LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) helps New Yorkers before, during, and after emergencies through preparedness, education, and response. NYCEM is responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning and response for all types and scales of emergencies. We are staffed by more than 200 dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, including individuals assigned from other City agencies.
The Readiness Division prepares the City for emergencies through a continuous cycle of planning, learning, and exercising, using a collaborative and forward-thinking approach.
The Learning and Development Unit builds the capabilities of NYCEM staff and interagency partners by developing and delivering high-quality training, professional development, and leadership programs. Our goal is to cultivate a highly skilled emergency management workforce by strengthening leadership at all levels and supporting ongoing employee growth so staff can effectively prepare for and respond to any emergency.
The Learning and Development Specialist will serve as a key agency expert in professional development, leadership growth, and core capability building. This role will take the lead in managing and expanding NYCEM’s leadership development programs, coaching staff, and supporting agency-wide initiatives that strengthen agency culture and workforce readiness. Additionally, the Specialist will also be responsible for the development and implementation of professional development trainings that support both intra-agency and inter-agency emergency management preparedness.
The Learning and Development Specialist will report directly to the Director of Learning and Development and will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- Serve as a professional development subject matter expert providing coaching and guidance as well as supporting core competency development
- Design, develop, facilitate, and manage trainings/programming/materials focused on a variety of areas including, but not limited to, leadership, communication (e.g. DiSC), public speaking, emotional intelligence, coaching, and giving feedback, etc. for emergency management professionals
- Implement full cycle instructional design and development (analysis, development, implementation, and evaluation) for instructor-led (in person and live online), micro courses, and self-paced online e-learning courses
- Apply adult learning theory and instructional design methodology into course development to support multiple learning styles
- Utilize industry-leading course development tools (e.g., Articulate) to create interactive, professional training content
- Work with subject matter experts to design and develop concise, accurate, and engaging training content
- Partner with external vendors hired to develop curriculum material, when applicable
- Support the NYCEM Learning Management System
- Support the continued development and improvement of the NYCEM Academy and its programs
- Ensure efficient planning and execution of all training activities and related administrative tasks (e.g., course coordination, etc.)
**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
The selected candidate will be assigned to an on-call Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team and will be expected to work non-business hours during some emergencies. These non-business hours include nights, weekends, holidays, and extended week hours outside of a 9AM-5PM schedule. The selected candidate will also participate in trainings to build skills and competencies in emergency response; will participate in drills and exercises associated with the on-call EOC team; and may volunteer to assist with Ready NY emergency preparedness presentations to external groups. EOC teams are on call for three weeks at a time, with six weeks off in between.
Funding - This position is supported with a federal Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funding through 8/31/2027 with the possibility of an extension.
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Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer support to be eligible for selection. Note that NYCEM does not participate in eVerify, which is required for the reauthorization of some visas.
The selected candidate will be required to be in person in the office location three days per week, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances. Please note that there may be weeks when additional in-person days are required due to ongoing or scheduled trainings.
For this position, the “Special Note” below in the Minimum Qualification Requirements does not apply.
IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS JOB, PLEASE SUBMIT A SEPARATE COVER LETTER IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION OF THE APPLICATION PORTAL.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Professional coaching or leadership development certification (e.g., ATD Coaching, DiSC, EQ-i, or similar) strongly preferred
- Experience designing or managing leadership development programs
- Strong communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to facilitate trainings and guide conversations
- Experience in coaching and professional development advising
- Experience with competency frameworks
- Previous experience designing and delivering adult learning programs and curriculum development design
- Knowledge of adult learning models and instructional design
- Strong project management experience and time management skills
- Experience with web-based eLearning or Learning Management System training products (e.g. Articulate)
- Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently and consistently meet deadlines
- Strong attention to detail
In addition, the selected candidate will be able to demonstrate a proven ability in the following areas, from the agency’s performance management model:
Competencies:
o Knowledge - possesses appropriate subject matter expertise.
o Work Ethic and Productivity - produces consistently high quality, accurate, and on-time deliverables; takes responsibility, is dependable, and accountable, and follows through; is responsive to requests from leadership.
o Strategic Problem Solving and Innovation - is thoughtful and deliberate in approach to solving problems; demonstrates innovation and creative thinking.
o Effective Communication - communication is clear, precise, and timely; understands their audience and display confidence in delivering their message.
o Teamwork - encourage collaboration and motivate others; is able to both lead and follow when necessary; is an active listener and consider a broad range of perspectives.
**Studies have shown that women, people of color, and other under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.**
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SPECIAL - 94612
1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a state's department of education or a recognized accrediting organization and six years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following: emergency management, fire, police, or military service, public safety, public health, public administration, urban planning, engineering, or another specialized area to which the appointment is to be made; or
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of satisfactory full time professional experience in the areas listed in "1" above; or
3. A master's degree from an accredited college in emergency management, public administration, urban planning, engineering, economics, political science, the physical sciences ,or related field and one year of satisfactory full-time professional experience in the areas listed “1" above, at least two years of which must have been in one of those areas, or another specialized area to which the appointment is to be made.
4. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent.
Special Note:
To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level II, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, one additional year of professional experience as described in ""1"" above.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.