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Director Learning Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, this role partners closely with Operations, consulting leadership, and subject matter experts to design, deliver, and continuously improve ...

Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, this role partners closely with Operations, consulting leadership, and subject matter experts to design, deliver, and continuously improve ...

Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, this role partners closely with Operations, consulting leadership, and subject matter experts to design, deliver, and continuously improve ...

You'll partner with Operations, HR, Division Leaders, and Technical Directors to ensure employees ... You'll connect learning to business results . You will partner with leaders to ensure development ...

Learning Engineer

Evanston, IL · On-site

$72.34K - $86K/yr

Collaborate with the School of Communication's Director Learning Development and Academic Technology and the Directors and Associate Directors of the professional programs on workshops, documentation ...

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Director Learning Development information

See Illinois salary details

$42.2K

$110.1K

$178.3K

How much do director learning development jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director learning development in Illinois is $110,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $128,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Learning and Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Learning and Development, you need expertise in instructional design, organizational development, and adult learning theory, often supported by a degree in education, HR, or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools, and certifications like CPLP or SHRM-CP is typically required. Strategic thinking, leadership, and strong communication skills help you drive change and foster a culture of continuous learning. These skills and qualities are crucial for aligning learning initiatives with business goals and ensuring workforce development.

What are the most common challenges faced by a Director of Learning and Development when implementing new training programs across an organization?

One of the main challenges for Directors of Learning and Development is gaining buy-in from both leadership and employees for new training initiatives. Balancing diverse learning needs across different departments while ensuring consistency in delivery can also be complex. Additionally, measuring the effectiveness of programs and demonstrating their impact on business outcomes often requires careful planning and ongoing evaluation. Successful Directors typically overcome these challenges through strong communication, collaboration with stakeholders, and leveraging data-driven approaches to tailor and refine development strategies.

What does a Director of Learning and Development do?

A Director of Learning and Development is responsible for overseeing the strategy, design, and implementation of employee training and professional development programs within an organization. Their role involves assessing skill gaps, developing training initiatives, managing budgets, and ensuring that learning programs align with business goals. They work closely with leadership and HR teams to foster a culture of continuous learning, enhance employee performance, and support organizational growth.

What is the difference between Director Learning Development vs Learning and Development Manager?

AspectDirector Learning DevelopmentLearning and Development Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in education, HR, or related field; often prefers advanced certifications like CPLP or ATD certificationsSimilar educational background; certifications like CPLP or ATD are common but less frequently required
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership role overseeing multiple teams or departments, involved in high-level planningOperational role focused on implementing training programs and managing teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations across various industries, especially where training is a strategic priorityCommon in organizations of all sizes, often as a mid-level position within HR or Learning departments

The main difference between a Director Learning Development and a Learning and Development Manager lies in scope and seniority. The Director typically leads strategic initiatives and manages multiple teams, while the Manager focuses on executing training programs and day-to-day operations. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in responsibilities and organizational level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Learning Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Learning Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Director Learning Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Director Learning Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Learning Development job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,103 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Director, Learning & Development, GOS

Director, Learning & Development, GOS

Cushman & Wakefield

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 152 rated real estate companies


Job description

Job Title
Director, Learning & Development, GOS
Job Description Summary
Role Overview
Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a Director, Learning & Development, to lead the design and execution of a modern, global learning strategy for Global Occupier Services (GOS). This role will be instrumental in building the learning strategy for the future of work, with a heavy emphasis on AI enablement, digital upskilling, leadership capability, and business critical skills that accelerate performance, productivity, and growth.
As a senior leader within the People organization, this role will define how learning drives business outcomes, moving beyond traditional training toward capability building, behavior change, and measurable impact. The Director will partner closely with GOS leadership, HR, Technology & Data Solutions, and Operations to ensure learning is practical, scalable, and embedded in how the business operates.
This is a strategy first, execution-oriented role, responsible for setting vision, building frameworks, and ensuring delivery that equips leaders and teams to thrive in an increasingly AI-enabled, data driven environment.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Learning Strategy & AI Enablement
  • Define and lead the GOS Learning & Development strategy, aligned to business priorities, growth objectives, and the future capabilities required across the organization.

  • Design and scale a comprehensive AI upskilling strategy, enabling leaders and employees to effectively adopt, understand, and apply AI and digital tools in their roles.

  • Establish role-based learning paths and capability frameworks across leadership, professional, operational, and technical roles, with clear proficiency expectations.

  • Partner with Technology, Data, and Product leaders to ensure learning supports technology adoption, workflow integration, and measurable productivity gains.

Leadership & Capability Development
  • Architect and deliver global leadership development programs that build inclusive, resilient, and future ready leaders aligned with Cushman & Wakefield's values and GOS strategy.

  • Translate complex business, leadership, and AI concepts into practical, engaging learning experiences that drive real behavior change.

  • Embed learning into moments that matter, onboarding, role transitions, organizational change, and critical business initiatives.

Design, Delivery & Innovation
  • Oversee the design and development of high impact learning solutions across modalities, including:

  • Instructor led and virtual programs

  • Digital and AI enabled learning experiences

  • Role based curricula and learning journeys

  • Job aids, playbooks, and performance support tools

  • Champion innovative learning approaches, staying current on emerging learning technologies, AI trends, and best practices.

  • Ensure learning solutions are scalable, globally relevant, and tailored to the realities of a complex, client-facing business.

Governance, Measurement & Impact
  • Establish strong governance, standards, and a single source of truth for GOS learning content.

  • Define and track learning effectiveness, adoption, and capability outcomes, using data to continuously improve and retire outdated content.

  • Provide executive ready insights on learning impact, risks, and opportunities, clearly linking learning investments to business results.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior GOS leaders, HR partners, and functional stakeholders.

  • Lead and manage external vendors and partners to ensure quality, alignment, and outcomes.

  • Build strong collaboration across regions, functions, and time zones, bringing a global mindset to all initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience).

  • 8-10+ years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, with demonstrated success building enterprise level learning strategies.

  • Proven experience designing and scaling leadership development and digital/technology enabled learning programs.

  • Strong understanding of AI, digital transformation, and technology adoption as it relates to workforce capability.

  • Demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into learning priorities with measurable impact.

  • Experience working in global, matrixed organizations with senior leaders.

Preferred
  • Experience in commercial real estate, professional services, or complex operational environments.

  • Handson experience with LMS platforms (e.g., Workday Learning), learning analytics, and modern authoring tools.

  • Familiarity with change management and how learning supports transformation initiatives.

Leadership Competencies
  • Strategic, future oriented thinker with strong business acumen

  • Data driven and outcomes focused

  • Highly effective communicator with executive presence

  • Comfortable operating at both strategy and execution levels

  • Collaborative, inclusive leader with a global mindset

  • Calm, organized, and adaptable in fastmoving environments

Why This Role Matters
This role will shape how GOS builds skills for the future, particularly as AI and digital capabilities become core to how we serve clients and operate at scale. The Director, Learning & Development, will play a pivotal role in ensuring our leaders and teams are confident, capable, and prepared to succeed in an evolving landscape.
AAP/EEO Statement:
C&W provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees during employment are treated without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 136,000.00 - $160,000.00
Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email Accommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.
INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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