Senior Manager, Career Development & Learning

OVERVIEW

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide. 

Across our organization, we’re building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

INTRO TO POSITION 

The Senior Manager of Career Development & Learning will lead and execute an integrated learning and development strategy across NPR and NPM. This role will collaborate with others to cultivate and maintain a learning environment that increases employee engagement and aligns with NPR’s goals and strategic priorities. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Within the first six months: 

• Oversee Performance Management – Lead NPR’s performance management process, including supporting the launch of org-wide OKRs and goal setting, mid-year check-ins, and year-end reviews, ensuring alignment with total rewards, promotions, and core values. 

• Develop Leadership Competency Framework – Partner with the People Leadership Team to establish a new leadership competency framework that serves as the foundation for all People Team functions, programs, and initiatives. 

• Enhance Supervisor Training & Resources – Oversee the design and implementation of a new supervisor training program and handbook to equip leaders with the tools needed to support and develop their teams effectively. 

• Lead Internal Communication on Learning Initiatives – Manage and oversee the quarterly People Team newsletter to communicate key learning and development updates across the organization. 

Within the first and second year: 

• Develop Career Pathing & Skills Development Strategy – Establish career pathing frameworks and foundational skills development initiatives to help employees grow within the organization. 

• Facilitate Individual Career Development Planning – Create and implement an individual career development plan template, partnering with People Partners, supervisors, and NPR Leadership to align career development efforts with succession planning and organizational priorities. 

Ongoing responsibilities: 

• Lead Employee Development Programs – Design and implement innovative training and professional development initiatives in collaboration with stakeholders across NPR. Identify, research, and coordinate internal and external trainers to deliver development programs that align with organizational priorities and workforce needs. 

• Advance Employee Engagement & Insights – Work with the People Leadership Team and other key stakeholders to support employee engagement efforts, implement pulse surveys, and analyze data to enhance People Team programs and initiatives. 

• Leverage External Learning Resources – Source and manage relationships with external training vendors, career development experts, and other learning resources to expand skills development opportunities for NPR and NPM staff. 

• Manage Succession Planning – Maintain and oversee the organization’s strategic succession planning process, working with senior leadership and People Partners to identify critical roles, high-potential employees, and future leaders. Develop talent review methodologies and ensure readiness for key leadership transitions. 

• Support Workforce Planning