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 Attorneys and Business Services Professionals (BSP) across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Given the critical role that attorneys play in the Firm's mission and client service delivery, demonstrated experience working directly with attorney populations is essential. Understanding the unique professional development needs, practice demands, and learning preferences of attorneys to design and deliver programs that resonate with this audience and drive meaningful engagement is essential.

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 teams 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 and professional skills training content

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

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

Support the development of attorney curricula and learning pathways that align with the Firm’s talent expectations

Program Delivery and Facilitation:

Lead the facilitation of professional skills workshops, seminars, and training sessions for Attorneys and BSPs, both in-person and virtually, ensuring content is engaging and focused on L&D strategy outcomes: behaviors, mindsets

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

Facilitate learning programs focused on management, executive presence and presentations, leadership, feedback, career development, delegation and professionalism.

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

Demonstrated experience creating, implementing, and facilitating learning programs for attorneys

Experience partnering with attorney stakeholders to develop programming that supports legal skills, professional skills, and career development

Proven ability to collaborate and actively listen to colleagues and stakeholders

Exceptional organizational and project implementation, 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