Director Training Job Description

Directors of Training manage complex budgets.

Training Directors typically report into the human resources department. Responsibilities usually include assessing the developmental needs of an entire business unit as well as implementing programs and initiatives designed to build talent within the company. Skills and experience in partnering with subject matter experts to develop relevant training programs, managing the learning management system, ensuring regulatory and legal compliance and demonstrating competence in current instructional practices and emerging technologies.

Function

Directors of training organizations perform strategic and analytical tasks for the organization as well as tactical activities. Demonstrating leadership skills in the company's industry, training directors influence curriculum planning, budget allocation and resource distribution. Training directors work with business managers to determine performance gaps in their departments and identify training interventions to solve these problems.

Variations

Training Directors may report directly into the business function, such as sales, marketing or engineering, depending on the company structure. The ability to speak one or more additional languages as well as the ability to travel often (50% of the time) characterize some director-level training roles.

Skills

Training managers exhibit strong project management, facilitation, presentation and interpersonal skills. Strong verbal and written capabilities are typically required as well as demonstrated expertise in managing training products in a variety of formats (such as seminars, workshops, web-based training or podcasts). In addition, experience using project management software such as Microsoft Project to plan complex projects represents typical work expected.

Education

Most Directors of Training possess at least a bachelors degree and at least eight years experience developing and delivering training projects, with extensive expertise in adult education learning principles. In addition, the American Society for Training and Development offers certification for those seeking additional credentials in the instructional technology field. The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance credential provides a way for learning and performance professionals to provide a way for workplace learning and performance professionals to prove their value to their company based on industry-established standards.

Compensation

As of May 2008, the average annual salary for training and development managers was $87,700, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies according to industry, level of experience, location company size, salaries reflect cyclical staffing needs. Projected to grow by 22 percent through 2018, overall human resources employment reflects a faster than average growth rate as compared with other occupations.

References

• BLS: Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Managers and Specialists

Resources

• ASTD: Certified Professional in Learning and Performance
• Clomedia: Chief Learning Officer