Global Young Professional and Education Manager

Summary:

As a member of the Global Professional Development team, the Global Young Professional and Education Manager will connect with member facilities to understand training gaps and needs of their business from the Executive Level down the Front Line; they will discover best practices and core competencies of the industry, locate and review courses and training material to ensure they meet IAAPA standards; they will design, develop and administer a Global Young Professional integral program; and they will recommend training courses and Education to the IAAPA HR and Department Leaders to support internal Team Member development and retention.

Education/Training Consultancy:

• Connect directly with member facilities across various segments of the attractions industry to understand their training gaps and specific needs.
• Through interviews, surveys, and on-site visits, we will gain a deep understanding of each facility's unique challenges and opportunities, ensuring that our solutions are tailored to their specific needs.
• Leveraging our industry expertise and best practices, we will collaborate with member facilities to develop strategic professional development plans aligned with their organizational goals and objectives.
• IAAPA's consultancy service ensures that all training materials and programs meet the highest standards of quality and relevance.

Research:

• Conduct comprehensive benchmarking studies to identify leading practices and trends within the attractions industry.
• Analyze industry reports, publications, and case studies to gain insights into emerging topics and areas of focus.
• Engage with industry experts, thought leaders, and IAAPA member facilities to gather firsthand knowledge and experiences.
• Analyzing and identifying professional facilities to partner with IAAPA; certification involves considering several factors, including the institution's reputation, the relevance of their programs to the attractions industry, and their capacity to meet IAAPA's standards

Global Young Professionals:

• Establish a formal mentorship program connecting young professionals with seasoned industry leaders
• Develop a series of educational programs and workshops tailored to the needs and interests of young professionals. These programs will cover a wide range of topics, including leadership development, industry trends, emerging technologies, and career advancement strategies.
• Offer scholarships, grants, and other financial support to enable young professionals to pursue further education, certifications, or specialized training relevant to the attractions industry.
• Foster a sense of global community and collaboration among young professionals through international exchanges, cross-cultural initiatives, and collaborative projects.
• Partner with IAAPA regional offices and member facilities worldwide to provide opportunities for young professionals to gain international experience, expand their networks, and contribute to the global attractions industry.
• Encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry by promoting opportunities for underrepresented groups and advocating for inclusive policies and practices.

Planning, Marketing, and Finances

• Develops entrepreneurial and innovative approaches to events and learning experiences to ensure financial success and collaboration on specific marketing strategies and targets for each program.
• Implement plans to ensure reaching established objectives that promote growth and participation.
• Utilizes excellent negotiation skills and ability to work with content and service providers.
• Collaborates with the internal and external marketing and communication teams to promote professional development programs.

Other Responsibilities

• Working with the department VP, formulate suitable strategies and objectives to ensure growth and innovation in program content and learning delivery formats.
• Assists in the creation of project budgets and manages these budgets as assigned.
• As needed, delegates projects and programs to staff for implementation and management.
• Prepare reports for senior management.
• Develops and maintains highly effective relationships with members, staff, and vendors.
• This role may require some travel (domestic and international) – 10%.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or 10 years of similar experience.
• In-depth knowledge of program development and implementation.
• In-depth understanding of adult learning theory.
• Excellent knowledge of performance evaluation and change management principles.
• Experience with corporate sales or business development.
• Superior organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving ability.
• Negotiating, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft office.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proven experience prioritizing and balancing multiple, ongoing high-profile projects.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work with little supervision.

Key Competencies:

The following are critical competencies required to be successful in this position:

• A strategic leader with creative and financial acumen as well as a strong business intellect to take our organization to the next level.
• Thorough knowledge of research and thought leadership principles, methodologies, customer service, sales, business development, and a demonstrated track record of success and performance.
• Solid understanding of business processes and systems; demonstrated business intelligence and planning skills, supported by strong analytical thinking.
• Ability to lead others from creative idea to action required for tangible, sustainable results.
• Ability to perceive the need for innovation and to drive culture change.
• Effective communicator with the written and spoken word; able to adjust to the audience to ensure receptivity to the message.
• A creative thinker, aware of a wide range of organizational models from the nonprofit and business worlds. Grounded in a "big picture" perspective, yet able to work alongside others as a "player-coach."
• Strong interpersonal skills; comfort working through problems and conflicts.
• Effective in decision making, coupled with a high level of personal integrity and professional conduct.
• Team-building skills and a collaborative leadership style that attracts and retains competent staff.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, clients, customers, and the public. Multiple language ability is an asset in any role with IAAPA.