University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Job Summary
The Director of Training provides strategic leadership and oversight of research-based training, professional development, and technical assistance initiatives for the Illinois Institute of Rehabilitation and Employment Research (IIRER). This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive research-based training programs; participating in research related to disability, health, career development, employment, community integration; and translate research into practice across vocational rehabilitation (VR), education, workforce systems, and community-based organizations.
The Director of Training ensures that all training activities are grounded in current research, accessible, meets stakeholder needs, and is aligned with federal and state priorities, including Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), and systems transformation efforts. The position works collaboratively across research, evaluation, field operations, and communications teams to ensure training efforts are integrated, scalable, and impactful.
Research, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate with the Directors of Research and Evaluation to design and implement training evaluation frameworks.
- Conduct research related to vocational rehabilitation, career development, and health that provides the foundation for evidence-based program development and implementation.
- Use data to assess training effectiveness, participant outcomes, and system-level impact.
- Continuously refine training strategies based on evaluation findings, participant feedback, and emerging needs.
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
- Develop and implement comprehensive research based training and technical assistance strategies aligned with IIRER’s mission, grants, and strategic plan.
- Participate in research related to disability, chronic health, career development, employment, and community integration to inform training and technical assistance.
- Lead the design and scaling of synchronous and asynchronous training models, including micro-credentials, certificate programs, and continuing education offerings.
- Conduct and utilize research to identify emerging workforce and training needs across Illinois VR, education, and disability service systems.
- Contribute to grant proposals, contracts, and strategic initiatives.
Curriculum Design & Instructional Oversight
- Oversee development of training curricula grounded in research, adult learning theory, and evidence-based practices.
- Utilize research-based knowledge translation (KT) strategies to ensure training materials translate complex research findings into practical, field-ready tools.
- Supervise instructional design, content development, and quality assurance processes.
- Integrate accessibility standards (e.g., ADA compliance, plain language, universal design for learning).
Training Delivery & Technical Assistance
- Oversee delivery of in-person, virtual, and hybrid training programs statewide and nationally.
- Lead development of technical assistance models including coaching, communities of practice, and implementation support.
- Ensure training reaches a wide range of stakeholders, including VR professionals, educators, providers, employers, and policymakers.
Collaboration & Dissemination
- Partner with the Director of Communications to promote training opportunities and disseminate outcomes.
- Collaborate with the Director of Field Operations to ensure training reflects field realities and implementation challenges.
- Represent IIRER in statewide and national training initiatives, conferences, and partnerships.
- Perform other related duties to support the mission and goals of the Institute.
- Hybrid work model available per university policy.
- Travel required for statewide and national training delivery and partner engagement.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required to support training activities.
- Master’s degree in education, special education, rehabilitation counseling, public policy, social sciences, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in training, curriculum development, or workforce development.
- Experience designing and delivering adult learning programs in professional or academic settings.
- Demonstrated experience managing projects or programs.
- Demonstrated experience conducting and disseminating rehabilitation and disability related research
- Doctorate in education, rehabilitation, public policy, special education, or related field.
- Experience working within vocational rehabilitation (VR), disability services, workforce systems, or education systems.
- Experience developing micro-credentials, online learning platforms, or certificate programs.
- Knowledge of federal and state policies related to disability employment (e.g., WIOA, Pre-ETS, CIE).
- Experience with grant-funded training initiatives or university-based programs.
- Demonstrated experience conducting and disseminating rehabilitation and disability related research
- Strong knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design, and workforce development strategies.
- Excellent communication skills, including facilitation and public speaking.
- Ability to translate research into practical, actionable training content.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams and with external partners.
- Commitment to designing training and programs that promote equal access, accessibility, and fair participation for all learners and participants.
This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The salary range for this position is $95,000-$110,000 commensurate with experience. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 14, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bobbie Clegg at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1037767
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
