The future of aerospace and defense starts here.
Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.
Director, Learning & Development
We are looking for a Director of Learning & Development to build and lead the strategies, programs, and capabilities that develop Ursa Major’s talent and leaders. This role will partner closely with the Leadership Team and People Operations to establish a world-class learning culture that supports business growth, strengthens organizational capability, and builds the talent pipeline needed for Ursa’s next phase.
As we continue to scale, you will help define how we develop our people—from emerging talent and individual contributors to managers and senior leaders. Reporting to the VP of People Operations, this is a strategic and hands-on role for a trailblazing L&D leader who can set the vision while rolling up their sleeves to build and execute programs that have a measurable impact on the business.
Responsibilities
- Develop and own Ursa Major’s enterprise-wide Learning & Development strategy, aligned with business priorities, culture, and organizational growth.
- Build and scale comprehensive leadership development programs for emerging, mid-level, and senior leaders.
- Establish career development and learning frameworks that create clear opportunities for growth, capability building, and internal mobility.
- Partner with leaders and People Operations to identify critical capability gaps, talent needs, and future workforce requirements.
- Lead talent development initiatives, including high-potential programs, succession planning, talent reviews, and targeted development plans.
- Design and implement manager development programs that strengthen leadership effectiveness, accountability, communication, and team performance.
- Own and evolve Ursa Major’s mentorship and development programs, continuously evaluating effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.
- Develop and maintain a scalable learning curriculum across leadership, professional skills, technical capabilities, and organizational effectiveness.
- Leverage performance, engagement, talent, and other people data to identify development opportunities and measure the impact of L&D programs.
- Partner with People Operations and business leaders on organizational change and transformation initiatives, ensuring leaders and teams have the capabilities needed to successfully navigate change.
- Establish meaningful L&D metrics and reporting to demonstrate program effectiveness, business impact, and return on investment.
- Evaluate and implement learning technologies, external providers, assessments, and other tools that enhance the employee development experience.
- Facilitate and/or oversee leadership workshops, training programs, and organizational development initiatives.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to senior leaders on leadership effectiveness, talent development, and organizational capability.
- Build, coach, and develop a high-performing L&D team as the function scales.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Organizational Psychology, Education, or a related field.
- 9+ years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, Organizational Development, Talent Management, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience building and scaling enterprise-wide L&D strategies and programs in a high-growth environment.
- Proven experience designing and leading leadership development programs across multiple levels of an organization.
- Experience developing talent management strategies, including succession planning, talent reviews, high-potential development, and career development.
- Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with senior executives and leaders to translate business needs into meaningful talent and development solutions.
- Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
- A builder mentality with a willingness to roll up your sleeves, challenge the status quo, and take ownership.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Organizational Psychology, Education, or a related field.
- Experience in a rapidly scaling technology, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other complex technical environment.
- Certified trainer, facilitator, coach, or organizational development professional.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $165,000 - $200,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Classification: Full-time Exempt
Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)
- Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
- Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
- Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
- Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
- EAP Program
- Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
- Equity Grants in the Company
How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.
Ursa Major Berthoud, Colorado, USA Office
Our one-of-a kind campus co-locates engineering, manufacturing, & testing operations, allowing for unmatched development time and the chance for employees, customers, and investors alike to experience rocket engine testing as a part of the normal work day.
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