Manager - Continuing Education & Specialty Practice - Sections

National Association of Social Workers•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Manager, Continuing Education & Specialty Practice leads the strategy, operations, and growth of NASW’s Credentialing, Continuing Education (CE) Approval, and Specialty Practice programs. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, strengthening revenue-generating product lines, building strategic partnerships, and developing a high-performing team. You will oversee program execution from strategy through delivery, ensuring these offerings are efficient, financially sustainable, market-responsive, and aligned with industry standards and state licensure requirements impacting the social work profession. This role blends product management, partnership development, financial oversight, and people leadership.

Requirements

A strategic and operational leader with demonstrated experience building, improving, and growing revenue-generating programs or products.
A skilled partnership builder who can develop and manage relationships that expand reach and drive measurable results.
A strong people leader who prioritizes coaching, mentorship, and team development.
Financially savvy, with experience managing budgets, revenue targets, and performance metrics.
Process-oriented and tech-forward, with a track record of improving systems and driving efficiency.
Knowledgeable about certification, accreditation, continuing education, or professional licensure environments (required).
Committed to advancing professional standards and workforce development within the social work profession.
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Non-profit Management, Education, Business, or a related field. Clinical social workers with independent licensure are highly preferred.
5-7+ years of demonstrated experience building, improving, and growing revenue-generating programs, products, or service lines.
Proven ability to develop and manage strategic partnerships that expand reach and increase revenue.
Strong operational management and process improvement experience.
Experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams.
Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and revenue targets.

Nice To Haves

Clinical social workers with independent licensure are highly preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management, highly preferred

Responsibilities

Direct the full lifecycle management of NASW credentialing, CE approval, and specialty practice programs.
Develop, refine, and document processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and customer experience.
In collaboration with the NASW Information Technology department and NASW technology partners, implement technology solutions and workflow improvements to support scalability and growth.
Monitor industry trends in certification, accreditation, and licensure to ensure continued relevance and compliance.
Serve as a NASW National liaison to the NASW Credentialing Committee, supporting governance and program integrity.
Build, improve, and expand revenue-generating products and services within credentialing, continuing education, and specialty practice areas.
Identify new market opportunities, pricing strategies, and program enhancements to drive earned revenue.
Track and analyze financial performance, key metrics, and growth indicators.
Partner with the Director of Workforce Advancement and Strategies to set departmental revenue targets and execute growth strategies.
Manage budgets and control expenses to ensure financial sustainability.
Develop and manage strategic partnerships with CE providers, institutions, NASW state chapters, subject matter experts, and external organizations.
Negotiate and oversee partnership agreements that expand reach, increase participation, and generate revenue.
Cultivate collaborative relationships that enhance program value and visibility.
Represent in relevant professional, continuing education, and specialty practice forums.
Lead, coach, and mentor a team of six staff members.
Provide ongoing performance management, professional development, and role clarity aligned with strategic goals.
Foster a collaborative, accountable, positive, and service-oriented team culture.
Evaluate team structure and capacity to support evolving program growth.
Partner with NASW departments to align credentialing and CE requirements with program offerings.
In collaboration with the Professional Development Product Manager, support messaging that clearly communicates the value and impact of certification and specialty practice programs.
Ensure high-quality engagement and service for candidates, providers, and volunteer leaders.