Training Lead

JCFPL JOB TITLE: Training Lead

DEPARTMENT: The Learning Center

LOCATION: Learning Center offices and various branch locations

REPORTS TO: Learning Center Director

CIVIL SERVICE JOB TITLE: Senior Training Technician

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-time

SALARY RANGE: $75,000 - $90,000 per year

WORKWEEK: Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm or 12:00pm - 8:00pm, depending on Learning Center needs; Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm. (35 hours/week). May be required to work weekends as needed.

APPLICANT DEADLINE: April 18, 2025

JCFPL is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, with ten locations and growing, and a collection comprising over 2.5 million print and digital items. Our staff of nearly 120 dedicated individuals serves the residents, students, and workers of Jersey City: the largest city in Hudson County, N.J., and the second-largest city in New Jersey.

The staff of JCFPL reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of Jersey City, which is consistently ranked as the most diverse community in the United States. Collectively, our staff speaks over 16 languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Tagalog, Gujarati, Marathi, Igbo, Portuguese, and others.

JCFPL is committed to building on our strong foundation and expanding our ability to meet the needs of Jersey City’s growing and increasingly diverse community.

About the Position:

The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is seeking a strategic, innovative Training Lead to design, implement, and oversee professional development programs for library staff.

The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with a strong background in instructional design and adult learning methodologies. They will collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop high-quality training materials that marry classic best practices with emerging trends in professional development.

JOB DUTIES

Staff Training Program Development & Delivery

• Collaborate with JCFPL Leadership to develop strategic training plans that align with organizational objectives
• Design and deliver new employee training to ensure understanding of job duty expectations and responsibilities
• Design and develop engaging curricula and materials aligned with JCFPL’s Mission, Purpose, and Commitments
• Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) inside and outside the library field to develop effective training programs
• Partner with librarians, educators, and external trainers to create specialized learning opportunities
• Coordinate with library departments to ensure training aligns with service delivery and operational needs
• Lead in-person and virtual training sessions, workshops, and instructional programs on key competencies
• Motivate and inspire staff to excel, innovate, and work daily to fulfill JCFPL’s Mission, Purpose, and Commitments
• Foster an inclusive learning environment and work effectively with diverse backgrounds and personalities
• Organize external trainers for semi-annual all-staff training days, addressing leadership-identified needs
• Facilitate training on relevant software and programs with existing partners and providers
• Develop new partnerships for additional staff training opportunities, including professional development and leadership programs

Quality Assurance & Evaluation

• Assess training program effectiveness through employee feedback, performance reviews, and training evaluations
• Utilize data-driven insights to refine training methodologies and ensure ongoing staff development

Resource & Technology Management

• Manage training resources, schedules, and digital platforms to facilitate efficient learning experiences
• Incorporate emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance content creation and training delivery
• Ensure that all staff members have access to training materials, online courses, and skill development resources

Policy & Process Improvement

• Identify up-to-date best practices in staff training and development, ensuring that JCFPL employees are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge
• Continuously improve onboarding, cross-training, and leadership development programs to meet the evolving needs of JCFPL services

CORE COMPETENCIES

Support

• Provide guidance and mentorship to library staff at all levels
• Develop tailored training programs for both new and experienced employees in all parts of the organization
• Adapt to changes or challenges in training audience or environment

Communication & Collaboration

• Facilitate clear, transparent communication across library departments
• Work closely with senior leadership and supervisors to align training initiatives with organizational goals
• Manage multiple training projects simultaneously
• Support learners at different skill levels with empathy and patience
• Deliver constructive feedback effectively, even to individuals who may be resistant or reluctant, using empathy, diplomacy, and clear communication

Customer Service

• Ensure JCFPL staff receive training that enhances customer service interactions and patron engagement
• Design, develop, and deliver training modules on best practices in patron assistance for library services, reference assistance, leadership, community engagement, and other areas identified as needs

Instructional Design & Adult Learning

• Utilize adult learning principles to design engaging, interactive training materials
• Implement a variety of instructional formats, including in-person workshops, e-learning, and blended learning approaches
• Create materials and training experiences that utilize a motivating, learner-centered approach that appeals to a variety of learning styles and easily allows for differentiated instruction

Assessment & Continuous Improvement

• Track employee progress through evaluations, feedback, and performance metrics
• Adapt training programs based on library needs and evolving industry trends
• Continuously explore new training methodologies and leverage emerging technologies to improve staff education

Technology & Digital Literacy

• Train staff on digital tools, emerging technologies, and library management systems as they relate to continuous professional development and lifelong learning
• Stay current with library technology trends to ensure JCFPL staff are equipped with modern skills

Leadership & Cultural Competency

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including staff, leadership, and external partners
• Promote a culture of ABIDE (Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity) within training initiatives
• Ensure that training materials reflect the cultural diversity of Jersey City and support an inclusive workplace

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

Note: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education.  Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.

Six (6) years of professional experience in work involved in the planning and carrying out of training programs of varied types such as employee training, adult education, and /or group education; or teaching in elementary school through college which shall have included curriculum development and/or organization of learning programs; or combination thereof.

Or

Possession of bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.

Or

Possession of Master’s degree in Education or related field, and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.

PREFERED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Psychology, Cognitive/Educational Psychology, or a related field
  • Master’s degree in any of the above fields is preferred
• Preferred Certificates: Talent Development, Instructional Design, Adult Learning/Pedagogy, and/or Project Management

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in staff training, instructional design, learning & development, or employee development—ideally within a library, educational institution, or public service organization

• Experience working with many teams at once and managing multi-departmental training programs

• Proven track record in developing and evaluating employee training initiatives with measurable outcomes

Additional Relevant Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Learning Management Systems, AI-driven solutions, and digital learning platforms

• Familiar with performance assessment tools and training evaluation techniques

• Ability to inspire, coach, and develop staff

This job posting description is associated with a New Jersey Civil Service job title; the New Jersey Civil Service Commission requires all incumbents to possess and be prepared to verify the minimum experience and skills required for the associated Civil Service job title.

This position is subject to residency requirements as set forth in the New Jersey First Act.

Compensation

$75,000 - $90,000 yearly

Application URL or Email

Apply online here