Instructional Design and Learning Manager job at Massachusetts Department of Public Health

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking an experienced and self-directed professional to develop and guide a process for creating, implementing, evaluating, and improving training programs in accordance with agency and Commonwealth needs, priorities and policies. The selected candidate provides instructional design and curriculum development support for online, eLearning, hybrid, and in-person training programs at DPH bureaus, offices, and four public health hospitals. This position oversees processes that support TRAIN learning management system (LMS) for DPH external and internal training needs including training participant enrollment and tracking, presenting and ensuring quality of learning content, as well as reporting and serving as a key liaison between DPH and the Public Health Foundation, TRAIN LMS host. TRAIN is a national learning network that provides thousands of quality training opportunities to professionals who protect and improve the public’s health.

The Instructional Design and Learning Manager partners with the DPH Director of Training and Staff Development and other DPH staff involved in training to evaluate and enhance existing training programs (face-to-face, hybrid, and online) offered by DPH internally and externally. The manager provides recommendations for the programs’ improvement to make them engaging, interactive, and appropriate for adult learners working in the field of public health in Massachusetts. This position provides a guidance for utilizing TRAIN LMS and other platforms at DPH to ensure high quality instructional design of the programs and their alignment with the public health services prioritized by DPH and focused on accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Serve as a primary contact between Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Public Health Foundation, TRAIN LMS host. Manage contract-related matters between MDPH and PHF.
• Provide guidance in applying best practices to developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving training programs at DPH through different units of learning: brief meetings, workgroups, webinars, seminars, skill-building workshops, conferences, etc.
• Offer expert support in performing learning needs assessment, identifying student learning outcomes, designing learning modules with learning activities and assignments, evaluating learning outcomes and program effectiveness for internal DPH training programs as requested by DPH bureaus, offices, and hospitals.
• Evaluate quality, effectiveness, accessibility, and efficiency of training programs developed and run both internally at DPH and externally by vendors.
• Develop and run train-the-trainer programs to ensure equity and sustainability of educational efforts at DPH.
• Maintain a database of relevant training resources offered by DPH, EOHHS Center for Staff Development, and the Commonwealth Human Resources Department.
• Oversee development of eLearning courses (both internal and by external vendors).
• Supervise staff in planning, developing, evaluating, and improving instructional design of training programs; Provide guidance and support to staff administering TRAIN.
• Partner with the Director of Training and Staff Development and other relevant managers to discuss and implement strategic planning related to training and workforce development programs, priorities, budget, and program evaluation.
• Coordinate with the Secretariat-wide Center for Staff Development and collaborate with DPH leadership (DPH Central and Hospitals) to identify professional development initiatives in response to changing needs.
• Create and oversee a representative working group for DPH staff involved in training and professional development to identify DPH priorities and strategies in training with a focus on accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Assist in managing and promoting department-wide comprehensive learning strategies (e.g. communities of practice).
• Work with the Director of Training and Staff Development and other relevant DPH managers to develop and evaluate TRAIN LMS implementation strategy. Participate in the development and implementation of DPH HR related processes and procedures, and workgroups as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in developing, managing, evaluating, and reporting on complex projects that involve educational partners, customers, vendors, and government agencies.
• Knowledge of key principles and strategies in instructional design and curriculum development including needs assessment, setting of goals and objectives, development of action plan, executing the plan and different types of program evaluation (baseline, process, outcome, impact).
• Experience in developing and/or conducting interactive trainings (face-to-face, hybrid, online) based on adult learning principles.
• Ability to develop, support and run participant-centered training programs/workforce development programs that ensure culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience of administering/managing an online learning management system.
• Skilled in developing training guides, needs assessments, job aides and effective presentations.
• Proficient in planning and managing online meetings and events with multiple participants (e.g. over Zoom or Teams platforms).
• Knowledge of ten essential public health services and key principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with interprofessional teams.
• Ability to create positive, inclusive, and supportive educational environment for people from different backgrounds with a focus on accessibility, equity, and diversity.
• Articulate, diplomatic, professional, and able to give feedback that is constructive and helpful.
• Proven problem-solving skills and passion for innovative training solutions and process improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, work under pressure and perform a variety of tasks in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to work in interprofessional teams, as both a lead and a supporting member.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams; Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and eLearning authoring software.

Please note: The incumbent must be willing and able to travel throughout the entire state to provide and attend meetings, trainings, workshops, etc., visit and/or offer trainings.

About the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH):

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.

We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages, and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

Learn more about our important work: www.mass.gov/DPH

Pre-Hire Process:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #2

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!