Learning & Development Specialist

WHO WE ARE

City First Bank N.A. is a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) principally focused on a transformative impact in underserved, urban markets with the highest needs to drive equitable economic development. Our lending activities are purely commercial and focused on the following segments: Multifamily Affordable Housing, Not-for-Profit Finance, and Small Business Finance. As a depository and commercial lending provider with over $1.3 billion in bank assets as of June 30, 2023, our unified organization has over 100 employees in Washington DC and Los Angeles/Inglewood, CA.

This position can sit in either at our Washington, DC office or Inglewood, CA office.

ROLE SUMMARY

City First Bank believes in investing in our employees and providing them with opportunities for professional growth and development. As we continue to grow and expand our operations, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Learning & Development Specialist to join our team.

The position of the Learning & Development Specialist will play a key role in designing, implementing, and managing learning and development programs for employees across the organization. This role will involve collaborating with senior leadership, department heads, and HR to identify training needs, develop curriculum, and deliver engaging and effective learning solutions. The Learning & Development Specialist will be responsible for fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development that supports employee growth and enhances organizational performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with senior leadership and HR to assess organizational learning needs and develop a comprehensive learning and development strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Design, develop, and implement training programs and initiatives to support employee onboarding, skill/reskill development, and career advancement.
• Identify and evaluate external training resources, including vendors, consultants, and online learning platforms, to supplement internal training offerings.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and department heads to develop content and materials for training programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Utilize a variety of instructional techniques and delivery methods, including instructor-led training, e-learning modules, workshops, and on-the-job training, to meet the diverse learning needs of employees.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback, surveys, and performance metrics, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching and support to managers and supervisors on employee development, performance management, and talent retention strategies.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in learning and development, and incorporate relevant innovations into training programs.
• Manage the learning management system (LMS) and other training platforms, ensuring accessibility, usability, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with HR on succession planning initiatives, talent development programs, and leadership development initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, organizational development, education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in learning and development, training, or organizational development roles, preferably in the banking or financial services industry.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and learning technologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to deliver engaging and interactive training sessions.
• Proven project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS) and other training delivery platforms.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) or Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) preferred.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in HR, Business Administration, I/O Psychology, or related field

CERTIFICATIONS

• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) or Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of training delivery methods, including instructor-led training, e-learning, workshops, and on-the-job training.
• Knowledge of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in learning and development.
• Understanding of banking industry regulations and compliance requirements related to training and employee development.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Presentation skills, including the ability to deliver engaging and interactive training sessions.
• Analytical skills, with the ability to assess training needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions.
• Coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to provide guidance and support to employees and managers on development opportunities.
• Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive learning and development strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders across departments and levels of the organization.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and requirements in a fast-paced environment.

For consideration, please apply to https://www.cityfirstbank.com/careers and/or submit your resume to Daniel Umstead, AVP, Employment & Onboarding Advisor, dumstead@cityfirstbroadway.com.