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Learning And Development Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

People Operations - Learning and Development Location: Midwest Region (Cedar Rapids) Reports to: Director of Workforce Development Employment Type: Full Time FLSA Classification: Exempt Travel: 50 ...

People Operations - Learning and Development Location: Midwest Region (Cedar Rapids) Reports to: Director of Workforce Development Employment Type: Full Time FLSA Classification: Exempt Travel: 50 ...

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Learning And Development Director information

See Iowa salary details

$40.9K

$106.7K

$172.8K

How much do learning and development director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for learning and development director in Iowa is $106,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a learning and development director do?

As a learning and development director, your responsibilities are to analyze existing training programs to determine whether they provide employees with the skills needed to perform their jobs. Your duties include evaluating instructor performance, determining whether the company should add new training programs, and helping prepare a training budget for a department or organization. You must often communicate with vendors and customers to understand their needs, discuss issues with management, conduct surveys within the company, and determine which types of training are most suitable for the company and the way its employees tend to learn. In large organizations, learning and development directors frequently travel to visit other offices.

What does a learning and development director do?

A Learning and Development Director oversees the creation, implementation, and management of training programs within an organization. They work to identify skill gaps, develop strategies for employee growth, and ensure that training initiatives align with business goals. Their role often involves collaborating with department heads, managing budgets, and assessing the effectiveness of learning programs to drive organizational success.

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

To thrive as a Learning and Development Director, you need expertise in instructional design, adult learning principles, and organizational development, usually supported by a relevant degree and substantial experience in training or HR. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools, and certifications like CPLP or SHRM are commonly required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills are vital soft skills that help drive learning initiatives and engage stakeholders. These skills are crucial for designing effective development programs that align with organizational goals and foster employee growth.

What are some typical challenges a learning and development director faces when implementing new training programs across multiple departments?

A Learning and Development Director often encounters challenges such as varying departmental priorities, differing skill levels among employees, and resistance to change. Coordinating schedules and ensuring consistent communication across teams can be complex, especially in larger organizations. Success in this role relies on strong stakeholder engagement, adaptability, and the ability to tailor learning initiatives to meet diverse needs while aligning with overall business goals.

What is the difference between Learning And Development Director vs Training Manager?

AspectLearning And Development DirectorTraining Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees organizational learning strategies, develops leadership programs, aligns L&D with business goalsManages training programs, coordinates workshops, ensures employee skill development
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in HR, Education, or related field; certifications like CPLP or SHRM-SCPBachelor’s in HR, Education, or related; certifications like CPT or ATD certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in corporate officesOperational, training delivery-focused, often in training centers or corporate settings

The Learning And Development Director focuses on strategic organizational learning initiatives and leadership development, while the Training Manager handles day-to-day training programs and employee skill enhancement. Both roles require similar credentials and work in corporate environments, but differ in scope and strategic impact.

What are the most commonly searched types of Learning And Development jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Learning And Development jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Learning And Development Director jobs in Iowa?

For Learning And Development Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Learning And Development Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Learning And Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Learning And Development Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,722 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Learning and Development Specialist I

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

390th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Learning and Development Specialist I
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree
Job Description:
Help people succeed from their first day to their last-and strengthen the systems that support them along the way. The Learning & Development Specialist I supports ISU Dining's employee onboarding, training, and development programs. Under the guidance of the Quality Assurance Specialist II, this role coordinates orientation and onboarding activities, facilitates and coordinates training, manages training assignments and records, updates training content, and serves as a resource to employees and managers on policies, procedures, expectations, and organizational culture.
This role works closely with ISU Dining employees, managers, supervisors, and other partners to coordinate training and identify, develop, and improve learning programs. Responsibilities include monitoring trainings, auditing records, maintaining current training materials, uploading content and enrolling employees in trainings, and coordinating in-person training. The position also provides support for food safety, workplace safety, PPE and chemical programs, facility audits and inspections, incident investigations, and compliance with applicable food safety and OSHA standards. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is required within six months.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience coordinating or facilitating employee training and onboarding programs.
  • Experience with food safety, sanitation, quality assurance, or compliance.
  • Experience with learning technologies and training record systems.
  • Experience coordinating across multiple departments and stakeholders.

About the Department:
ISU Dining is at the heart of campus life, serving thousands of students, faculty, staff, and guests across Iowa State University. With a focus on quality, service, safety, and innovation, ISU Dining provides a wide range of dining experiences while creating a welcoming environment for employees and the campus community. Our team supports student success through great food and service while providing employees with opportunities to learn, grow, and build meaningful careers in foodservice.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS807
Original Posting Date:
September 2, 2026
Posting Close Date:
September 16, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19881
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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