Director, Education (e-Learning)

Description

Primary Purpose:

To develop, market, plan, and execute cutting-edge education programs in a variety of formats in response to member and industry needs. Working with member planning committees and/or FMI internal subject matter experts (SME), the Director, Education (eLearning) will develop and manage FMI education programs to support the needs of assigned member communities and content areas and implementation of then organization's strategic plan; manage program profits and losses to ensure business model and financial plan is achieved and manage the quantitative and qualitative assessment of education programs to ensure continuous improvement and innovation.

The Director, Education (eLearning) serves as the overall project manager for education events and activities as well as being responsible for direct development of the education content for assigned events and activities.

The Director, Education (eLearning) also serves as the e-learning technology expert and oversees the implementation and operation of the organization's learning management system and program of online education activities.

Essential Job Functions:

• The Director, Education (eLearning) will be assigned specific in-person and/or online events or activities for which they serve as the lead, as well as supporting specific components of larger projects.
• Working with the member planning committees and FMI internal subject matter experts, develop the program design, budgeting, marketing and implementation of FMI conferences and other education events as assigned.
• Determine event goals and objectives, target audience, site location, attendance, financial goals, and overall viability of events. Create project timeline and budget, track target completion dates and ensure team members are on track. Serve as project manager for internal development and implementation teams.
• Manage activities of event staff, and collaborate with marketing, finance, and logistics department team members. Act as overall FMI lead for each event.
• Collaborate with partner organizations on all aspects of event development and implementation, as needed.
• Collaborate with marketing department to design program marketing strategies, develop, and produce promotional materials, create opportunities for cross- marketing, and develop alternative advertising methods.
• Develop meeting specifications and collaborating with the meetings department, facilitate coordination of hotel logistics, room and audio-visual needs, banquet arrangements, and special events for assigned events.
• Working with internal subject matter experts and the Vice President, Education Program Development to develop project budgets, track revenue and expenses and work within financial constraints. Develop and manage programs to consistently improve overall profitability. Determine creative ways to reduce expenses and improve staff productivity without sacrificing program content. Adjust budgets as needed to stay within net revenue goal.
• Work with members of the staff to identify program sponsorship opportunities and identify and recruit event sponsors. Work with sponsors to develop strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Work with committee members and subject matter experts to select and coach speakers and review presentations. Negotiate speaker contracts.
• Keep abreast of conference, education and professional development program design and delivery trends and implement new ideas. Seek new ways to improve the attendee experience.
• Conduct post-program attendee evaluation and implement enhancements based on feedback.

EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY

• Serve as the Education Department virtual learning technology expert, providing consultation on technology implementation, trends and best practices to other members of the Education Department.
• Research and recommend e-learning and education technologies and methodologies to meet the needs of FMI audiences.
• Manage implementation of new technologies, working with stakeholders to integrate systems and develop the user experience.
• Administer and maintain the learning management system, staying up to date on new feature releases and their potential for application.
• Develop processes and procedures and provide training and documentation on e-learning and event technology tools and techniques adopted by FMI to other members of the organization.
• Assist other FMI Education Department team members in implementing e-learning methods in existing and new programs.
• Stay abreast of current and emerging learning technologies, methods and innovations.
• Regularly review current technology tools and make recommendations for improvements.

Other Job Functions:

• Other duties and projects as assigned or directed.
• Serve as primary liaison with members maintaining regular telephone, e-mail, and written contact with members and committees, respond to member questions, and conduct individualized consulting sessions.

Position Requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Normal office environment requiring use of typical business equipment (e.g., computer, telephone, fax and copier machines).
• Must be able to travel to off-site FMI meetings and events as needed throughout the United States. Specifically, the person in this role should expect to travel a minimum of one (1) to four (4) times a year. Each trip will be about two (2) to four (4) days each.
• The person in this position will be eligible to work a hybrid work schedule Monday through Thursday requiring a minimum of two days in the office per week during that four-day period. Every Friday will be a remote workday (unless business needs require the person to be in the office). This person will also be required to be in the office for a minimum of three days per quarter for all-staff "In-Service" days.

Education, Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of seven to ten years of prior work experience in a similar role specifically in meeting planning and program development with demonstrated skills in project management.
• At least three years of e-learning program delivery. A certificate in e-learning design and delivery is a plus.
• College degree in education, business, or a related field.
• Knowledge of food and/or retail industry and general economic/business concepts.
• Ability to manage volunteer committees, including setting agendas, leading meetings and facilitating brainstorming sessions.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with all levels within an organization, from store management to industry chief executives.
• Working knowledge of event and educational technologies used to develop and present educational programs, including but not limited to webinar technology, appropriate use of online courses, live streaming and mobile app technology.
• Knowledge of adult learning techniques including course development, adult learning styles, and education methods.
• Ability to source/recruit speakers and sponsors using a variety of resources and negotiate vendor contracts.
• Budget management experience. Ability to create profitable event budgets. Ability to stay within budget and to find savings where possible.
• Ability to negotiate contracts.
• Knowledge of computers and technology, including but not limited to Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams and Zoom.
• Ability to understand and use database software to process and maintain information.
• Project planning experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong customer service and team orientation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in public speaking and/or small-group facilitation.
• Strong time management and project planning skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks with strict attention to detail with a proven track record of delivering on commitments.
• Must be self-directed with excellent time and project management skills and an ability to organize, prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks with strict attention to detail and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations.
• Personal qualities must include drive, determination, flexibility, open mindedness, and must be a team player.

Pay Range: $110,400 to $139,600 (annually)

*This salary range reflects the minimum and maximum annual compensation for this position and has been established in good faith and in accordance with Virginia and federal law. Individual salary offers within this range will be based on the candidate's relevant experience, education, skills, certifications, and other job-related factors.

Number of Openings
1

This position is currently accepting applications.