Manager, Talent & Organizational Development

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John G Shedd Aquarium

Manager, Talent & Organizational Development

TITLE: Manager, Talent & Organizational Development

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director, Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

SALARY: $80,000 - $90,000

LOCATION: Chicago, IL. - Hybrid

Time Commitment: Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed in support of select programs, events, or teams operating across various shifts.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Manager of Talent & Organizational Development designs, delivers, and sustains high-impact talent development, coaching, and facilitation experiences that strengthen individual capability, team effectiveness, and organizational health across Shedd Aquarium.

This role is heavily focused on leadership coaching, mentoring, and consultation, serving as a trusted thought partner to leaders at all levels of the organization. In addition, the Manager designs and facilitates impactful learning experiences, including the development and delivery of engaging, inclusive programs that support staff and leaders across the Aquarium.

Grounded in adult learning principles and organizational development best practices, and a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and justice (DEAIJ), this role partners closely with leaders, HR colleagues, and subject matter experts to assess needs, develop effective solutions, and foster a strong, sustainable culture of learning aligned with Shedd Aquarium's mission, values, and operational priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Leadership Coaching, Mentoring & Consultation

• Serve as a trusted coach and advisor to leaders, providing one-on-one and group coaching that enhances leadership effectiveness, emotional intelligence, communication, and team performance.
• Partner with managers and teams to navigate organizational challenges inclusive of change management, performance concerns, conflict, engagement, and collaboration.
• Design and implement structured coaching and mentoring initiatives that support leadership growth, talent development, and succession planning.
• Consult with leaders to assess individual, team, and organizational development needs and recommend operationally applicable solutions aligned with departmental priorities.
• Support leaders in applying learning to real-time workplace challenges, reinforcing sustainable behavior change and skill transfer.
• Contribute to employee engagement and culture-building efforts through leadership development strategies and coaching-centered initiatives.

Facilitation, Learning Design & Program Delivery

• Facilitate engaging, inclusive learning experiences for frontline staff, supervisors, professionals, and senior leaders.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve leadership and organizational development programs in collaboration with the Sr. Director of Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness.
• Conduct learning needs assessments and partner with departments to identify priorities and create impactful learning solutions.
• Utilize a variety of learning methodologies and delivery approaches, including instructor-led facilitation, workshops, blended learning, e-learning, and experiential/on-the-job learning.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure learning content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with institutional goals.
• Manage and maintain course offerings within the Learning Management System (LMS), including content updates, enrollment, tracking, and reporting.
• Stay current on trends, research, and best practices in leadership development, facilitation, organizational development, and employee engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, learning and development, employee engagement, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership coaching and mentoring to managers and leaders.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating adult learning programs, workshops, and courses.
• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design, facilitation methods, and learning evaluation practices.
• Proven success designing and implementing development programs that drive behavioral change and organizational impact.
• Experience using Learning Management Systems (LMS) and learning technologies.
• Experience maintaining, evaluating, and evolving curricula based on organizational needs.

Preferred Certifications

• Professional certification in HR, learning and development, or coaching (e.g., SHRM, PHR, CPTD, ICF).

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced coaching, facilitation, and consulting skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse roles and perspectives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• High level of adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
• Strong project management, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency with HR, learning, and collaboration platforms and tools.

Further Comments

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options Vision and Dental Insurance Accrued Paid Time Off Up to 12 Paid Holidays Life Insurance Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance 401(k) Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies Employee Assistance Program Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive Employee Discounts Employee Tickets Reasonable Accommodations: Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

Salary

$80,000 - $90,000

How to Apply

Please apply through the job link - https://sheddaquarium.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a23xwy55ba4o/aaam

John G Shedd Aquarium

1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Chicago, IL 60605

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