ESA is seeking a visionary Director of Talent Development to architect and lead our firm-wide talent ecosystem. From early career growth to executive leadership, you’ll design and deliver programs that empower our people to learn, lead, and thrive. This is a strategic, high-impact role for a leader who blends behavioral insight, AI innovation, and a deep commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement. This role will be based out of our San Francisco, CA office, and working on a hybrid schedule of being onsite 1-3 days per week.
What You Will Do
Talent Strategy & Leadership Development
- Lead and evolve career pathways, mentorship, and leadership programs from entry-level to executive.
- Launch and scale emerging leader and executive development initiatives.
- Oversee ESA’s Consulting 101 program to build foundational consulting and communication skills.
- Align all development programs with ESA’s strategic goals and values.
Learning, Coaching & Performance Excellence
- Develop and implement ESA’s Manager Expectations Framework.
- Deliver training that equips managers to coach, develop, and retain top talent.
- Design custom learning experiences using tools like DiSC® and behavioral analytics.
- Reimagine performance management to foster a culture of continuous feedback and growth.
Succession Planning & Internal Mobility
- Build a robust succession planning framework to identify and develop future leaders.
- Partner with senior leaders to anticipate gaps and create targeted development plans.
- Use data analytics to monitor bench strength and readiness for key roles.
- Promote transparency and mobility across career paths.
Strategic Partnership & Culture Stewardship
- Serve as a trusted advisor on talent, engagement, and organizational design.
- Integrate AI and digital platforms to deliver scalable, personalized learning.
- Champion innovation in leadership development and workforce strategy.
Inclusive Leadership & Belonging
- Embed JEDI principles in all talent and leadership programs.
- Foster a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and all employees feel they belong.
- Lead and support diverse impact projects across ESA.
Client Engagement & Collaboration
- Build trusted partnerships with internal clients to align talent strategies with business goals.
- Translate organizational priorities into impactful people programs.
- Facilitate leadership forums and learning sessions that spark reflection and action.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field (master’s or certifications preferred).
- 10+ years leading employee development, learning, and engagement programs.
- Proven success in succession planning, career pathing, and leadership pipelines.
- Expertise in learning technologies, performance management, and AI-based tools.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills.
- Strategic thinking and data-informed decision-making.
- Change leadership experience and a passion for innovation.
What ESA Will Do For You
Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.
At ESA, we provide benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company shares through our Employee Stock Option Program, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.
We also provide specific career development opportunities, whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.
