Chief Learning Officer, National Training Department

Chief Learning Officer, National Training Department

Position: Chief Learning Officer, National Training Department
Reports to: CEO, National Office
Location: Ottawa, ON (Hybrid available)
Status: Permanent, Full Time
Start Date: Immediate

Who We Are

St. John Ambulance (SJA) is a federation of charitable organizations that operate in all provinces and territories of Canada and is affiliated internationally with the Order of St. John which conducts charitable activities in over 40 countries worldwide. Operating in Canada since 1883, SJA’s mission is to enable people to improve their health, safety, and quality of life through training, education, and service to the community.

The role of the National Office is to provide support services and national leadership to the provincial/territorial SJA organizations (Councils) across Canada.

Position Overview

The Chief Learning Officer (CLO) is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the National Training Department. The CLO is responsible for; the development and maintenance of all SJA Training Programs, overseeing the daily operations of the National Training Department, providing leadership to training project teams, supporting, and advancing SJA’s position as the pre-eminent Canadian provider of first aid training and mental health & wellness training. They are responsible for representing SJA nationally with respect to the creation, maintenance, and interpretation of protocols, standards and accreditation of training programs and the application of the brand of SJA to products and related uses.

This position plays a critical role in fostering an atmosphere of SJA-wide cooperation and collaboration through learning and quality training development.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Training Excellence and Quality Control

  • Responsible for developing, managing, and executing the strategic, operational, and the technological direction of the National Training Department including the business requirements for the Learning Management System (LMS), online learning, virtual classrooms, and other web-based learning resources.
  • Lead national, multi-year projects with federal and provincial bodies that have multi-million-dollar budgets.
  • Responsible for the maintenance of all curricula, identifying gaps, and guiding the development of new curriculum.
  • Lead and drive innovation, research, evaluation, project development and developing a clear vision for where learning & development is headed in the future.
  • Responsible for building relationships with external partners that promote the wellbeing of Canadian communities.
  • Keeps abreast of research in the field of training, first aid, resuscitation, and related fields as well as current trends and changes in the industry by leading research projects, consulting with peers, and maintaining professional networks.
  • Represent SJA Canada on the national and international level as it relates to learning and development projects/programs.
  • Develop strong relationships with organizational leaders to facilitate proactive sharing of information, execution of projects in a timely manner and foundation of partnership between the business and communications.

 

Engagement

  • Develop strategic partnerships:
  • Represent SJA with respect to the creation, maintenance and interpretation of protocols, standards, and accreditation of training programs both nationally and at times internationally.
    • Work collaboratively with SJA provincial Councils in a consultative fashion
    • Liaise with other national first aid training suppliers, agencies, and competitors.
    • Work with leaders of other first aid, health and safety and community agencies
    • Maintain robust relationship with relevant government departments and agencies responsible for first aid training regulations, standards, and program approvals.
  • Represent SJA at relevant conferences and training meetings in Canada and internationally.
  • Provide assistance and advice to the SJA National Management Team (NMT), Councils, and Priory concerning legal, regulatory, policy and strategic matters as they relate to the organization’s training programs, products, and services.
  • Determine the direction of the National Office Training Department by working with colleagues and Councils to create and implement training strategies and goals.

 

Leadership

  • Lead and manage the National Office training team of six (6) direct reports.
  • Participate as a senior member of the National Office management team and collaborate with department directors. Also acts as the National Lead on the National Training Steering Committee.
  • Provide leadership through consensus building, team development, visionary thinking, organizational alignment, and process improvement.
  • Drive the efficiency and effectiveness of the National Training Department and develop and track the national training budget.

 

Education, Training and Experience:

  • Post-secondary degree in Learning & Development or equivalent. Preference will be given to those with advanced education and experience in learning & development, corporate education, and project management in a complex, broad stakeholder, and decentralized, decision-making environment.
  • Five (5) years or more of progressive management experience in corporate learning & development and health or first aid industries
  • Experience in the management of Learning Management Systems.
  • Experience in strategic planning, including innovation.
  • Experience in providing support to senior decision makers.
  • Experience working within a diverse, nationally federated organizational model.

 

Knowledge/Skills:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills including conceptual, presentation and communication skills, relationship building skills.
  • Effective administration, supervision, and leadership skills
  • Extensive knowledge of adult learning theory and program development
  • Understanding of certification standards, assessment of student learning, testing and program methodologies.
  • Familiarity with general research methodologies and ability to critically analyze data and recommendations.
  • Familiarity with first aid (medical) terminology and first aid or related health field training delivery models.
  • Working knowledge of managing a cost center
  • Ability to assist Sales, Marketing and Financial Services staff with metrics to assist in the pricing and relationship models for training and services.
  • Fluency in English is required. French language verbal and written skills are highly desirable and preferred.

 

Working Conditions:

  • Weekly presence in the National Office is required (i.e., multiple days a week).
  • Overtime and schedule flexibility may be required from time to time, in order to effectively accomplish the goals of the position.
  • Some travel within Canada will be required.
  • SJA offers a competitive salary, group benefits program and employee pension plan.
  • 4 weeks of vacation, plus approx. 3 additional days during the December holiday period.

 

All candidates to submit their application to jobs@sja.cabefore December 1, 2023, or sooner.

St. John Ambulance is a federation of charitable organizations that operates in all provinces and territories of Canada and over 40 countries around the world. It is Canada’s premier first aid training organization and delivers first responder, therapy dog and other community services to Canadians through approximately 10,000 front-line volunteers.

While SJA thanks all candidates for their interest, only those candidates whose skills and experience most closely match the position requirements will be contacted and invited for interviews. SJA is an equal Opportunity Employer.