Overview:

The VP, Learning & Development will play a crucial role in accelerating NCMA's growth by delivering world class learning experiences and events, expanding our ability to develop and train our stakeholder base and ensuring our content is relevant to advance the capabilities of those participating. This role will lead the development and deployment of programs, services, and communications with an intent to build stronger relationships and engagement between NCMA and its Members, its virtual and geographic communities and the broader community. As such, they will help advance not only the practice of contract management, but also the capability of the NCMA community and its nexus of related acquisition communities.

Responsibilities

Drive planning and execution of all Events, Training and Professional Development initiatives based on sound market and business intelligence. Ensure integration and understanding across the organization as well as strategic alignment with NCMA’s organization objectives, operational strategy and broader market needs.
Assure ongoing enhancement, development, and implementation of comprehensive resources for professional development for the contract management profession aligned to market needs, including an overall plan for development of new and enhanced content and delivery methods and modalities.
Build plans to increase market penetration and new service offerings within area by strengthening relationships and feedback mechanisms with members, credential holders, NCMA communities, suppliers and other partners. Increase impact (attendance, purchases, usage) across the full portfolio of on-site and virtual learning, gathering and training options.
Drive and deliver standards, measures, and improvements throughout professional development products and events, including positive attendee/user experiences. Augment staff capacity/capability with the use of volunteers and external resources to build and deliver within program area commitments, while maintaining quality and scheduling commitments.
Ensure a robust portfolio and catalogue of professional development, topics and attendee options. Evaluate and manage the components of that portfolio using lifecycle management.
Partner with Marketing to ensure unified Event and Professional Development market branding and marketing strategy. With Marketing, co-own comprehensive plans for market penetration and consistent messaging with new and existing markets and segments. Evaluate campaign performance and identify enhancement opportunities to strengthen results.
Develop, execute, monitor and communicate group direction as well as the program plan and budget in area of responsibility. Deliver on organization and department KPIs while ensuring timely and high-quality client outcomes.
Participate in strategic and annual capacity planning activities, as requested.
Departmental personnel oversight, including performance planning, monitoring and assessing results and conducting appropriate performance evaluations and actions.
Coach and mentor direct reports and others across the organization to help build organizational wide capability and succession planning,
Prepare program area progress reports, as well as proposals and presentations for management and/or NCMA Board of Directors. Attend meetings as requested. Keep supervisor apprised of issues and matters impacting the attainment and/or progress toward identified objectives.
Stay abreast of current developments and trends affecting area of responsibility. Provide strategic input and related recommendations as applicable.
Establish and ensure deployment of appropriate department processes and procedures to maintain department activities.
Develop and sustain effective working relationships with NCMA staff, vendors, members, and volunteers in the course of responsibilities.
Other duties, as assigned

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, advanced degree, such as MBA preferred; Association/Professional (CAE, CMP, etc.) formal education desirable.
At least 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience in a similar level position; minimum of 15-20 years total work experience within a similar context. Successful product and/or business unit planning and performance accountability of multiple revenue streams; $5 million or more preferred.
A thorough understanding of meetings services, conferences, exhibits, hotels and major public events, including at least ten years of experience in conferences (including large scale, 3,000+), events and/or meetings.
Experience developing, marketing and managing in-person, virtual and hybrid conferences, meetings and training experiences; synchronous and asynchronous.
Track record of positive business results in the creation and launch of professional development products and services aimed at an individual (B to C) market. Experience leveraging products and services into the B-to-B market a plus.
Solid background in the creation and deployment of professional development e-learning and webinar programs, modules and tools.
Strong leadership skills, including demonstrated ability working with customers, volunteer leaders and external organizations from various cultures and backgrounds with a track record of positive relationships with material outcomes.
Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, including demonstrated team-based operational and strategic results, with ability to lead, retain, and progress staff.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and finesse, including effective meeting facilitation, public speaking to small and large groups, as well as ability to give corporate and public presentations.
Integrity and high energy.
Ability to see the big picture and develop long-range strategies while attending to details.
Ability to thrive in an environment where conflicting priorities may threaten schedule and quality.
Experience in dealing with sensitive, confidential materials and respect for same, with ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive organization topics and issues.
Commitment to his/her own professional development and the development of others.
Ability and willingness to become thoroughly familiar with contract management, the profession, and NCMA, to command the respect of the organization’s constituencies.
Demonstrated familiarity with the full life cycle (ideation, creation, deployment, maintenance, retirement) for things typically found in an Association’s offering portfolio.
Successful track record in negotiating third party service level agreements with performance metrics that benefit the host organization; ability to develop exit strategies and contingency plans.
Proficiency utilizing Microsoft such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe Acrobat and other associated similar software expertise.
Experience using association management systems, learning management systems, call for papers and registration software and other related software tools in support of Events and Professional Development.
Established presence and network in relevant communities, such as ASAE or other, related organizations.
Work outside the typical work hours when necessary to meet assignments or project objectives.
Moderate travel, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Must be able to travel 10%-20%.

National Contract Management Association (NCMA) jobs

Vice President, Learning and Development