wide range of instructional resources to ensure consistent, high-impact delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an organization-wide L&D strategy aligned with GWSV’s

• mission, values, and growth goals.

• Design and deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible training experiences tailored to frontline staff, managers, and program participants.

• Develop and lead a leadership development program for high-potential/performing middle managers annually, including building a vetting and selection process to identify eligible participants.

• Manage and develop team of Leadership and Development staff providing both hard and soft skills.

• Build onboarding, career progression, customer service, and job-readiness training

• frameworks that meet the needs of GWSV’s diverse workforce.

• Collaborate across HR, operations, mission services, and executive leadership to ensure training priorities align with organizational goals.

• Champion core values—honesty, respect, ownership, and empowerment—through every touchpoint in the learning journey.

• Manage the Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate program delivery and monitor user engagement and progress.

• Establish KPIs and feedback mechanisms to measure training effectiveness and support continuous improvement.

• Coordinate with external partners, consultants, and other Goodwill affiliates to enhance the quality and scope of training offerings.

• Mentor and support internal training staff and foster a culture of lifelong learning across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Organizational Development, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).

• 5+ years of progressive experience in learning and development, workforce development, or adult education.

• Demonstrated experience working with individuals facing employment barriers, such as those with limited education, re-entry histories, or housing insecurity.

• Proven success designing and delivering engaging training in multiple formats (in- person, digital, hybrid).

• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; highly emotionally intelligent and culturally aware.

• Ability to build trust and alignment across diverse teams and organizational levels.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in a nonprofit, social enterprise, or high-turnover service industry like retail.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and values-based leadership.

• Hands-on experience with LMS platforms and training metrics.

• Formal certification in learning and development (e.g., ATD, CPLP, SHRM-CP) is a plus.

• Passion for creating equitable pathways to employment and growth.

• Manage training budgets, ensuring alignment with program priorities and cost- effectiveness.

Management Acumen

• Management Style – Belief in empowering employees through the use of coaching and positive motivational techniques

• Organizational Skills – Results orientated, can meet high standards, goals and objectives

• Accountability Style – Holds employees accountable for standards and serves as a mentor in their professional development; open to 360 degree feedback

• Collaborative – Sees value in working and forging effective relationships with others

• Teamwork – Willing to work as part of a team, enjoys sharing credit with colleagues

• Problem Solver – Ability to simplify complicated issues and develop traditional and nontraditional solutions

• Integrity – possess the highest ethical standards, trustworthy and transparent

• Interpersonal Savvy – ability to relate and build constructive relationships with employees, customers, clients, and board members

• Composure – ability to remain calm and collected under pressure

• Communication – strong communicator, excellent listening skills and ability to develop and make effective presentations to Goodwill employees, and/or (as appropriate) Senior Management and Board Members

Working Conditions

• Works in an office environment

• Works a standard workweek with occasional evenings and/or weekends

• Occasional local travel to GWSV’s retail stores

Emotional Effort

• Moderate: Occasional short deadlines. The work environment is occasionally hectic with occasional high activity, with great emphasis on teamwork.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, walking, touching, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions

• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance