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Leadership Development Program Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Leadership Development Program information

See Illinois salary details

$31K

$116.3K

$193.8K

How much do leadership development program jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for leadership development program in Illinois is $116,340.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $138,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Leadership Development Program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Leadership Development Program, you typically need a strong academic background, analytical ability, and foundational leadership experience, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management tools, data analysis software, and business communication platforms is frequently required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach help participants excel in dynamic environments and cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing future leaders who can drive organizational growth and successfully manage complex challenges.

What types of projects or rotations can participants expect in a Leadership Development Program, and how do these experiences support long-term career growth?

Participants in a Leadership Development Program (LDP) typically rotate through multiple departments such as operations, marketing, finance, or human resources, gaining hands-on experience with a range of business functions. These rotations are designed to build a broad organizational perspective, develop cross-functional skills, and strengthen leadership abilities. By working on high-impact projects and collaborating with senior leaders and peers, participants can identify their strengths and interests, which often leads to accelerated career progression and consideration for management roles upon completion of the program.

What is a Leadership Development Program?

A Leadership Development Program is a structured training initiative designed to identify, nurture, and develop future leaders within an organization. These programs typically include workshops, mentorship, job rotations, and experiential learning opportunities to build leadership skills such as strategic thinking, communication, and decision-making. Participants are often high-potential employees chosen for their leadership capabilities and aspirations. The goal is to prepare them for management or executive roles and to ensure a strong pipeline of leaders for the company’s future growth.

What is the difference between Leadership Development Program vs Management Trainee?

AspectLeadership Development ProgramManagement Trainee
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, sometimes a master's; no specific certifications neededSimilar credentials; often requires a bachelor's degree in business or related field
Work EnvironmentRotational assignments across departments, mentorship, training sessionsRotational roles within the company, on-the-job training, mentorship
Industry UsageCommon in corporate sectors like finance, consulting, manufacturingWidely used in banking, FMCG, and retail industries
PurposeDevelop future leaders through structured training and exposurePrepare trainees for management roles via practical experience

Both programs aim to groom future leaders but differ slightly in focus. Leadership Development Programs emphasize leadership skills and strategic thinking, while Management Trainee programs focus on operational and managerial skills through hands-on experience. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right path for their career growth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Leadership Development Program jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Leadership Development Program jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Leadership Development Program jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Leadership Development Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Leadership Development Program job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,340 per year, or $55.9 per hour.
Leadership Dev Program Specialist

Leadership Dev Program Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.
LSSI is hiring a full time Leadership and Development Program Specialist. Responsible for executing comprehensive leadership development initiatives across various leader levels as well as coordinating program implementation, analyzing talent and HR data to refine offerings, and facilitating classroom and new employee orientation sessions. Also responsible for focusing on designing competency-based programs, coordinating program logistics, and ensuring effective communication through planning and execution phases.
Benefits and Perks: LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you're helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:
  • On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
  • Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience and licensure.
  • Salary $70,000-$80,000 Annually.
  • Opportunity for advancement.
  • Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
  • The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Coordinate and support the implementation of Leadership development programs e.g. leader onboarding, mentoring program and leader rotational assignment program.
• Analyze talent data (Openings, Exit Interviews, HRIS data, etc.) to evaluate program offerings and identify development opportunities.
• Facilitate assigned leadership development courses and new employee orientation (NEO).
• Evaluate course and program effectiveness using established frameworks, such as Kirkpatrick's levels, supporting leader onboarding with a focus on cultural integration, and fostering a positive learning environment.
• Collaborate with staff to build support for initiatives, develop training materials, and ensure accurate tracking of participation and completion via the Learning Management System (LMS).
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individual in a dignified, respectful, honest and fair manner.
• Ensure a workplace where employees are engaged, their dignity is valued, and they have a sense of belonging both within their specific role and within the organization overall.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural differences of clients, coworkers, and community.
• Design competency-based leadership development programs for all levels of leaders within the organization.
• Coordinate logistical tasks associated with planning and execution of leadership development programs including communication planning.
• Facilitate in-person and virtual learning events to small and large audiences of varying leadership levels, including new employee orientation.
• Coordinate leader onboarding process and program with a focus on cultural integration and demonstration of leadership competencies.
• Continuously assess organizational needs and course content to ensure alignment with goals.
• Create a positive and safe learning environment for all learners.
• Collaborate with internal staff to build consensus and buy-in and to gain sponsorship for leadership development programs.
• Analyze all relevant data and take the appropriate actions to improve the quality and effectiveness of leadership development programs.
• Track and report on the evaluation and effectiveness of leadership development programs.
• Develop effective module support materials including workbooks, surveys, assessments and job aids as needed.
• Monitor program participation and completion using the Learning Management System (LMS).
• Provide coaching and feedback to leaders to guide self-discovery and understanding and to support performance of team members.
• Respond to all incoming correspondence and questions in a timely manner; including but not limited to inquiries received via email, telephone, text message, and fax.
• Ensure reasonable measures are taken to protect confidential and/or sensitive information as well as ensuring the security of all LSSI systems is maintained.
• Responsible for completing all required training assignments as well as complying with the related organizational, administrative, and programmatic policies.
• Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in human resource management, talent development, organization development or related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Background check clearance required.
• Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) or Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) preferred.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in program, project and stakeholder management.
• Highly skilled in developing and designing content and programs grounded in adult learning, experiential learning, and social learning theories.
• Proficient in utilizing an LMS to track participation and measure program effectiveness.
• Experienced in incorporating competency models to develop methods and techniques for defining learning and behavioral outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to assess quality and evaluate instructional content in relation to desired learning or behavioral outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to onboard and coach leaders for successful assimilation.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge of adult learning instructional methods and techniques for self-directed and action learning.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, verbally and written required.
• Excellent technical, project management, and presentation skills, including expertise using an LMS, instructional design authoring tools (e.g. Storyline), and Microsoft Office (e.g. Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project) along with other related software.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.