Manager, Learning

About Us

At the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre (the DI), we are dedicated to serving our community with kindness. Our mission – to work with community to end homelessness, one person at a time – goes beyond providing immediate support; we strive to create an environment where individuals can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.

We are more than an emergency shelter.

Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and valued. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to support. We offer not only safe and comfortable accommodation and meals but also access to essential resources such as health and recovery services, and housing supports.

All of our programs, including emergency shelter, are low-barrier, trauma-informed, housing-focused, and recovery-oriented, aimed at supporting Calgary's most vulnerable citizens. And our doors are always open.

Department: Learning & Development Job Category: Salary

Reports To: Director, People & Culture Position Type: Full Time

Direct Reports: 1-2 Schedule: Weekdays

Indirect Reports: N/A Location: Main Building

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, People & Culture, the Manager Learning & Talent Development is responsible for overseeing, designing, implementing, and managing programs that enhance employee skills, leadership capabilities, and organizational effectiveness. This role leads a small team and collaborates with stakeholders across the organization to deliver innovative solutions that meet diverse needs—from frontline training to leadership development while fostering a culture of learning across the organization. The Manager will also champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ensure learning strategies align with organizational values and goals.

Time Commitment

This is a full-time position comprised of normal business weekday hours, however there may be requirements to be available and flexible from time to time outside normal business hours as the need arises.

Key Job Duties and Responsibilities

Learning Strategy & Program Design

• In collaboration with the Director of People & Culture, develop and execute a comprehensive learning and talent development strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
• Manage and continuously evolve all stages of the learning lifecycle in support of talent development programs including curriculum design, content development, and delivery.
• Oversee the coordination and revision of training materials (course content, visual charts, videos, slides etc.) in alignment with subject matter experts on process and operations.
• Create or update engaging and compelling learning solutions and activities (classroom, online, virtual, videos, job aids, simulations, role plays, participant guides, etc.)
• Develop relationships with external vendors and actively explores viable solutions for collaboration or outsourcing of content development or delivery.
• Incorporate best practices in adult learning, instructional design, and digital learning technologies.
• Facilitates a wide variety of training including core offerings and new hire onboarding.
• Partners with People & Culture on talent planning, engagement, and performance management initiatives; providing support and insights in support of the People and Culture strategy.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Provides leadership and mentoring to People & Culture team members, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Partners with internal stakeholders to assess needs and deliver tailored learning solutions.
• Provides leadership and expertise to support the immediate team and subject matter experts in the successful and consistent delivery of learning programs, including developing train the trainer programs.
• Leads and supports the implementation, communication, change management and delivery of talent development initiatives.
• Identify, engage, and partner with vendors and service providers to deliver learning solutions that are up to standard and meet business objectives.
• Create related L&D communications to support the delivery of professional and talent development initiatives.

Learning Management System

• Manage learning content, course set up and user support.
• Maintain and optimize the LMS to ensure seamless delivery and tracking of learning programs.
• Analyze learning data to measure effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

DEI & Organizational Development

• Collaborate with the Director of People & Culture to advance and support the agency's DE&I strategy.
• Ensure all training programs reflect diverse perspectives and are accessible to all employees (e.g., language, cultural sensitivity, accommodations for disabilities).
• Embed DEI principles into leadership development and technical training.

Project Management

• Oversee learning and talent development projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.
• Oversees and supports the coordination of multiple training programs to ensure effective delivery.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.

Required Competencies and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a field such as Education, Human Resources, Instructional Design, Business, or related field is preferred.
• Five plus years' experience in facilitating, designing, developing, and executing learner-centric solutions that meet the needs of learners as well as organizational objectives.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methods (ADDIE, Kirkpatrick, etc.)
• Advanced proficiency with MS office Suite, LMS platforms and e-learning tools (Articulate Storyline, Rise, or equivalent).
• Strong facilitation experience and presentation skills demonstrated by an ability to deliver subject matter to a diverse audience.
• Excellent communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal with a focus on plain language).
• A genuine commitment to the mission, vision, values, and work of the agency.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check – dated within the last 6 months. Copy required.

Preferred Assets

• A CTDP, CPHR designation or a change management certificate
• Experience leading a team
• Experience with First Aid, NVCI, Trauma Informed Care, Naloxone or other safety/wellness curricula.

Working Conditions

The individuals we serve are experiencing homelessness or precarious housing and may also be facing substance use disorders and/or mental or physical health challenges. Many have a history of significant trauma.These experiences can influence their interactions with both staff and one another. By recognizing these behaviors as responses to past experiences, we are able to engage with our guests in a manner that is empathetic and respectful.

This role may involve high-stress situations that require resilience, compassion, and composure. At the DI we are deeply committed to the well-being of our staff, implementing policies and providing resources that support both physical and psychological safety, as well as mental health. We address the immediate challenges faced by our team to provide the highest level of support as well as the cumulative impacts of this vital work. By prioritizing staff well-being, we empower our team to provide the highest level of support to those in need, fostering a culture of care and understanding throughout our organization.

While the work is demanding and requires a strong commitment, those who are drawn to this field often find it to be one of the most impactful and rewarding careers they can pursue. It's about making a difference – one person at a time.

Although the DI is a smoke-free work environment, there may be occasional exposure to secondhand smoke from designated smoking areas nearby.

Why the DI?

The DI aims to be an "Employer of Choice" and affords each employee an opportunity to help make a real difference in our community, and more importantly in the lives of those who rely on our services. We take great care in hiring the right people who fit, and who share our outlook on the value of people. We believe in living our values in every work we speak and in every action we take, and we want people who share this commitment.

Our Culture

Our values form the cornerstone of our culture:

RESPECT: Our actions honour the rights, differences, and dignity of others

COMMUNITY: Through collaborative partnerships, we work together as a team, building inclusive communities

KINDNESS: We accept each person's uniqueness with compassion and empathy

WELLNESS: We promote, provide and support holistic wellbeing

ACCOUNTABILITY: We operate with transparency and integrity in both our relationships and our commitments.

What we Offer

Staff at the DI enjoy competitive compensation packages, including employer-paid benefits depending on role and employment type.

Some of the employer-paid group benefits include:

• Vacation days
• Sick days
• Wellness days
• Extended Health & Dental coverage
• Employer Matching RRSP Program
• Homewood EFAP
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

Employees will be enrolled in Long-Term Disability and Critical Illness insurance, paid for by the employee. This is mandatory and may not be opted out of.

Benefits are based on employment type and usually available on the 1st of the month following your start date. If you are successful in obtaining employment with the DI, People & Culture will discuss your eligibility for benefits with you.

Vulnerable Sector Check

A satisfactory vulnerable sector clearance is require prior to resumption at the DI.

Alberta Living Wage Employer

The DI is an Alberta Living Wage Employer. This means we are committed to paying our employees a living wage that allows them to meet their basic needs and participate in their communities. A living wage is different from minimum wage in that minimum wage is mandatory and the same throughout the province while a living wage reflects what people need to cover the actual costs of living in their communities. Payment of a living wage is a voluntary commitment from employers to go beyond the minimum. Visit to learn more about the living wage.

The DI is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to and support equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

If you are an applicant in need of accommodations or special assistance throughout the interview process, please submit a request by email to