Learning and Development Specialist
Description
At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.
Learn more about our recruitment process.
Job Requisition ID
2026-02861
Time Type
Full time
Employee Group
Staff
Job Category
Learning and Organizational Development
Employment Type
Permanent
Department
Human Resources - Learning and Development
Hiring Range
$73,695.42 - $92,119.28
Posting Information
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday, October 1 2026, at 11:59PM.
This is a Career Path position. The final level will be determined based on demonstrated skills and experience.
Anticipated hiring ranges:
- USG 9: $73,695.42 – $92,119.28
- USG 10: $80,248.28 – $100,310.35
Job Description:
Primary Purpose
Reporting to the Manager, Learning and Development within Human Resources (HR), Organizational and Human Development (OHD), the Learning and Development Specialist is responsible for the management, design, delivery, and university-wide advancement of the University of Waterloo’s employee learning and development programming. The position works collaboratively with colleagues across HR to ensure employee and leadership development offerings and events are aligned, connected, and responsive to the needs of the University community.
The Specialist also coordinates and facilitates customized learning and development initiatives and supports the planning and execution of events, conferences, speakers, and other learning experiences. The role requires the ability to translate organizational needs into meaningful learning opportunities and to work collaboratively across a diverse and complex university environment.
OHD’s work has a direct impact across all areas of the University. The incumbent demonstrates a strong commitment to service excellence and builds and maintains effective relationships with a wide range of units, leaders, and stakeholders. The role involves daily interaction with employees at all levels and requires tact, discretion, sound judgment, and a highly developed ability to engage and communicate effectively with leaders, including senior executives.
The incumbent understands the University of Waterloo’s context and the important connection between employee experience, organizational effectiveness, and the achievement of the University’s strategic goals.
Key Accountabilities – Level 1
Contribute to the Development and Advancement of Learning Strategies
- Support University of Waterloo employees in identifying and accessing meaningful learning and professional development opportunities that respond to individual, team, and organizational needs.
- Build and maintain strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships with departments, teams, and individuals across the University, recognizing diverse backgrounds, roles, experiences, learning needs, and areas of expertise.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts and colleagues across the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) portfolio to ensure learning and development offerings are aligned with organizational priorities, role requirements, and relevant competencies.
- Monitor emerging organizational needs, shifting priorities, and opportunities for collaboration, using these insights to inform the ongoing development, relevance, and improvement of OHDprogramming.
- Collaborate with other Learning and Development Specialists to identify and develop learning opportunities that support employee growth, career development, leadership capability, and professional development.
- Design, develop, coordinate, and facilitate a variety of learning and development programs and offerings, using appropriate adult learning and facilitation practices.
- Evaluate learning programs and experiences using participant feedback, engagement data, and other relevant measures to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Track and document program activity, outcomes, and work in progress, providing status updates and relevant information to support planning, decision-making, and reporting.
Develop and Maintain Learning Resources and Tools
- Identify, select, and implement learning tools, methods, and strategies that are appropriate for the audience, topic, context, and intended learning outcomes.
- Design and develop engaging, accessible, and relevant learning resources that support the application and transfer of learning to the workplace.
- Lead and manage projects related to the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of learning programs, resources, and tools.
- Curate and regularly refresh learning resources based on current research, emerging practices, subject matter expertise, participant feedback, and evolving organizational needs.
- Ensure learning resources and tools are aligned with OHD learning strategies, University priorities, and the needs of employees, leaders, and teams.
- Evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of learning resources and tools making adjustments and improvements as required
Employee Programming
- Coordinate and contribute to the design, development, delivery, and continuous improvement of employee and leadership development programs and learning experiences across the employee lifecycle.
- Collaborate with campus partners, CHRO colleagues, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to ensure programming is relevant, current, evidence-informed, and responsive to organizational needs.
- Coordinate the ongoing planning and management of the HR learning calendar, including term-to-term and annual planning of programs, offerings, facilitators, resources, and delivery requirements.
- Manage the participant experience across applicable programs, from registration or application through participation, completion, and celebration, ensuring clear communication and a positive learning experience.
- Coordinate program logistics and operational requirements, including physical and virtual facilities, participant materials, technology, communications, accessibility considerations, and other supports required for effective delivery.
- Maintain organized and accurate program documentation, resources, and materials, including content development, version control, copyright, implementation, and program history.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including leaders, managers, supervisors, and campus partners, to understand emerging needs and inform the ongoing development of employee learning and development programming.
- Provide ongoing guidance, coaching, and access to relevant resources that support participants in applying and extending their learning beyond the program experience.
- Coordinate relationships and service arrangements with internal and external facilitators, consultants, vendors, and other providers to support effective, cost-conscious, and high-quality program delivery.
- Coordinate logistical requirements for external facilitators and program guests, including travel and accommodation arrangements where applicable.
- Develop and implement appropriate assessment and evaluation strategies to understand participant experience, learning, application, and program effectiveness.
- Analyze program information, participant feedback, and other relevant data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for HR and senior leadership to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement of employee learning and development programming.