Program Specialist – Leadership Development

National FFA Organization•Indianapolis, IN

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist – Leadership Development serves as a key member of the National FFA Organization’s leadership development team, with primary responsibility for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of national leadership programs that support personal and professional growth of FFA members in grades 5-12 and collegiate students. This role directly supports the organization’s vision by cultivating the next generation of leaders through engaging, educational, and student-centered experiences. The Program Specialist will oversee and contribute to the delivery of a variety of high-impact programs, which could include Washington Leadership Conference, State Officer Programs, National Officer Selection Process, National Officers, Member Leadership Series, Convention Arena programming, and FFA’s online learning platform. This position requires strong project management capabilities and a solutions-focused mindset, as the Program Specialist is responsible for handling all logistics, timelines, and budgets associated with their assigned programs. In addition, the role involves content development, curriculum planning, and the integration of emerging educational methodologies and technologies to create modern, engaging learning experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, leadership, agricultural education or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in program development, educational content delivery, leadership training, program management, facilitation experience or other relevant experience.
Minimum of one year’s experience in content development, learning design, facilitation practices, and emerging concepts in leadership development.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Previous leadership, management and/or supervisory experience preferred.
Prior experience with student organizations, leadership training, and/or agricultural education/FFA experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, implement, and evaluate leadership development programs that align with the National FFA Organization’s mission and educational standards.
Collaborate with team members, supervisors, and cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of leadership initiatives.
Lead the planning and delivery of national-level programs.
Assist in the development of specialized curriculum, training resources, evaluation strategies, and quality standards for FFA programming.
Coordinate the creation, development and delivery of student-centered, chapter-centered, and teacher-centered learning resources.
Monitor, analyze and address program performance using data and participant feedback.
Conduct program planning, analysis, and reporting for leadership and stakeholders.
Identify opportunities for improvement and recommend solutions for greater program efficiency and impact.
Assist in the development and management of FFA’s online learning platform, ensuring accessibility and engagement across diverse audiences.
Utilize digital tools and learning management systems to enhance program delivery.
Other duties as assigned.
Recruit, interview, train, and coach seasonal trainers, facilitators, and volunteers.
Develop and maintain systems that enhance coordination and communication among program staff and support teams.
Monitor and manage program budgets, ensuring responsible financial practices.
Assist with budgeting proposals and financial analysis to support planning and reporting.
Conduct and collaborate on contract negotiations with vendors and external partners.
Manage all program logistics including scheduling, venue and travel coordination, staffing, materials preparation, and technology needs.
Oversee resource allocation and workload assignments to maximize team efficiency.
Support the planning and execution of large-scale national events, including FFA’s National Convention.
Onsite management of all aspects of assigned student leadership conferences including: Registration and content delivery Participant health and safety Student discipline and emergency management Communication, facilitator feedback and coaching Conference logistics
Effectively prioritize, organize, and multitask.
Exhibit accuracy, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrate excellent project management skills.
Provide facilitator feedback and coaching during and after events.
Engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders, providing exceptional customer service
Represent the organization at conferences, meetings, and other events, maintaining professionalism.
Provide support to facilitators during travel to and from National FFA events and during events, including overnight assistance if needed.
Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned to support organizational and programmatic goals.
Adapt to changing environments
Work independently and reliably in dynamic settings
Prioritize tasks effectively and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and solutions-focused team culture.
Foster a collaborative spirit among program staff and support teams.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Proficiency in facilitating both small and large groups.
Represent the organization with professionalism and strong public speaking presence.
Fosters and contributes to a welcoming, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for all FFA colleagues, students, teachers, and stakeholders.
Promote organizational values through leadership and collaboration.
Prioritizes staff and member well-being.
Actively challenges prejudice and promotes inclusivity, dignity, and respect.
Demonstrates kindness, accountability, and care for others.