Training Specialist job

Hastings Mutual is currently looking to add a Training Specialist to our Training & Development team! This is a great opportunity to join our Human Resources division in developing and implementing formal Talent Development initiatives that support our organizational goals and objectives. Primarily, this role will focus on training programs for our agency partners.

Position Location & Work Format

This role will work a hybrid schedule of both remote (home) based work and in-person at our Hastings, Michigan headquarters. Generally, this position will work within our standard office hours of Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Some travel, including the potential for overnight travel, is an element of this position.

Position Overview

• Develops training that supports corporate goals, objectives, projects, and overall training and development.
  • Utilizes effective needs analysis and instructional design methodology (i.e., ADDIE, SAM, etc.) to consult with customers and provide effective and efficient training and non-training solutions. Provides solutions that include:
    • Cost-benefit analysis
    • Development of solid learning objectives
    • Audience-appropriate training strategies and delivery methods
    • Development of proper materials (i.e., handouts, videos, web pages)
    • Scheduling and implementation
    • Appropriate follow-up and evaluation
  • Delivers practical training using various instructional techniques and formats such as role-playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, eLearning, webinars, and lectures.
  • Regularly evaluates current training programs and instructor materials to ensure programs deliver results.
  • Creates and maintains appropriate ongoing training programs, such as sexual harassment, safety, ethics, customer service, etc.
  • Reviews commercially available programs to determine the effectiveness of external or internal resources.
• Creates and maintains appropriate ongoing training programs for assigned clients.
• Coordinates the design, development, and implementation of assigned corporate programs.
• Develops and maintains effective corporate and departmental orientation/onboarding processes.
  • Works with stakeholders to ensure effective onboarding and orientation processes.
  • Conducts periodic reviews of orientation programs to determine effectiveness.
• Designs, directs, and edits eLearning and video communication and training to support corporate initiatives, objectives, and projects.
• Provides career and developmental coaching and guidance.
• As assigned, assists and supports Talent Development in:
  • Maintaining an integrated insurance education program
  • Communication, development, and implementation of various corporate events
  • Development and maintenance of HMIC intranet pages
  • The day-to-day administration, including registration and record keeping, of all training and development initiatives across the organization
  • Measuring the effectiveness of all HMIC training activities as they relate to desired competencies and overall performance objectives
• Provides active support for corporate initiatives as needed.
• Integrates company initiatives and processes into training venues to ensure a consistent message.
• Administers, manages, and procures materials for the company Resource Library, as needed.
• Actively participates in professional development, i.e., continuing education or self-improvement.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership, either verbally or in writing.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, communication, human resources, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Adult learning or instructional design certification preferred.
• Previous leadership, coaching, and/or insurance experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in instructional design and training delivery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of training principles, practices, and procedures.
  • Experience in training needs assessment, analysis, and process improvement.
  • Ability to effectively train others. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to develop training plans, training manuals, and related materials.
  • Demonstrated experience in creative solution development.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication ability.
• Ability to handle broad projects and/or assignments with appreciable decision-making latitude.
• Demonstrated PC skills including proficient use of Microsoft Office products, video, screen capture software, web-based systems, etc.

Our Commitment as an Employer

About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company

From our humble roots in 1885 providing coverage for windstorm damage, Hastings Mutual has evolved into a leading regional property and casualty insurance carrier, offering innovative products for businesses, farm owners, and individuals. We work with customers in six Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Hastings Mutual is known for its financial strength, high ethical standards, and culture of service and responsiveness.

The core of our ongoing success is our employees. Whether at the corporate offices in Hastings, Michigan, or our remote team members throughout the Midwest, Hastings Mutual is made up of talented professionals across multiple divisions and functional areas. Our commitment to our employees and work culture has been confirmed with our inclusion in the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in West Michigan” each year since 2011.

Hastings Mutual offers a friendly, family-like environment that values transparency and approachability. We recognize the hard work of our employees with many benefits, including fully paid certification training, a cafeteria, and fitness center at our corporate offices, ongoing professional development opportunities, and financial stability backed by our “A” rating from A.M. Best. We also have a long-term commitment to the communities in which we live and work, either through partnerships with local charitable organizations or through our own Hastings Mutual Charitable Foundation.

At Hastings Mutual, we’re always looking for professionals of all experience and education levels to help us continue our more than 130-year history of successful, stable growth.