Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Manager

CLOSES ON June 4, 2026 at 5:00 pm

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The Learning & Development (L&D) Manager is responsible for the leadership and continuous improvement of South Metro Fire Rescue Authority’s learning systems that support line, staff, and executive training. This role oversees Learning & Development staff and learning management systems, manages the L&D budget, and leads change management efforts to enhance learning effectiveness. Working in direct support of the Training Division, the L&D Manager collaborates with Training Chiefs and instructors to advance instructional design, evaluation practices, and overall learning quality, without serving in a training delivery role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the position and do not list every duty that may be required of the employee for this position. The District retains the right to change the duties and responsibilities of the position at any time without notice.)

Leadership and Management

Works in coordination with the Division Chief of Training to direct, manage, and oversee the activities and services of assigned functional areas in the Training Division, including curriculum development, instructor support, organization learning strategy, and program budget.

Manages assigned Learning and Development staff by communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, and evaluating job results; coaching, mentoring, rewarding, and disciplining employees; resolves personnel concerns and issues; advises the Division Chief of Training of activities and issues needing attention.  

Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly; initiates, coordinates, and enforces systems, policies, and procedures.

Plans, directs, and coordinates work activities; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.

Assesses and monitors workload, administrative support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportu¬nities for improvement.

Participates in the development and administration of the Learning and Development budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expendi¬tures and implements budgetary adjustments, as appropriate and necessary.

Explains, justifies, and defends programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.

Participates in the selection of staff; orients and trains employees, developing personal growth opportunities. 

Maintains a safe and healthy working environment by establishing and enforcing organization values, adhering to legal requirements.

Organizational Learning 

Designs and maintains learning systems supporting line, staff, and executive training.

Aligns learning initiatives with operational readiness, leadership development, and other organizational priorities.

Advises the Division Chief of Training on learning effectiveness, system gaps, and improvement opportunities.

Instructional Design, Delivery, and Evaluation

Serves as the organization’s subject matter expert on adult learning principles and instructional design; provides instructional design guidance, evaluation tools, and learning standards to instructors and Training Chiefs.

Develops and oversees instructor development pathways.

Collaborates with subject matter experts to translate operational and organizational expertise into effective learning products.

Oversees the lifecycle of learning content, including development, review, revision, and retirement.

Owns and manages University and Community College affiliation agreements related to learning and development.

Oversees eLearning platforms and learning management systems, including content structure, permissions, pathways, and reporting.

Ensures learning systems are organized, role-based, and aligned with learning objectives.

Establishes evaluation practices focused on learning outcomes rather than attendance.

Uses evaluation data to improve training design, instructional effectiveness, and system performance.

Serves as the lead for change management related to learning systems, instructional practices, and organizational learning initiatives; applies change management principles to support adoption and sustainability of learning improvements.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.)

Bachelor’s degree in training and development, education, instructional design, organization development or a related field is required.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in learning and development, instructional design or a related field.

Two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Obtains Prosci Change Management certification within one (1) year of hire.

Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the SMFR’s Driving Records Policy.

Must obtain CPR certification within one (1) year of hire.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Advanced knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design principles and learning science.

Demonstrated experience designing, delivering and evaluating instructional materials for adult learners using diverse tools to enhance knowledge retention and job performance.

Ability to envision and build learning systems in a manner that balances quality and quantity.

Experience in developing engaging, focused, and impactful content working closely with leadership and all stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with efficiency, organization, and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment while adhering to deadlines, ensuring a high-end user experience.

Proficient with certificate tracking software and Learning Management Systems (LMS).

Ability to foster collaborative and productive ways of working to engage with members of the team to ensure deadlines are met, training is accurate, and of high quality.

Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions, and the ability to issue clear, concise verbal and/or written instructions.

Flexibility and ability to adapt to different personalities and communication styles.

Thorough knowledge and understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws and 

regulations as they apply to fire services, emergency medical services, personnel law, safety regulations, National Fire Protection Association standards, and departmental policies and procedures and standard operating procedures.

Knowledge of word processing programs and various software packages related to the preparation of informational materials and modern office practices and procedures.

Ability to comprehend broad and complicated conceptual ideas or strategies and implement such ideas or strategies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Demonstrated commitment to valuing and respecting diversity with an understanding of how to effectively incorporate diversity initiatives into the organization.

Ability to select, supervise, train, motivate and evaluate staff; ability to provide goals, direction, and effective leadership.

Ability to delegate assignments and follow-up in a timely manner to ensure they are completed satisfactorily.

Ability to train others. 

Knowledge of accreditation agencies, processes, and requirements. 

Skill in implementing processes to ensure SMFR meets or exceeds certification, credentialing and accreditation documentation and renewal requirements. 

Ability to monitor changes published by certification and credentialing bodies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of the Division Chief of Training.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Learning and Development staff, including rotating positions.

EQUIPMENT and SYSTEMS

Requires frequent use of equipment including personal computer (including various software packages, database, and spreadsheet programs), SMFR automobiles, cameras and video equipment, calculators, telephones, two-way radios, facsimile machines, copy machines, printers, and other general office equipment. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The primary duties of this job are performed in a climate-controlled office environment.  

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

BENEFITS

South Metro Fire Rescue’s compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees. In turn, SMFR’s compensation is more than base pay. All regular full-time SMFR employees enjoy a total compensation package including base wages, leave accruals, medical, dental, vision and life insurance employer-paid premiums, Retiree Health Savings, Death & Disability, and employer-paid pension contributions as well as positive work culture including a robust Fitness, Wellness and Rehabilitation Program, educational opportunities and support, job security and other positive non-monetary values which are intended to collectively position SMFR as an employer of choice in its geographic area. SMFR recognizes that being an employer of choice has different meanings to different people depending on what elements a person highly values. Overall, SMFR's goal is to be a great place to work.

Salary : $120,349 - $141,100