Organizational and Talent Development Specialist

Position Summary: Rice University is seeking an Organizational and Talent Development Specialist. This role is responsible for administering the university's Learning Management System (LMS), and designing, developing, and facilitating learning and leadership programs for employees. In addition, the role oversees course assignments, reporting, and performance management system support, ensuring accurate data and a seamless learning experience for employees. Special Instructions to Applicants : All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues. Candidates advancing to the final stage will be asked to design and present a brief workshop to demonstrate their training and facilitation skills. Ideal Candidate Statement: The ideal candidate is an experienced learning and organizational development professional. They administered a Learning Management System (LMS), supported or managed performance management processes, and designed, developed, and facilitated engaging learning experiences for adult learners. This individual is comfortable managing competing priorities and thrives in a small, collaborative team where flexibility, initiative, and resourcefulness are essential. Experience working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or other environments with lean teams and limited resources is highly preferred. Workplace Requirements: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change. Annual Hiring Range: $85,000 to $92,000 , with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis. Three or more (3+) years of experience training and coaching adult learners, administering LMS, and supporting other talent development processes. Skills: Excellent communication, presentation and public speaking skills; strong organizational and time management skills. Strong experience with MS Office (specifically PowerPoint), and e-learning software. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of projects; work independently; manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment; research issues; solve problems; propose solutions; adapt to changing priorities; and meet deadlines. Ability to develop engaging training materials, presentations, and solutions using creative approaches, ability to apply adult learning principles to design impactful training and development programs. Strong understanding of workplace dynamics with the ability to recommend and facilitate effective interventions; ability to identify development gaps and create targeted, business-aligned solutions. Adept at leading team sessions and meetings to drive decision-making, problem-solving, and team effectiveness. Excellent interpersonal skills, with a client-service orientation and the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across the University while respecting individual needs. Ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable recommendations. Preferences: Experience supporting organizational change initiatives. Familiarity with higher education or complex organizations. Advanced experience with LMS and performance management. Experience with workplace assessments (e.g., DiSC, Birkman, StrengthsFinder); certification in assessment tools strongly preferred. Essential Functions: Support Director of Training and Development with marketing of Rice’s offerings, by crafting and sending general and targeted messages to leadership, managers and employees, updating websites, calendars and plannings, and preparing and conducting presentations for relevant employee groups. Talent Development Initiatives: performance management, supporting campus initiatives, goal management, succession planning initiatives, and etc. Training & Development Design, develop, and facilitate instructor-led and e-learning programs using adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE) on topics such as leadership, performance management, communication, and workplace effectiveness. Conduct training needs assessments and develop 4–6 high-impact learning programs annually that align with organizational priorities and employee development needs. Facilitate team and leadership development initiatives, including coaching, team interventions, and workshops utilizing assessments such as Birkman, DiSC, and CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) to improve communication, collaboration, leadership effectiveness, and team performance. Technology Manage and maintain learning management systems (LMS), including course assignments, tracking, and reporting to relevant stakeholders and leadership. Support the performance management lifecycle (goal setting, check-ins, evaluations), through training and coaching, ensuring data accuracy and compliance. Design, update and run reporting on Performance Management status for effective follow-up. Additional Functions: Build and maintain relationships with HR partners, leaders, and staff across the university. Analyze performance and learning data to inform decisions and continuous improvement. Perform all other duties as assigned and participate in projects as they arise. Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [email protected] for support. If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected] . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.