The Opportunity
The Learning and Engagement Partner is responsible for expanding on the talents and skills of employees and clients at all levels by delivering innovative opportunities for ongoing professional development.  This position will oversee learning and development initiatives including design, procurement, delivery, coordination, and administration of learning opportunities and programs, as well as implementation and management of learning management systems (LMS).

This position will also provide “hands-on” planning and execution of a variety of events and engagement initiatives, from highly complex VIP level retreats/events to learning/development-based retreats, organizational events and other engagement initiatives and/or programs as assigned.

Culture of Care
At RDV Corporation, we recruit only the most talented people who are highly capable, energetic, positive, results focused, and who naturally contribute to a premier service-oriented culture. In turn, our employees experience competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits programs that enhance their lives and experiences. They also enjoy a workplace that is meaningful, engaging, and collaborative; a place where they can grow their career in the vibrant heart of downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

Duties and Responsibilities

Learning & Development:

• Work closely with the VP of Talent Services and leaders across the organization(s) to gain an understanding of the needs regarding objectives for learning and development programs/solutions with the goal of enhancing the client, employee, manager, team, and/or department performance.
• Lead collaborative efforts with stakeholders to define desired performance outcomes; provide feedback and coaching on issues related to learning programs.
• Ensure successful learning outcomes by directing the identification and translation of the client’s learning needs into a defined learning strategy and implemented solutions.
• Ensure learning solutions created meet the requirements of the client; identify alternate non-training solutions when appropriate.
• Deploy a wide variety of training and development methods including mentoring, coaching, on-the-job or in classroom training, e-learning, workshops, conferences, retreats, etc.
• Interpret and discuss feedback with leadership and stakeholders and monitor impact and effectiveness of learning solutions; suggest improvements to further enhance learning program effectiveness and sustainability.
• Research and introduce new learning and development techniques, tools, and programs.
• Remain current on learning and development related tools, techniques, strategies and practices to provide relevant, informed consultative advice to clients; share leading learning practices with teams and stakeholders.
• Document and facilitate needs for customization or localization of learning programs
• Review interim/unplanned learning activities and requests; make appropriate recommendations.
• Develop and manage relationships with vendors.
• Exemplify the desired culture and philosophies of the organization.

Engagement Initiatives and Event Planning:

• Overall superior project management and “hands-on” execution for all assigned initiatives and events, focusing on exceptional outcomes and experiences for key stakeholders and participants.
• Display expert understanding and application of each event and/or initiatives focus, level of sophistication, and strategic goal.
• Ability to navigate the business, creative, collaborative, and leadership functions of event and initiative management:
  • Work with multiple employees, committees, and/or constituencies to understand objectives, manage deliverables and execute impactful programs.
  • Ability to design experiences and create event strategies that support initiative/event goals, understanding the big picture.
  • Establish comprehensive project plan to include timelines, budget development, event registration, travel logistics, agenda, invitation and communication design, and production of other event materials.
  • Track budget to stay within expectations and timely reconciliation of expenses post event.
  • Communicate pro-actively with the VP of Talent Services as well as committees and leadership as appropriate.
• Leadership over internal event/initiative team(s), planning processes, and outcomes.
  • Determine internal and external resources needed.  Establish and assemble the appropriate planning and team(s) accordingly.
  • Provide and manage effective planning tools and processes.
  • Establish and manage roles & responsibilities, as well as the overall performance of each initiative/event contributor, utilizing effective planning, tools and supervision.
  • Serve as liaison between all event locations, vendors, appropriate RDV Corporation and RDV Staffing employees, and any other applicable contacts for all events.
  • Coordinate and interact closely with RDV Corporation staff and key RDV Staffing employees regarding details throughout the event planning process to ensure optimal communication and successful planning.
• Coordinate all details and aspects of each event including, but not limited to: overall communication, location/facility, speakers, entertainment, technology, agenda, travel & logistics, production, programming, etc.

Elements of Success

Competencies: 

• Leadership: Demonstrated skill in applying approaches, tools, and techniques to gain the cooperation and support of others; ability to lead by example and foster collaborative relationships 
• Creative Thinking: Demonstrated skill in applying tools and techniques for grasping new concepts, acquiring new ways of seeing things, and revising ways of thinking and patterns of behavior.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Demonstrated skill in applying approaches, tools, and techniques for working with individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner.
• Oral and Written Communications: Advanced ability to express oneself to provide information to others effectively and in a succinct manner; outstanding verbal, written, and presentation abilities; ability to ask thoughtful questions to gain insights, listen, and understand other perspectives.
• Coaching: Ability to encourage, motivate, and guide individuals and teams in learning and improving effectiveness.
• Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Advanced ability to use a broad range of methods, assumptions, frameworks, and perspectives when solving problems and making decisions.
• Planning: Advanced project planning and management experience.
• Adult Learning: Theory and Practice: Advanced experience in applying concepts and practices of adult learning to meet the dynamic needs of the employee/client(s), team(s), department(s), and business.
• Learning Needs Analysis: Advanced experience in assessing competency gaps and identifying what people need to learn for successful individual and organizational performance.
• Training Delivery: Ability to effectively deliver or facilitate training in face-to-face and virtual instructor led sessions 

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience with adult learning, and/or corporate learning and development roles with a passion for leading and developing individuals and teams to meet their highest level of potential.
• Deep curiosity to learn about new Learning and Development trends and best practices.
• Project/vendor management experience. 
• Previous experience leading initiatives and providing successful event planning.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Displayed success taking the lead as well as providing behind-the-scenes “hands-on” services.
• Ability to collaborate and work well with teams of all types.
• Strong sense of accuracy, quality, and organization.  Ability to think critically in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and maturity; able to remain optimistic and calm while working with shifting priorities and deadlines essential.
• A self-starter who is able to work independently on multiple projects and prioritize work.
• Must be highly motivated and solution oriented with a high degree of integrity, ethics, discretion, and dedication.
• Must be able to work an irregular schedule, evenings or weekends as needed, additional hours and travel during peak times or as required.