Training and Development Manager

Position Summary:

Are you a dynamic and motivated professional, experienced in managing employee training and development?  If so, Democracy Forward needs you.  We are in need of a talented self-starter with strong interpersonal and relationship building skills to work closely with our People and Culture team, senior leadership, and hiring managers in the development of ongoing training and development programs to meet the needs of a dynamic, diverse, and growing team. We are in search of a candidate who can perform all duties while demonstrating behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with the mission, vision and values of the organization.

This position is full-time. Democracy Forward’s office is located in Washington, DC. While this position offers flexibility to work remotely, it requires regular in-office presence eight (8) times per month (averaging about 2-3 times per week) to effectively support the nature of the role, as well as flexibility to be in person for additional training as required.

This position will report to the organization’s Director of People and Culture and work among and with all staff and departments in the organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Director for People and Culture to ensure compliance with state-required training mandates, including anti-harassment, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and workplace safety.
• Working with the Managing Attorney and Deputy Managing Attorney, support legal staff in the development and tracking of continuing legal education accreditation (CLE) requirements while aligning with broader organizational training initiatives.
• Conduct training needs assessments to identify organizational gaps and collaborate with leadership to prioritize and address those needs.
• Partner with organizational leaders and subject matter experts to design, recommend, and implement training programs tailored to departmental and organizational goals. Training may include more formal learning sessions and informal mentoring programs.
• Partner with external consultants for specialized training and manage all aspects of vendor and contract management.
• Create and implement professional development opportunities for our intern program and legal fellows program, working with our Managing Attorney on legal specific programs.
• Stay informed of methods, techniques, and compliance training requirements applicable to various professions, ensuring the organization remains in compliance with legal and industry standards.
• Monitor and evaluate training milestones and goals, ensuring progress is aligned with organizational priorities.
• Partner with the HR Generalist to design and implement tailored onboarding experiences for both staff and managers, ensuring new hires are effectively integrated and set up for success.
• Support manager development through targeted trainings, coaching sessions, and the creation of tools and resources that strengthen people management skills.
• Coordinate and maintain a centralized annual training calendar, ensuring timely communication and alignment across departments.
• Embed diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into all training and development programs to promote an inclusive and values-aligned workplace.
• Explore and make recommendations for the adoption of a learning management system (LMS) or alternative tools to centralize and track training materials and participation over time.

Qualifications:

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

• 5-8 years of work experience in professional training and/or learning and development. Individuals with a greater number of years of experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Experience partnering with key stakeholders to identify strategic opportunities and define new initiatives for organization impact.
• Experience facilitating and leading training/workshops effectively, engaging at all levels.
• Must have exceptional attention to detail, demonstrated trustworthiness, and leadership skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to prioritize.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to equity, justice, and inclusion within the workplace.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to the organization’s mission and values of advancing democratic values and achieving social progress.
• Strong problem-solving skills and analytical abilities.
• Experience in human resource functions is a plus.

 The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000 commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience. 

Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. 

Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement.  If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar.  Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying.