Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Manager, Training Design

at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

🏢 About NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S., uniquely positioned to create systemic change through peer-led education and advocacy. Working here means contributing to a mission that directly impacts millions affected by mental illness, with a strong emphasis on lived experience and community-driven solutions.

About This Role

This role is central to NAMI’s mission by designing training programs that equip trainers and program leaders across the country to deliver high-quality, accessible mental health education. You will translate NAMI’s core values into scalable, engaging curricula, ensuring fidelity and equity in every learning experience.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve collaborating with program leads to identify training needs, drafting curriculum outlines for a new train-the-trainer module, and reviewing existing materials for accessibility gaps. You might also facilitate a virtual pilot session with state trainers, gather feedback, and iterate on content to ensure it resonates with diverse audiences.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Is Looking For

  • Has 5–7 years of experience specifically in designing train-the-trainer programs, with a portfolio showing facilitator preparation and adult learning principles.
  • Understands peer-led education models and can embed lived experience perspectives into training content.
  • Is skilled in creating accessible and equitable training materials, including for diverse audiences and those with mental health conditions.
  • Brings a background in instructional design or a related field (e.g., public health, social work) with a focus on nonprofit or community-based education.

📝 Tips for Applying to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

1

Highlight any experience with mental health or peer support programs, even if volunteer-based, to demonstrate alignment with NAMI’s mission.

2

In your resume or portfolio, include specific examples of train-the-trainer curricula you’ve developed, noting scale and impact (e.g., number of trainers trained).

3

Tailor your cover letter to mention how you embed equity and accessibility into training design, referencing NAMI’s commitment to these values.

4

Use language from the job description (e.g., 'fidelity,' 'scalable,' 'peer-led') to show you understand NAMI’s model.

5

Mention any familiarity with NAMI’s existing programs (e.g., NAMI Basics, NAMI Family-to-Family) to demonstrate proactive research.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for mental health advocacy and how it aligns with NAMI’s grassroots, peer-led approach.', 'Specific examples of designing train-the-the-trainer programs that improved facilitator confidence or program fidelity.', 'How you incorporate adult learning principles and accessibility into your work, especially for diverse or marginalized communities.', 'Your ability to collaborate with subject matter experts (e.g., program leads, people with lived experience) to create authentic content.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review NAMI’s signature programs (e.g., NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics, NAMI Peer-to-Peer) to understand their structure and values.
  • → Read NAMI’s strategic plan or recent annual report to see their priorities around equity and training scalability.
  • → Explore NAMI’s website and blog for content on their train-the-trainer model or recent training initiatives.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the concept of 'program fidelity' in mental health interventions and how it applies to NAMI’s work.
Visit NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a train-the-trainer program for NAMI’s peer-led model while ensuring fidelity across different states?
2 Describe a time you embedded equity and accessibility into a training curriculum. What challenges did you face?
3 How do you measure the effectiveness of a training program for trainers? What metrics do you use?
4 How would you adapt NAMI’s existing program materials for a virtual train-the-trainer format?
5 Tell us about your experience working with subject matter experts who have lived experience with mental health conditions.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t mention mental health, peer-led models, or NAMI specifically.
  • Overemphasizing corporate training experience without connecting it to nonprofit or community-based education.
  • Failing to show understanding of train-the-trainer models—don’t just list courses you’ve designed; explain how you prepared facilitators.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)!

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