JOB TITLE: Director of Educational Programs

EMPLOYER: Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA)

DEPARTMENT: Education and Training

REPORTS TO: Interim Chief Growth Officer

GRADE:  12

SALARY: $93,100 - $109,400 (Annually)

SUMMARY:

The Procurement Professionals Alliance (PPA) seeks an experienced learning professional to lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive education strategy. This role will oversee a portfolio of learning experiences including eLearning courses, webinars, in-person training, and conferences. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with hands-on experience in adult learning, instructional design, and program management within a professional association or similar environment. This position works closely with PPA Leadership, membership, and partner representatives to deliver impactful educational offerings to the procurement profession. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Program Strategy:

o   Collaborate with PPA staff, membership, and partners to identify key skills, competencies, and knowledge required for success in procurement roles.

o   Collaborate with subject matter experts to conduct needs assessments and define curriculum learning objectives and content.

o   Develop a multi-modal education program (eLearning courses, webinars, in-person trainings, conference sessions, etc.) aligned with the needs of procurement professionals.

o   Produce and maintain a curriculum that supports professional growth and certification opportunities.

o   Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement policies and procedures for educational programs.

·         Implementation and Management

o   Manage the development and delivery of all courses and educational programs, including overseeing the PPA Learning Management System (LMS), to ensure the delivery of quality learning content and foster skill development of procurement professionals.

o   Oversee all phases of instructional design, including analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) for all education programs.

o   Serve as the primary administrator and point-of-contact for PPA’s learning management system (LMS), ensuring its effective implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement to support seamless delivery of educational programs.

o    Leveraging advanced technologies like AI to deliver impactful learning experiences that foster the growth and proficiency of PPA members.

·         Evaluation and Continuous Improvement:

o   Ensure the use of best practices in instructional design, adult learning principles, and accessibility standards to enhance the quality and accessibility of offerings to all procurement professionals.

o   Monitor and analyze metrics, learner feedback, and project outcomes to continuously improve the effectiveness of educational programs and drive learner engagement.

o   Establish and maintain relationships with external partners, suppliers, members and online learning communities to leverage industry trends, resources, and best practices.

o    Present to various entities on PPA’s Professional Development initiatives and program offerings.

Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Approximate travel time: 10-15% per year (6-8 trips)

TRAVEL

• Travel to most/all PPA events will be required. Additional travel for member outreach

events will also be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Serves as direct supervisor for all Professional Development staff, once hired.

·         Provides leadership, coaching, and performance management to ensure alignment with PPA’s strategic goals and the successful execution of education and training initiatives.

·         Oversees recruitment and professional growth of staff to foster a high-performing, collaborating team environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelor’s degree in eLearning, instructional design, instructional technology, education, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred but not required.

·           Minimum 5 years of experience developing and managing multi-format learning programs.

·        Minimum of 3 years of experience overseeing a learning management systems (LMS).

·         Experience leading the development of eLearning courses and in-person training for an adult audience.

·         Requires a robust knowledge of adult learning principles, pedagogical approaches, and association management.

·         Knowledge of government administration, procurement and/or supply chain management preferred.

·         Excellent leadership, team management, and project management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of professionals. Supervisory or mentor experience is strongly preferred.

·         Strong knowledge of eLearning technologies, learning management systems (LMS), and educational software applications, including familiarity with emerging trends in adult learning.

COMPETENCIES:

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment- free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

•  Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.

• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.

• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

•  Problem-Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

•  Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.