Senior Director, Learning and Professional Development

Are you a strategic learning leader passionate about driving workforce transformation across a multi-campus higher education network? Join the San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) as the inaugural Senior Director of Learning and Professional Development, leading the design, delivery, and evaluation of programs that build skills, foster cultural integration, and prepare employees for the work of the future. This executive leadership role will shape how thousands of staff across three universities adapt to change, develop professionally, and thrive in a collaborative network environment.

This position is open to current CSU employees only and will be located at one of the three participating campuses: San Francisco State University, Sonoma State University, or California State University East Bay.

Chancellor's Office Statement

The CSU Chancellor's Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education.

Organization Statement

The San Francisco Bay Region Network (SFBRN) provides integrated, cost-efficient administrative and transactional services to California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), San Francisco State University (SFSU), and Sonoma State University (SSU). By delivering shared services across three campuses, the Network enables collaboration, efficiency, and innovation that supports student success and operational excellence across the region.

Salary

The anticipated salary range is between $155,000 to $180,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Classification

Administrator III

Work Arrangements

This position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and includes flexibility for hybrid work with regular travel across the three Network universities to support operational and collaborative needs.

Premium Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits

Generous vacation plan and 15 paid holidays annually

Tuition waiver program for employees and eligible family members

Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

Professional development support and opportunities for regional and systemwide collaboration

Position Information

The SFBRN is seeking a Senior Director of Learning and Professional Development (Upskilling Lead) to provide strategic leadership for workforce transformation and organizational learning. Reporting to the Vice President of Regional Network Transformation, this role leads the Learning & Development team and serves as the executive advisor for professional development, change management, and upskilling efforts across the Network.

The Senior Director will ensure that staff are prepared, motivated, and equipped to adapt to new processes, technologies, and organizational models as the Network is implemented and expanded. This leader will foster a Network mindset that prioritizes service delivery for 3 campuses. This leader will also represent the Network at CSU systemwide initiatives and play a central role in cultivating an inclusive, innovative, and service-oriented culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership (40%): Develop and implement a comprehensive L&D strategy aligned with Network priorities; lead upskilling and cultural integration initiatives; anticipate workforce trends and support talent management strategies.
• Program Delivery & Evaluation (20%): Oversee in-person, virtual, and blended learning programs; leverage AI and automation for training development and evaluation; track outcomes and report impact to Network leadership.
• Stakeholder Engagement (5%): Collaborate with HR leaders, unions, and CSU systemwide partners; build external partnerships; advise senior leadership on learning trends.
• Leadership & Supervision (20%): Lead, mentor, and develop the L&D team; manage budgets, vendors, and resources; foster an inclusive, engaged team culture.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement (5%): Champion digital transformation, emerging technologies, and creative solutions for L&D.
• Communications & Training (5%): Oversee development of training documentation; ensure transparent communications and consistency across the three universities.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (5%): Advance organizational values by promoting equity, integrity, service, and accountability in all aspects of leadership.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in education, organizational development, HR development, instructional design, instructional technology, educational leadership, business administration, public administration, psychology, communication, sociology, or a related field (required).
• Master’s degree preferred.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years of experience overseeing learning and professional development initiatives.

Experience

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience leading the design, execution, and evaluation of organization-wide learning and development strategies (required).
• 8 years of experience managing, mentoring, and developing L&D teams or cross-functional groups (required).
• 8 years of experience partnering with senior leaders, faculty, and staff to assess needs and deliver solutions (required).
• 5 years of experience in higher education, multi-campus systems, or similarly complex public sector organizations (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to design and implement organization-wide learning strategies aligned with institutional goals.
• Expertise in adult learning theory, curriculum development, and instructional design methodologies.
• Deep knowledge of relevant HR administrative laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change management initiatives, including digital transformations or implementation of new learning modalities, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Ability to use data to assess program effectiveness, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of universal design (UDL) principles and web accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508), including experience working with accessibility tools.
• Proven understanding of how to implement and leverage Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual learning tools, and emerging educational technologies.
• Familiarity with the unique needs, challenges, and regulatory requirements of higher education institutions. (preferred).

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by October 10, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

How To Apply

Please click 'Apply Now' to complete the California State University, Chancellor's Office online employment application.

For questions regarding this search, please contact:
A.J. Dale, Assistant Director, Systemwide Talent Acquisition at adale@calstate.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at (562) 951-4070.

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

E-Verify

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHSUSCIS)' in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Mandated Reporter Per CANRA

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Conflict of Interest

The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.

CSU Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Background

The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position.

Advertised: Oct 06 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 10 2025 Pacific Daylight Time

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• California State University (CSU) Chancellor's Office

• (562) 951-4070

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