Director, Learning and Development (Huntington, NY)

The Director of Learning & Development (L&D)is responsible fordesigning, implementing, and evaluating all professional development and training programs across Gersh Autism Academy. This role ensures that educators, clinicians, paraprofessionals,administratorsand leadershipreceive ongoing, high-quality training rooted in best practices.The Director partners with school leadership, HR, operations, and clinical teams to create a unified, strategic learning approach that reinforces staff readiness, retention, and organizational culture.

Key Responsibilities

Learning Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year L&D strategy aligned with Gersh Autism Academy’s mission, instructional model, and organizational goals.

• Lead the design of a cohesive training curriculum for all job families.

• Build frameworks for onboarding, career pathways, certifications, leadership development, and continuing education.

Training Program Development

• Ensure developmentoftrainingsusing evidence-based practices in autism education.

• Oversee development of digital learning content, job aids, manuals, and blended learning.

• Introduce innovative learning methods such as microlearning, simulations, coaching, and observation rubrics.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure training meets state and federal requirements.

• Track training completion, quality metrics, and impact.

• Maintain documentation for audits and regulatory compliance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner with academic, clinical, and HR leaders to assess capability gaps.

• Manage L&D teams, consultants, and vendors.

• Serve as the subject‑matter expert on adult learning and instructional development.

Staff Coaching & Support

• Develop coaching frameworks to strengthen instructional practice.

• Provide observations and targeted coaching cycles.

• Facilitate workshops, cohorts, and leadership development sessions.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor'sdegree inorganizational developmentanddesign,organizationalpsychology,Human Resources,orrelatedfields.

• 7+ years of experience in L&D andtraining.

• Expertiseinadult learning theory and instructional design.

• Strong project management and communication skills.

• Familiarity with LMS systems and instructional technology.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in L&D-related disciplines.

Personal Attributes

• Mission-driven and passionate about serving individuals with autism.

• Collaborative, empathetic, and able to build strong relationships.

• Strategic thinker with strong facilitation and coaching skills.

• Strong presenter and communicator with high emotional intelligence.

What Gersh Autism Academy Offers

• Opportunity to drive impact in a mission‑driven environment.

• A collaborative culture that values innovation and learning.

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

• Professional development and advancement opportunities.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures.
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Benefits for Full Time Employees

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)