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Senior Learning Development Specialist Jobs in Virginia

Learning Specialist

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Position Overview SPA is seeking a Learning Specialist to join our Learning and Development team. This role is ideal for someone who has strong instructional design, facilitation, and technical ...

Business Development Specialist

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$90 - $110/hr

... with senior BD leadership. Location: Fairfax, VA (Hybrid) Reports to: Vice President, Client ... Awesome learning and professional development opportunities * A culture built on teamwork and ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Learning Development Specialist information

What is a senior learning development specialist?

Senior Learning Development Specialists are professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs within an organization. They assess learning needs, create instructional materials, and deliver training to improve employee skills and organizational effectiveness. In addition to leading training initiatives, they often mentor junior staff and ensure that educational content aligns with business objectives. Their expertise helps foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth in the workplace.

What are some common challenges faced by senior learning development specialists when implementing new training programs across large organizations?

Senior Learning Development Specialists often encounter challenges such as ensuring consistency and quality of training across different departments, adapting materials to diverse learning styles, and securing buy-in from stakeholders. Managing logistical issues, such as coordinating schedules and integrating new technologies, can also be demanding. Successful specialists typically overcome these hurdles by fostering strong communication with team members, leveraging feedback, and staying flexible in their approach to program delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior learning development specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Learning Development Specialist, you need expertise in instructional design, adult learning theory, and experience leading training programs, often supported by a degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools like Articulate or Captivate, and industry certifications such as CPLP or ATD are typically required. Strong communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills help you collaborate effectively and drive learning initiatives. These capabilities ensure impactful training solutions that support organizational goals and enhance employee performance.

What is the difference between Senior Learning Development Specialist vs Learning and Development Coordinator?

AspectSenior Learning Development SpecialistLearning and Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, certifications in training or instructional designBachelor's degree, certifications in training or HR
Work EnvironmentDesigning and delivering advanced training programs, often independentlyCoordinating training sessions, managing schedules and logistics
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, educational, and nonprofit sectors for experienced trainersCommon in corporate settings for entry to mid-level training roles

The Senior Learning Development Specialist typically focuses on designing and delivering complex training programs, requiring more experience and specialized skills. In contrast, the Learning and Development Coordinator handles logistical tasks and supports training activities. Both roles are essential in workforce development but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do I become a senior learning development specialist?

To become a senior learning development specialist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education, human resources, or a related field, along with several years of experience in training or instructional design. Advanced skills in curriculum development, e-learning tools, and strong communication abilities are also important, and some roles may require certifications such as CPLP or ATD credentials.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Learning Development Specialist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Learning Development Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Learning Development Specialist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Training and Development Specialist

Systems Planning and Analysis

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and transportation safety.

We are seeking a Sr. Training and Development Specialist to provide support out of SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC.ย 

Responsibilities

The Sr. Training and Development Specialist will assist with systems engineering (SE) and testing and evaluation (T&E) programs in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Key responsibilities include helping review and update the formal T&E curriculum, including revising existing and creating new T&E course materials. Provide SME support with expertise in adult learning and development of interactive web-based and classroom training. Deliver professional T&E instruction for Homeland Security Acquisition Institute (HSAI) courses, in-person at DHS facilities or virtually, using qualified instructors experienced in adult learning concepts.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Master's degree and 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • DHS T&E Level 3, DAWIA T&E Practitioner Level 2/3, and/or CTEP (Certified Test and Evaluation Professional) certification.
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.

Desired:

  • Experience in providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise, development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government's technical experts in applying both acquisition efforts and RDT&E towards accomplishing the DHS mission.
  • Prior experience supporting DHS programs.
  • Active DHS Suitability.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $140,000k-$185,000k

Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $140,000.00/Yr. - USD $185,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME