Associate Director, Programs

Posting Date: 10/15/2024

Location: Rockville, MD

Cluster/Team: Professional Education Cluster / Convention & Meetings Team

Coach: Director, Programs

Salary Range (Non-Negotiable): $83,238 – $92,487

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Description

The Associate Director, Programs plays an integral role in the educational programming and scheduling for the Convention, with a focus on invited speakers. Core duties involve managing the Call for Papers, scheduling invited sessions, supporting the Convention Program Committee (CPC), and monitoring budget and statistics. This role serves as the primary resource for members and presenters, offering training and guidance to the CPC for program development. 

Travel is required throughout the year.

Responsibilities

1. Build-out, test, and implement the Call for Papers process for the Convention, collaborating with the Director, Programs, the CPC Volunteers and integrate the latest technology into the Convention Call for Papers and program, and direct vendor partners on improvements and process changes.
2. Manage invited speakers’ information and track all information, payments, expenses, and budget to meet timelines. Serve as resource for invited presenters and develop and implement communication strategies to present necessary information to meet convention goals.
3. Support the implementation of the overall educational scheduler and other modules, ensuring efficiency and usability.
4. Collaborate with the Associate Director, Convention Communications to ensure accuracy of program details and materials across various platforms. Oversee program-related events, communication, and resources including online community sites, CPC handbook, the onsite CPC lounge, presenter tips, proxy box communication, presenter accommodation requests, and volunteer specifications.
5. Oversees the development of systems, session collection, information distribution, and on-site operations for the virtual program.
6. Manage, analyze, and forecast educational programming data and trends, along with overflow data to recommend standards, policies and procedures, and assist in guiding future Topic Chairs. Monitor and budget registration waivers and ticketed session sales to ensure accurate space allocation and prevent overselling.
7. Lead on-site session management, overflow execution and live stream production, in conjunction with the AV partner and on-site staff support.

Qualifications

Knowledge Typically Acquired Through

• 5-7 years’ experience in association/nonprofit education program development
• Industry certifications such as DES or CMP, preferred
• Experience in education programming, communications, event management, underscored by industry best practices and a solid grasp of project management principles
• BA/BS degree in related field, or equivalent training and experience

Scope and Depth of Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge in abstract management systems, association management software, mobile apps, Microsoft office, and other related industry software
• Strong project and process management abilities, including setting and meeting deadlines and effectively multitasking to prioritize and oversee multiple actions or events simultaneously
• Proven experience in engaging with volunteers

Scope and Depth of Non-Technical Skills/Knowledge

• Demonstrated ability to motivate, direct, and facilitate groups, teams, and volunteers to achieve desired goals and outcomes
• Clear and persuasive communicator, capable of crafting messages for diverse audiences
• Dedication to detail and ability to work under pressure in a deadline driven environment
• Positive work ethic and excellent customer services skills; ability to exercise tact and discretion in dealing with colleagues, members, and the public
• Demonstrates a proactive, self-starter attitude, thriving in fast-paced environments
• Commitment to working both independently and as an effective and collaborative leader; strategic and practical thinker; motivated and dependable and able to work within team and across the Association to achieve the best possible results for Association
• Demonstrated ability to influence and persuade groups and individuals to understand and consider impact and consequences of decisions; demonstrated ability to make important decisions and to know when to refer decisions to others
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to problem-solve independently and proactively, and to lead collaborative efforts to define solutions.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience with finding creative and innovative solutions
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in procedures, practices, and engagement.