Senior Manager, Education (2026)

FMI•Arlington, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Primary Purpose: Develop, market, plan, and execute cutting-edge education programs in a variety of formats in response to member and industry needs. Working with member planning committees and/or FMI internal subject matter experts (SME), the Senior Manager, Education will develop and manage FMI education programs to support the needs of assigned member communities and content areas and implementation of the organization strategic plan. Manage program profits and losses to ensure business model and financial plan is achieved. Manage the quantitative and qualitative assessment of education programs to ensure continuous improvement and innovation.

Requirements

At least five to seven years of progressive education program development and implementation experience to include experience with committee management and education program design, development, delivery, and evaluation.
College degree in business, education, or related field.
Ability to manage volunteer committees, including setting agendas, leading meetings, and facilitating brainstorming sessions.
Ability to interact professionally and effectively with all levels within an organization, from store management to industry chief executives.
Computer literacy with an understanding of and ability to use Microsoft Office 365 products.
Ability to understand and use database software to process and maintain information.
Ability to use online and social media.
Working knowledge of event and educational technologies used to develop and present educational programs, including but not limited to webinar technology, appropriate use of online courses, live streaming, and mobile app technology.
Knowledge of adult learning techniques including course development, adult learning styles, and education methods.
Budget management experience.
Ability to create profitable event budgets.
Ability to stay within budget and to find savings where possible.
Ability to negotiate contracts.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong customer service and team orientation.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Experience in public speaking and/or small-group facilitation.
Strong time management and project planning skills.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and accomplish multiple tasks with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of food and/or retail industry and general economic/business concepts is preferred.

Responsibilities

Determine member educational needs by tracking industry trends, conducting surveys, working with planning committees, conducting phone interviews, and/or networking with FMI membership.
Evaluate and translate trends into relevant and marketable education programs.
Develop the program design, budgeting, marketing and implementation of FMI conferences and other education events as assigned.
Determine event goals and objectives, target audience, site location, attendance, financial goals, and overall viability of events.
Create project timeline and budget, track target completion dates and ensure team members are on track.
Serve as project manager for internal development and implementation teams.
Manage activities of event staff, and collaborate with marketing, finance, and logistics department team members.
Act as overall FMI lead for each event.
Where applicable collaborate with partner organizations on all aspects of event development and implementation.
Manage key member planning committees including recruiting new members, developing meeting agendas, and leading meetings.
Work with the committee leadership to implement directives.
Lead brainstorming sessions, compile results, assess outcomes and implement as appropriate.
Guide committee efforts to promote the overall conference, recruit sponsors and identify speakers.
Collaborate with the marketing department to design program marketing strategies, develop and produce promotional materials, create opportunities for cross-marketing, and develop alternative advertising methods.
Use a variety of media including print, electronic and social media to promote events.
Develop project budgets, track revenue and expenses and work within financial constraints.
Develop and manage programs to consistently improve overall profitability.
Determine creative ways to reduce expenses and improve staff productivity without sacrificing program content.
Adjust budgets as needed to stay within net revenue goal.
Work with other staff to identify program sponsorship opportunities and identify and recruit event sponsors.
Work with sponsors to develop strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Work with committee members and subject matter experts to coach speakers and review presentations.
Negotiate speaker contracts.
Keep abreast of conference, education and professional development program design and delivery trends and implement new ideas.
Seek new ways to improve the attendee experience.
Conduct post-program attendee evaluation and implement enhancements based on feedback.
Other duties and projects as assigned or directed.
Serve as primary liaison with members, maintaining regular telephone, e-mail, and written contact with members and committees, responding to member questions, and conducting individualized consulting sessions.