Manager, Educational Programming

Water Environment Federation • Alexandria, VA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Educational Programming (Mgr. EP) plays a pivotal role in delivering diverse and inclusive educational programs that support the Water Environment Federation’s mission to inspire the water sector. Programs range from online courses to in-person events and are tailored to the water community. The manager oversees full-cycle project management, including budgeting support, quality assurance, scheduling, and stakeholder engagement, to ensure program success. They collaborate with staff, volunteers, and key stakeholders to develop programs, drive continuous improvement, and implement innovative solutions. The role calls for experience developing and delivering high-quality, impactful annual online and in-person programs addressing technical and educational needs in the water sector. This position reports to the Senior Manager, Educational Programming.

The successful candidate takes initiative, solves problems, adapts, works inclusively, and contributes as a team player. They are experienced in high-performing teams and supporting mission-based organizations, and are motivated to help WEF serve the water community.

This is a hybrid role requiring work in the Alexandria, Virginia office two days every other week. Travel for meetings and events is required up to 20% of the year. The position works primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment and requires the ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent training and experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing small-to-large-scale events or conferences and overseeing program logistics.
• Knowledge of abstract management systems, association management software, mobile apps, Microsoft Office, and related industry software.
• Experience in educational programming, communications, and/or event management, with a solid grasp of project management principles.
• Experience managing and engaging volunteers at all levels of an organization.
• Clear and persuasive oral and written communication skills, including the ability to craft messages for diverse audiences.
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.
• Emotional intelligence, sound judgment, discretion, and sensitivity when managing stakeholders’ difficulties or concerns.
• Positive work ethic and excellent customer service skills, with tact and discretion when dealing with colleagues, members, and the public.
• Ability to problem-solve independently and proactively and lead collaborative efforts to define solutions.
• Experience finding creative and innovative solutions.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in procedures, practices, and engagement.
• Proactive, self-starter attitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or similar certification.
• Knowledge of the US water sector or previous experience working with a scientific organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle management of assigned programs, including budget support, scheduling, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Educational Programming to enhance technology, streamline the Call for Papers, strengthen conference structure, and implement process improvements.
• Guide and communicate with WEF volunteers and committees, collaborating organizations, member associations, presenters, vendors, and other WEF departments.
• Manage program resource updates, including proofreading materials, timely website and community-site updates, app integrations, and data management.
• Serve as the primary project-related contact for strategic partners, sponsors, and volunteers, addressing and resolving concerns according to project urgency.
• Analyze industry trends and event results and recommend opportunities for growth and development to improve the educational programming experience for event participants.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the role.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager