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Head Of Learning Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Head Of Learning Development information

See Illinois salary details

$14.5K

$86.1K

$164.1K

How much do head of learning development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for head of learning development in Illinois is $86,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,965.00 and $114,511.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges faced by a head of learning development when implementing new training initiatives across an organization?

One of the primary challenges for a Head of Learning Development is ensuring organization-wide buy-in for new training programs. This often involves aligning training initiatives with business goals, addressing resistance to change among employees, and tailoring content to diverse learning needs. Additionally, managing resources effectively and demonstrating the ROI of learning initiatives to senior leadership are common hurdles. Successful Heads of Learning Development regularly collaborate with department heads and HR to ensure smooth rollout and ongoing improvement of development programs.

What is the difference between Head Of Learning Development vs Learning & Development Manager?

AspectHead Of Learning DevelopmentLearning & Development Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall learning strategy, sets vision, manages teams, and aligns learning initiatives with organizational goals.Implements training programs, manages day-to-day learning activities, and supports learning projects within departments.
Required CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees in education, HR, or related fields; certifications like CPLP or ATD are common.Often requires similar certifications and experience in training or HR, but may have less emphasis on strategic planning.
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in senior HR or Learning & Development departments.Operational, team-oriented, working closely with trainers, HR, and employees.

The Head Of Learning Development focuses on strategic leadership and long-term learning goals, while the Learning & Development Manager handles the implementation and management of training programs. Both roles require relevant certifications and experience, but differ mainly in scope and level of responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head of learning development?

To thrive as a Head of Learning Development, you need expertise in instructional design, adult learning principles, and strategic leadership, often supported by a degree in education, HR, or organizational development. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), digital content creation tools, and certifications like CPLP or ATD are highly valued. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills help drive learning initiatives effectively across the organization. These skills ensure the design and delivery of impactful learning programs that support talent development and organizational goals.

What does a head of learning development do?

A Head of Learning Development is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing training and professional development programs within an organization. They assess employee learning needs, develop strategies to enhance skills, and ensure that training initiatives align with organizational goals. This role often involves managing a team, collaborating with other departments, and measuring the effectiveness of learning programs to drive continuous improvement.
What job categories do people searching Head Of Learning Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Head Of Learning Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Head Of Learning Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Head Of Learning Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Of Learning Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,137 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Sr Learning and Development Specialist

CDW

Vernon Hills, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 3 hours ago


CDW rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 223 rated it services


Job description

Description

The Senior Learning & Development Specialist is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining a future-ready skills-based learning architecture that equips coworkers and leaders at every level to grow, adapt, and perform in a rapidly transforming business environment. This role sits at the intersection of learning strategy, skills taxonomy, and capability development, ensuring that learning content, pathways, and experiences are directly aligned to critical enterprise skills, proficiency levels, and business priorities including AI transformation and business transformation.


Partnering closely with the Director of Learning Strategy & Design, the broader Talent team, HR Business Partners, and business stakeholders, this role will aid in building a scalable, globally consistent skills-based learning ecosystem. This includes translating CDW's skills taxonomy and leadership capability model into structured, multi-modality learning paths that ensure coworkers and people leaders can build the skills they need today and develop the capabilities required for tomorrow.


What you’ll do
As a Sr. Learning & Development Specialist, you will shape and deliver transformative learning experiences that drive enterprise-wide skills development. 
•    Build and maintain skills-based learning architecture aligned to enterprise skills taxonomy
•    Map learning experiences to identified Workday Skills Cloud and proficiency levels
•    Design structured multi-modality learning paths in support of high priority skills 
•    Build and maintain skills content roadmap aligned to business priorities
•    Develop prioritized learning pathways for critical skill gaps
•    Design, build, and deliver high-impact learning solutions using modern instructional design technology and principles
•    Apply appropriate training methods and modalities based on learning objectives and audience needs
•    Establish and maintain governance frameworks and SOPs for development assets
•    Ensure consistency and quality across all learning deliverables
•    Leverage learning technologies and platforms to enhance learner engagement
•    Design, build, and deliver high-impact learning solutions using modern instructional design technology and principles
•    Apply appropriate training methods and modalities based on learning objectives and audience needs
•    Establish and maintain governance frameworks and SOPs for development assets
•    Ensure consistency and quality across all learning deliverables
•    Leverage learning technologies and platforms to enhance learner engagement
•    Champion AI fluency across all learning solutions and modalities
•    Identify opportunities to integrate AI-enabled tools and technologies into learning design
•    Support enterprise transformation by ensuring learning architecture evolves at pace of business change
•    Stay current with emerging AI trends and their implications for learning and development
•    Foster a culture of innovation and adaptability within the learning organization

What we expect of you
•    Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Leadership Development, Organizational Development, or related field (or equivalent experience)
•    5+ years of experience working in learning & development roles that have a combination of instructional design, facilitation, program management, consulting, etc.
•    5+ years of experience creating, activating, and evolving development solutions for both the individual contributor and people leader populations
•    5+ years of experience working in a skills-based organization, driving learning architecture to support high priority skills at all levels 
•    5+ years of experience using a consultative approach with diverse stakeholders
•    5+ years of experience using learning technology platforms (e.g., Workday LMS) and design tools such as Articulate, Synthesia, Camtasia, Canva, Brain Shark, and other AI Enabled technology/tools/skills-based systems, etc.
•    Experience using project management tools (e.g., Monday.com; Smartsheet, etc.)
•    Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify and convey complex concepts
•    Proven ability to operate independently and navigate ambiguity in a fast paced environment

Preferred skills, experience, and qualities needed (optional)
•    Industry facilitation/assessment/coaching certifications (DDI, Franklin Covey, CCL, Vital Smarts, Clifton Strengths, DISC, Birkman, Hogan, Coaching, etc.).
•    Professional certifications (ATD, SHRM, or similar).
•    AI certifications that support learning implementation 
 

Pay range: $84,000 - $119,000 depending on experience and skill set 
Annual bonus target of 5% subject to terms and conditions of plan 
Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/ 

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization

We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work.

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities.

As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next.

Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen.

CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.       


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About CDW

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDW is a leading multi-brand technology solutions provider to business, government, education and healthcare customers across the globe. Our fingerprints can be found on technology in workplaces of more than 250,000 companies; from fresh-faced startups to international conglomerates. With the breadth of products and services we offer, combined with the expertise of our specialists, we help solve our customers solve their IT challenges. From the teammates beside us to the leaders who guide us, we move forward together, and we always have your back. At CDW, you'll work with people who inspire you.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Vernon Hills, IL, US

Year founded

1984

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