Manager, People Development, Custom Learning and Design

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Manager, People Development, Custom Learning and Design, to join our Firm. This position will be based in our New York office (hybrid).

The Manager, People Development, Custom Learning and Design is a strategic leader responsible for building and developing innovative learning objectives, outcomes, and methods for Business Services Professionals (BSP) and Attorneys across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This role oversees the creation ,implementation and facilitation of new, technology-driven content, ensuring all learning initiatives are fully aligned with the Firm’s Learning & Development (L&D) strategy and vision. The manager will work closely with cross-functional teams, monitor program effectiveness, and deliver engaging, high-impact learning experiences that support the Firm’s ongoing growth and competitive edge. A key focus will be staying abreast of trending self-study tools and integrating these into the curriculum, as well as ensuring robust data capture to provide program statistics that inform continuous improvement and secure stakeholder support. The manager will also oversee the management of learning webpages, ensuring global access and exceptional user experience for all Firm personnel.

Program Development and Innovation:

• Collaborate with the Core L&D and People Strategy team to identify the evolving needs of attorneys and BSPs

• Design, build and implement new self-study and technology-enabled learning solutions to enhance both professional and technical skills

• Work closely with attorneys to create or enhance practice specific training content

• Lead the creation of content based emerging technologies and innovative learning methodologies, ensuring alignment with the Firm’s L&D strategy

• Integrate trending self-study tools and best practices into the curriculum to keep learning offerings current and impactful

• Oversee the full lifecycle of program content development, from needs assessment through pilot, rollout, and integration into core curricula working alongside the L&D Core Team

• Participate in pilot programs, observe engagement, and refine learning solutions based on feedback and measurable outcomes

Program Delivery and Facilitation:

• Lead the facilitation of professional skills workshops, seminars, and training sessions for BSPs and Attorneys, both in-person and virtually, ensuring content is engaging and applicable to all audiences.

• Adapt facilitation techniques to accommodate different learning styles, viewpoints, experiences, and professional levels within the Firm.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for professional skills development, providing guidance and support to participants throughout the learning journey

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with Strategic Leadership L&D, People Strategy, L&D Core, Technology, Marketing/Communications/BD and Knowledge Management teams to understand evolving learning needs.

• Engage with, partners, chiefs, directors, people strategy teams to gather input and ensure learning solutions meet business objectives.

• Communicate program outcomes, participant progress, and key insights to all stakeholders

• Present new content, learning trends, and program outcomes to L&D teams and other stakeholders to foster buy-in and support.

Program Management & Quality Assurance:

• Review, approve, and adjust new programs for launch and ongoing improvement, ensuring all content aligns with the Firm’s vision and messaging.

• Review program data and create statistics that highlight strategic outcomes.  Communicate what adjustments/enhancements may be needed to the varying internal stakeholders and teams.

• In collaboration with the L&D Core managers, Strategic Leadership managers or PDMs, oversee the transition of new programs into the core curriculum or practice group training, ensuring seamless integration and adoption.

• Manage the learning webpages, ensuring they reflect the Firm’s vision, provide global access, and deliver an exceptional user experience.

• Stay current with L&D trends, particularly in self-study tools and technology-driven learning, by attending seminars, courses, and industry events.

• Share insights and best practices with the broader L&D team to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Measurement, Reporting & Data Management:

• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs) and return on investment (ROI) for all learning programs.

• Ensure robust data capture to provide comprehensive program statistics, supporting ongoing program excellence and stakeholder engagement.

• Collaborate with HRIS and reporting teams to ensure data aligns with business needs and reporting expectations.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in learning and development, curriculum design and facilitation

• Deep understanding of adult learning principles, instructional design, and the integration of self-study tools and technology in learning.

• Strong understanding of professional development needs for associates at various levels

• Proven ability to collaborate and actively listen to colleagues and stakeholders

• Exceptional organizational and project implement, management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, develop and inspire teams, associates and BSPs

• Proficiency in using learning technologies for virtual programs and discussions

• Experience in tracking feedback, analyzing data, and producing actionable enhancements

• Availability to travel, facilitating programming across our global offices

• Strategic, data-driven L&D leader who aligns programs to organizational goals and drives continuous improvement through measurement and evaluation.

• Collaborative people leader with strong cross-functional, cross-regional influence and experience operating in global, multicultural environments with accessibility in mind.

• Highly organized, detail-oriented communicator, skilled at managing multiple priorities and deadlines while presenting information clearly and persuasively.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 7 years training experience in a professional services environment and 2 years of managerial experience.

• Candidates must have demonstrable experience facilitating professional development programs, workshops, and training sessions across professional levels, in both in-person and virtual settings.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or equivalent relevant professional certification, preferred.

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community, and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm’s success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us.  We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life. 

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.

• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.

• Generous paid time off.

• Paid leave options, including parental.

• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.

• Robust well-being classes and programs.

• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit:  https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at (212) 735-2176.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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