Title: Learning & Development Manager

Employee Status: Full Time – Exempt

Salary: Grade 06

Starting range of $95,000 – $122,000| Chicago

Reports to: Chief People Officer

Department: Talent Management

Location: Chicago, IL

Hybrid: In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F

Department Function: Our Talent Management (TM) department is the cornerstone of our mission as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a learning organization. People are our greatest asset, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive, growth-oriented culture that empowers employees to thrive while advancing our purpose.

As a CDFI, we exist to create economic opportunities and financial equity for underrepresented and underserved communities. TM plays a critical role in this mission by attracting, developing, and retaining talent who share our passion for social impact and community empowerment. We prioritize hiring individuals who bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences, ensuring our workforce reflects the communities we serve.

Our department champions continuous learning and professional development, equipping employees with the tools and knowledge to innovate and lead in a rapidly changing environment. Through strategic talent management, equitable compensation practices, and robust engagement programs, we create pathways for growth and success—both for our team members and the communities we impact. In short, TM is not just about managing people; it’s about building a purpose-driven workforce that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

The Organization

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

The Learning & Development Manager leads the design and implementation of enterprise-wide learning initiatives that strengthen organizational performance, facilitates growth and development of employees and supplements mission impact. This role builds and manages a comprehensive L&D platform, designs professional development programs, conducts training programs and, and manages ongoing skills assessments to ensure team members have the capabilities required for high-quality mission impact, community engagement, and operational excellence.

The position reports to the Chief People Officer (CPO). It is responsible for developing learning pathways, evaluating knowledge and skill development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning aligned with IFF’s mission.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Enterprise Learning Strategy & Platform Development

1. Develop a multi-year L&D strategy aligned with organizational goals, lending programs, compliance needs, and CDFI Fund requirements.

2. Lead the selection, customization, and launch of an enterprise learning platform (LMS), including content structure, user roles, tracking training completions, certifications, skill progression, and reporting.

3. Identify skill gaps and create targeted development programs for employees at all levels.

4. Design and implement leadership development, manager training, technical training, and professional growth initiatives.

5. Build a comprehensive library of learning modules covering CDFI fundamentals, underwriting, credit risk, impact reporting, regulatory requirements, and soft skills.

6. Establish enterprise-wide training frameworks, policies, and procedures.

Personal & Professional Development

1. Spearhead career growth initiatives by designing structured development pathways (e.g., “Loan Officer Career Ladder,” “Emerging Leaders Program,” “New Manager Bootcamp”) to enable upward mobility.

2. Implement coaching, mentorship, and peer-learning programs that support continuous professional growth and readiness for advancement.

3. Facilitate workshops on leadership, communication, conflict resolution, time management, coaching, and goal setting.

Training Delivery & Facilitation

1. Develop and deliver training using multiple modalities (in-person, virtual, on-demand, blended learning).

2. Partner with internal subject matter experts in Lending, Finance, Impact, Operations, and Compliance to produce technical training modules.

3. Coordinate external training partners.

Skills Assessment & Knowledge Advancement

1. Develop competency models and proficiency scales for specific roles.

2. Analyze learning data to identify skill gaps and training priorities.

3. Track individual and team-level progress over time using LMS analytics and assessment tools.

4. Provide learning impact reports to senior leadership.

Equity & Inclusion

1. In partnership with the Chief Equity Diversity Officer (CEDO), design learning content which reflects the organization's mission, values, and behaviors and CDFI’s commitment to economic justice, financial inclusion, and culturally responsive service.

2. Ensuring training is accessible and inclusive.

3. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

4. Perform other projects as assigned.

KPI & Performance Measurement

• Establish and manage existing KPIs for training impact, such as course completion rates, knowledge test scores, skills proficiency metrics, time to productivity for new hires, and performance improvement tied to training.

Employee Development

Build career development frameworks and resources to support employee growth, coach managers on fostering learning within their teams, and integrate Learning and Development metrics with the Talent Management Dashboard

Performance Measures

1. Successfully hitting KPIs for the Learning and Development function, which have been established per our Strategic Plan.

2. High level of satisfaction among staff for enterprise training and learning stemming from the L&D function.

3. High level of satisfaction among managers around training initiatives stemming from the L&D function.

4. Per employee satisfaction survey, staff feel better equipped to be successful in their roles due to L&D initiatives.

5. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.

6. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.

7. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.

8. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.

9. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, education, or five years of relevant work experience as a qualified substitute for a bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

• 5+ years in Learning & Development, organizational development, or capacity-building roles.
• Strong grounding in adult learning theory, instructional design, and training facilitation.
• Experience creating or analyzing KPIs and metrics related to training effectiveness.
• Ability to translate financial or technical concepts into engaging, accessible learning materials.
• A flexible and team-oriented mindset, with a proven ability to remain effective under pressure.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment where adaptability and a willingness to take on varied tasks are key to success.

Additional Requirements: Occasional early start or extended hours and evening or weekend work. Must be willing to be in-office when requested.

Standard Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

Life Insurance

Short- and long-term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

Hybrid workplace

Summer Fridays

Employee Development Benefits:

Professional development stipend

Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

• relocation package
• 100% remote
• sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit.

Actual compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skill set.

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.