Sr Training Specialist

Location: United States (Remote/Hybrid Opportunities Available)

Why Join Thrivent?

Thrivent is a mission-driven, not-for-profit financial services organization dedicated to helping people achieve financial clarity and live generous lives. As a Fortune 500 company with a strong Christian heritage, we empower our clients, employees, and communities through holistic financial advice, retirement planning, investments, insurance, and more. Our Development & Operational Effectiveness team plays a pivotal role in building high-performing teams equipped to deliver exceptional service.

Joining Thrivent means becoming part of a values-based culture that prioritizes purpose, growth, and impact. We offer a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, professional development is encouraged, and work-life balance is valued. With competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career advancement, Thrivent is the ideal place for talented professionals passionate about learning and development to make a lasting difference.

Role Description

The Licensed Senior Training Specialist position resides in our Development & Operational Effectiveness department at Thrivent. This senior-level role helps the business achieve its operational goals by managing the design, development, and delivery of cutting-edge learning and development solutions, performance support tools, and platforms. You will conduct ongoing evaluations to ensure program effectiveness and recommend modifications as needed.

As the most senior skill level without supervisory responsibility, you will provide functional advice and training to less experienced team members. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned training professional to lead transformative initiatives in a dynamic financial services environment, leveraging blended learning strategies to drive performance and compliance.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Lead and project-manage cross-functional resource teams to plan, design, develop, and implement platforms and tools that provide performance support and learning in the flow of work.
• Support efforts to redesign courses and develop modules that leverage flipped classroom and blended learning approaches, incorporating virtual in-person, eLearning, and video modalities.
• Develop and conduct complex training programs in response to organizational needs. Facilitate classroom, remote, and train-the-trainer programs. Analyze employee training needs and develop appropriate new programs and materials.
• Design effective blended training solutions which are job-based, learner-centered, organized, accurate, practical, and sustainable.
• Provide instructional design consultation and coaching for subject matter experts engaged in training development activities.
• Produce robust and sustainable blended training curriculum, including digital eBooks, eLearning and video modules, self-directed modules, classroom materials (participant guides, facilitator guides, presentations), and coaching tools.
• Assign and monitor training programs, assess results, and implement enhancements as needed.
• Establish and enforce standards for brand compliance, style, and templates across all training materials.
• Introduce new and innovative classroom and development processes and technologies to deliver a world-class training experience; drive change and continuous improvements to current programs.
• Provide functional advice and direction to associates within the training organization.
• Manage fiscal aspects of training, including ROI analysis of programs and adherence to budget standards.
• Balance instructional design rigor and quality with cost, time, and resource constraints of the organization.

Required Skills

To excel in this role, you need expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and modern training technologies. Key skills include:

• Advanced proficiency in blended learning design (flipped classroom, eLearning, virtual facilitation).
• Project management for cross-functional teams.
• Instructional design consultation and coaching.
• Training needs analysis and program evaluation.
• Content development for multimedia formats (videos, eBooks, self-directed modules).
• ROI measurement and budget management for training initiatives.
• Brand compliance and standardization enforcement.
• Innovation in learning technologies and processes.
• Facilitation of classroom, remote, and train-the-trainer sessions.

Education & Experience

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Human Resources, or related field. Series 6 & 63 licenses required (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• 7+ years of progressive experience in training, instructional design, and learning development, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead capacity.
• Proven track record in financial services training preferred, with knowledge of compliance and licensing requirements.
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate), and virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

Compensation Overview

Thrivent offers competitive, market-based compensation tailored to your experience and location. This senior role typically falls within a salary range reflecting industry standards for top-tier training specialists in financial services.

Benefits

Thrivent provides an exceptional total rewards package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with generous employer match; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; wellness programs; and flexible work arrangements. Enjoy our unique Thrivent Matching Gift program, volunteer opportunities, and ongoing professional development to support your growth.

Thrivent is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Apply today and elevate your career in learning and development at Thrivent!