Job Title: Sr. Manager, Certification Operations
Industry: Non-Profit / Professional Association
Location: Chicagoland Area
(Must live in IL) Assignment Type: Direct Hire
Pay: $85,000 - $95,000 annually
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(100% Remote with monthly in-person meetings in the Chicagoland area) Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
Job Description: Our client is seeking an experienced
Senior Manager of Certification Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations of a professional certification program. This leadership role is ideal for someone with experience managing certification, education, or association programs while supervising a team and driving operational excellence.
The Senior Manager will collaborate with cross-functional departments, manage vendor relationships, oversee reporting and program performance, improve operational processes, and ensure a high-quality experience for certification candidates worldwide.
Key Responsibilities: - Lead and mentor a team by providing coaching, performance management, hiring, training, and ongoing development.
- Manage the daily operations of certification and education programs while ensuring exceptional service for customers and stakeholders.
- Serve as an escalation point for operational issues and implement effective solutions.
- Monitor program performance, analyze operational data, and prepare reports to support business decisions.
- Maintain and update certification records, learner information, and reporting within association or learning management systems.
- Oversee certification fulfillment, exam scheduling, credential maintenance, and online learning platform operations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party vendors while monitoring service levels and resolving issues.
- Coordinate operational projects, maintain documentation, and support continuous process improvements.
- Review certification policies, procedures, and educational materials to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Partner with internal departments on product launches, technology enhancements, and strategic initiatives.
- Monitor customer feedback and identify opportunities to improve the overall certification experience.
- Assist with departmental budgeting, reporting, and other operational initiatives as needed.
Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in certification operations, operations management, association management, or a related field.
- At least 1 year of direct supervisory or people management experience.
- Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting data and creating reports.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Experience working with CRM, Association Management Systems (AMS), Learning Management Systems (LMS), or similar databases.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications: - Experience working within a nonprofit, association, education, certification, or membership-based organization.
- Background in data analysis or reporting.
- Experience managing vendors or external business partners.
Additional Details: - 100% remote position for candidates residing in the Chicago area.
- Monthly in-person collaboration meetings are held in downtown Chicago or the Rosemont area.
- Company-provided equipment.
Perks: - Fully remote work environment with limited in-person meetings.
- Collaborative, mission-driven culture.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Strong emphasis on work-life balance.
- Leadership role with the opportunity to shape operational strategy and process improvements.
