KENTUCKY SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES INC
Director of Education
KENTUCKY SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES INC, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, 20900
The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is the leading association for public sector waste and resource management professionals across North America. With 47 Chapters spanning the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin, SWANA connects a diverse network of industry professionals committed to advancing from waste management to resource management. We support our members through technical education, training, credentialing, and research, while also advocating for the essential role our industry plays in protecting public health, supporting the economy, and building sustainable communities.
Role Overview The Director of Education provides strategic leadership and vision for all educational and certification programming at SWANA, including in-person, online, and virtual learning. This role is responsible for creating innovative, high-quality programming that advances professional excellence in the solid waste and recycling industry. The Director ensures that SWANA’s educational offerings remain relevant, accessible, and impactful, while applying best practices in adult learning and instructional design to attract and engage a broad range of learners. The Director plays a central role in growing SWANA’s education portfolio, strengthening accreditation and certification programs, driving revenue growth, and positioning the association as the premier source of professional development in the field.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Program Growth
Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of SWANA’s education, training, and certification programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, industry needs, and revenue growth targets.
Oversee development and delivery of certifications, courses, webinars, and conference education using modern instructional design and adult learning principles.
Evaluate and refresh existing programs, incorporating member feedback, industry trends, and performance metrics.
Build awareness and credibility for SWANA’s educational offerings among members, partners, and the broader industry.
Expand reach by developing new audiences, partnerships, and innovative learning formats that increase participation and financial performance.
Monitor program outcomes, participant experience, profitability, and long-term sustainability; recommend enhancements or new initiatives as needed.
Revenue Growth & Business Development
Develop and implement strategies to grow education-related revenue streams through program expansion, new products, innovative delivery models, and outreach to facilities, organizations, and chapters to hold SWANA programs.
Analyze financial and participation data to guide decision-making, improve performance, and ensure ROI.
Partner with membership, marketing, and events teams to drive cross-promotion and maximize revenue opportunities.
Explore grants, sponsorships, and external funding to enhance the scope and impact of educational initiatives.
Staff Leadership & Management
Direct and mentor education team staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Establish clear objectives, accountability measures, and professional development opportunities for team members.
Manage contractors, volunteers, and partnering organizations engaged in course, training, certification, and exam development.
Internal & External Collaboration
Collaborate with colleagues across departments to integrate education with membership, events, and communications initiatives.
Manage education team budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals and organizational priorities.
Build relationships with universities, training providers, and peer associations to broaden the reach of SWANA’s education portfolio.
Why SWANA?
Be part of an evolution:
Help shape the next chapter of SWANA’s transformation from waste to resource management.
Meaningful mission:
Contribute to sustainability, safety, and innovation across communities and industry.
Purpose-driven team:
Work with professionals aligned around SWANA’s strategic pillars: safety, sustainability, professional development, and member value.
Work with flexibility:
Hybrid-remote options plus a benefits package that includes generous leave, medical choices (including employer-funded HSA), and employer-paid life, disability, and long?term care insurance.
How to Apply Submit your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to hr@swana.org. SWANA is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or veteran status.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, instructional design, association management, or related field strongly preferred.
8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in education and training management, preferably within an association, nonprofit, or credentialing organization.
Demonstrated success in developing and managing innovative adult learning programs across multiple delivery formats (in-person, online, hybrid).
Experience with certification, credentialing, or accreditation programs preferred.
Proven ability to generate revenue growth through educational programming, new product development, and strategic partnerships.
Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills, with a record of building effective and collaborative teams.
Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and contributing to revenue-generating initiatives.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
Creative, mission-driven, and results-oriented with a track record of continuous improvement and innovation.
Must be based in the Washington D.C. area.
Willing to travel up to 25%.
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Role Overview The Director of Education provides strategic leadership and vision for all educational and certification programming at SWANA, including in-person, online, and virtual learning. This role is responsible for creating innovative, high-quality programming that advances professional excellence in the solid waste and recycling industry. The Director ensures that SWANA’s educational offerings remain relevant, accessible, and impactful, while applying best practices in adult learning and instructional design to attract and engage a broad range of learners. The Director plays a central role in growing SWANA’s education portfolio, strengthening accreditation and certification programs, driving revenue growth, and positioning the association as the premier source of professional development in the field.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Program Growth
Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of SWANA’s education, training, and certification programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, industry needs, and revenue growth targets.
Oversee development and delivery of certifications, courses, webinars, and conference education using modern instructional design and adult learning principles.
Evaluate and refresh existing programs, incorporating member feedback, industry trends, and performance metrics.
Build awareness and credibility for SWANA’s educational offerings among members, partners, and the broader industry.
Expand reach by developing new audiences, partnerships, and innovative learning formats that increase participation and financial performance.
Monitor program outcomes, participant experience, profitability, and long-term sustainability; recommend enhancements or new initiatives as needed.
Revenue Growth & Business Development
Develop and implement strategies to grow education-related revenue streams through program expansion, new products, innovative delivery models, and outreach to facilities, organizations, and chapters to hold SWANA programs.
Analyze financial and participation data to guide decision-making, improve performance, and ensure ROI.
Partner with membership, marketing, and events teams to drive cross-promotion and maximize revenue opportunities.
Explore grants, sponsorships, and external funding to enhance the scope and impact of educational initiatives.
Staff Leadership & Management
Direct and mentor education team staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Establish clear objectives, accountability measures, and professional development opportunities for team members.
Manage contractors, volunteers, and partnering organizations engaged in course, training, certification, and exam development.
Internal & External Collaboration
Collaborate with colleagues across departments to integrate education with membership, events, and communications initiatives.
Manage education team budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals and organizational priorities.
Build relationships with universities, training providers, and peer associations to broaden the reach of SWANA’s education portfolio.
Why SWANA?
Be part of an evolution:
Help shape the next chapter of SWANA’s transformation from waste to resource management.
Meaningful mission:
Contribute to sustainability, safety, and innovation across communities and industry.
Purpose-driven team:
Work with professionals aligned around SWANA’s strategic pillars: safety, sustainability, professional development, and member value.
Work with flexibility:
Hybrid-remote options plus a benefits package that includes generous leave, medical choices (including employer-funded HSA), and employer-paid life, disability, and long?term care insurance.
How to Apply Submit your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to hr@swana.org. SWANA is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or veteran status.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, instructional design, association management, or related field strongly preferred.
8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in education and training management, preferably within an association, nonprofit, or credentialing organization.
Demonstrated success in developing and managing innovative adult learning programs across multiple delivery formats (in-person, online, hybrid).
Experience with certification, credentialing, or accreditation programs preferred.
Proven ability to generate revenue growth through educational programming, new product development, and strategic partnerships.
Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills, with a record of building effective and collaborative teams.
Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and contributing to revenue-generating initiatives.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
Creative, mission-driven, and results-oriented with a track record of continuous improvement and innovation.
Must be based in the Washington D.C. area.
Willing to travel up to 25%.
#J-18808-Ljbffr