Program Manager, Learning

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Summary:

Plans designs implements manages and evaluates Authority-wide learning and development programs and initiatives that support operational excellence leadership capability workforce readiness compliance and organizational effectiveness. This includes but is not limited to technical training vendor/equipment training systems training training for new and renovated facility start-up projects and competency-based training. The Program Manager oversees learning programs from initial needs analysis through delivery evaluation and continuous improvement using a range of learning strategies beyond traditional training modalities.

Posting Period: 2/19/2026 to 3/4/2026
Location: Chelsea MA
Salary: $89627.52 - $131817.68 Annually $1723.61 - $2534.96 Weekly
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Assists the Manager Training and Development in developing and implementing the long-term vision and strategy for Authority-wide learning programs including technical operational leadership and professional development initiatives.
• Develops learning programs that sustain and enhance workforce competence across operations maintenance and support functions in partnership with division managers.
• Facilitates effective communication and collaboration between operations maintenance and support groups related to learning initiatives.
• Develops employee communication strategies related to learning programs expectations and outcomes.
• Leads learning and development programs from needs assessment and business analysis through design development implementation evaluation and close-out.
• Applies formal program and project management practices including scope definition work planning timelines risk management stakeholder coordination quality assurance and post-implementation review.
• Manages multiple concurrent learning initiatives ensuring alignment with organizational priorities schedules budgets and performance expectations.
• Coordinates with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety and other Authority departments on initiatives related to Authority policies environmental compliance regulatory requirements learning and safety standards.
• Works closely with Occupational Health and Safety to identify procure develop and deliver learning solutions aligned with OSHA guidelines and Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) regulations.
• Supports the implementation of safety programs and the development of learning standards that promote employee involvement and reinforce the Authoritys Health and Safety Program.
• Collaborates with Operations to identify learning gaps risks and improvement opportunities related to operational readiness compliance and performance.
• Develops and implements action plans to address identified learning issues and supports continuous improvement.
• Designs learning solutions that may include instructor-led learning experiential learning coaching mentoring job aids simulations e-learning peer learning and blended approaches.
• Partners with department leadership managers and subject matter experts to assess learning needs and ensure learning solutions address organizational and individual performance requirements. Optimizes opportunities for automation in support of facility operations.
• Manages learning data reporting and analysis using the Authority-approved Learning Management System (LMS) and other approved systems.
• Provides regular status updates dashboards and recommendations to leadership based on program performance and outcomes.
• Establishes metrics and evaluation methods to measure learning effectiveness program impact and alignment with organizational goals.
• Supports learning initiatives related to new and renovated facilities systems implementation and operational start-up projects.
• Assesses the need for external learning providers and technical support; develops plans for vendor-supported learning and competency-based programs.
• Partners with department leadership managers and subject matter experts to assess learning needs and ensure learning solutions address organizational and individual performance requirements as well as technical facility and system needs.
• Works with the Procurement Department to ensure appropriate application of procurement procedures for vendor selection.
• Drafts documentation to support vendor solicitation evaluation selection and contract execution.
• Manages vendor performance deliverables timelines and quality standards throughout the life of learning programs.
• Designs and manages leadership and manager development initiatives focused on supervisory skills communication performance management employee engagement and change leadership.
• Partners with department heads and managers to identify leadership capability gaps and develop targeted learning interventions.
• Supports the development of consistent management practices aligned with Authority values policies and strategic goals.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in business education human resources organizational development learning and development training program/project management or a related field; and
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing learning development training or organizational programs preferably in a public-sector or unionized environment or water/wastewater industry; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Class D Operators drivers license or license from an adjacent state for travel between MWRA work sites.
• May be eligible to telework one day/wk after an initial waiting period.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of adult learning principles learning experience design competency-based learning leadership and organizational development practices vendor/equipment training and facility start-up initiatives.
• Demonstrated expertise in program and project management including planning execution risk management stakeholder engagement consultant/contractor oversight and evaluation especially as it applies to holistic organizational workforce development solutions.
• Ability to translate business and organizational needs into effective learning strategies solutions and benchmarks.
• Strong strategic thinking organizational analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across organizational levels.
• Proven ability to operate effectively within a matrix management environment.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel Power Point Outlook).
• Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS) preferably Infor LMS including reporting and analytics.
• Critical-thinking and Creative-thinking skills with the ability to focus on the big picture while having a strong attention to detail.
• Adaptable and willing to learn new technologies and methodologies.
• Experience using virtual and blended learning platforms (e.g. TEAMS WebEx Zoom etc.)

Tools and Equipment Used

Office equipment as normally associated with the use of telephone personal computers including Authority-approved software programs copy and fax machines; audio-visual equipment including projectors and multiple display screens.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hand to finger handle feel or operate objects including office equipment or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of this employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly works in an office and field environment.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud in the field and moderately quiet in office settings

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Manager Training and Development.
May provide functional direction to Senior Training Specialists (Learning) and project team members. May supervise interns and provide work assignments to administrative staff.

Other Position Information
PCR: 8530011
Division: Administration
Department: Training
Union/Grade: United Steelworkers Local 9360 (Unit 6)/Grade 11

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color national or ethnic origin age religion disability sex or gender sexual orientation gender identity or expression or veteran status.

Required Experience:

Manager