Description

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

To support our mission, we are seeking a Learning and Development Director, to join our People Team. As the Learning and Development Director at National Wildlife Federation, you will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive learning and development strategies that align with NWF’s goals and employee development needs. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create and deliver effective training programs that enhance individual and organizational performance. Your innovative approach to learning will drive our employees' skills, knowledge, and career progression.

Principal Duties (major areas of responsibility):

• Refine and execute a strategic learning and development roadmap that supports business objectives and promotes a culture of learning.
• Collaborate with department leaders to identify skill gaps and training needs across various teams and levels.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve training programs, workshops, e-learning modules, and other learning initiatives.
• Leverage various learning methodologies, technologies, and resources to enhance training effectiveness and engagement.
• Monitor and assess the impact of training initiatives through metrics and feedback, making data-driven adjustments as necessary.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in learning and development to bring innovative ideas to the organization.
• Build relationships with external training providers, vendors, and experts to enhance the range of development opportunities.
• Collaborate with other members of the People team to ensure alignment of learning initiatives with performance management and career development processes.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Required

• At least 5 years of progressive L&D experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CPLP / CPTD Certification required
• Everything DiSC Certified Practitioner required
• Strong grounding in adult learning principles instructional design, or organizational behavior.
• Hands-on experience building training programs (classroom, virtual, and blended learning).
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and digital learning tools.
• Proven ability to analyze organizational needs and translate them into scalable learning solutions.

Preferred

• Master’s Degree in Organizational Development, Education, Human Resources, or MBA (with focus on talent management).
• Leadership experience with building new functions—designing L&D strategies from the ground up rather than inheriting established systems
• Certification in Prosci highly preferred
• Familiarity with instructional design methodologies e.g., Kirkpatrick, ADDIE
• Experience with change management and leadership development.
• Exposure to data-driven learning evaluation (Kirkpatrick Model, ROI, engagement metrics).
• Experience in managing a small team and external vendors/consultants.
• Cross-functional experience (working with stakeholders, business unit leaders and external partners).

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic visioning + tactical execution with the ability to set long-term learning strategies while also creating immediate deliverables.
• Strong consulting and facilitation skills—credibility to influence leaders and engage employees.
• Program design & evaluation (from onboarding to leadership programs).
• Communication & storytelling—translating learning into culture and business outcomes.
• Agility & innovation—experience with microlearning, digital platforms, and non-traditional learning methods.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and the use of technology in learning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of building relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and insights to drive decisions and improvements.
• Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning tools e.g., Vyond, Articulate 360
• Proven project management skills to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• A passion for continuous learning and a forward-thinking approach to development.

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s required equity competencies at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Physical Requirements: 

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).  

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Please Note: 

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Location and Work Mode: 

The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work in the office, in a hybrid manner, or fully remote, to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers 

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $115,000, commensurate with experience.

We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits, and by Forbes as one of America’s best small employers!  We value work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling.  We want you to be able to integrate work and personal life with attention to your self-care, so that your work schedule is not depleting.  We offer benefits so you feel restored and fueled through the day and week.

We offer these supports to help manage your mental, emotional, and physical health: 

• Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets), and 11 holidays
• We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family.
• Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
• Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options – all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
• Therapist available at no cost
• Pet insurance and discount perk program
• Annual wellbeing allowance

In addition to your salary, we offer the following supports to your personal finances:

• Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
• Annual year end retirement contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
• Pet adoption stipend
• Student Loan management

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

APPLICATION:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. NWF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law.

For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules.  Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence.  Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at [email protected] or 703-438-6244.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.