Professional Growth Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level Learning & Development Specialists earn $55k–$70k; mid‑level L&D Managers range $80k–$110k; senior Talent Development Directors command $120k–$160k, depending on company size and industry.

Key skills include instructional design, LMS administration (Moodle, Cornerstone), learning analytics, facilitation, coaching, and curriculum design. Certifications such as ATD Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP), Certified Digital Learning Professional (CDE), or PMI-ACP for agile learning are highly valued.

Yes—approximately 80% of Professional Growth roles offer full remote or hybrid arrangements, with many leading firms providing flexible schedules and virtual collaboration tools.

A common trajectory moves from Learning & Development Specialist to Manager, then to Director of Learning & Development, and ultimately to VP of Learning or Chief Learning Officer, often accompanied by expanded budget authority and strategic influence.

Current trends include microlearning, AI‑driven personalized learning paths, competency mapping, learning analytics dashboards, virtual reality simulations, and a continuous learning culture that integrates skill development into everyday workflows.