General Manager, Professional Development Academy

General Manager, Professional Development Academy

GovExec is seeking a General Manager to lead our training and professional development business. GovExec’s Professional Development Academy (PDA) delivers leadership and professional development programs that strengthen the capabilities of government and public-sector leaders, often in partnership with national associations and academic institutions. Co-founded with the late General Colin Powell, the PDA’s core curriculum and delivery model is deeply rooted in his timeless leadership principles: purposeful collaboration, practical execution, and a relentless commitment to mission excellence.

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead PDA as a full P&L owner, setting strategy and managing the brand’s operations, programs, and team.
• Grow revenue by identifying, developing, and closing new partnerships with associations, government agencies, and academic and corporate partners.
• Expand the program portfolio, evaluating new offerings, formats, and markets to broaden the brand’s reach and impact.
• Build and steward relationships with senior partners and clients, serving as the senior representative of the brand.
• Manage and develop the team, setting clear goals and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Oversee program design and delivery quality, ensuring offerings meet the needs of public-sector leaders.
• Own the annual budget, forecast performance, and report results to leadership.
• Collaborate across GovExec’s brands and functions to align PDA with broader company strategy and shared resources.
• Represent PDA externally at industry events and across the public-sector leadership community.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience running a business unit, brand, or organization, including P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated success growing revenue through partnerships.
• Experience in leadership development, professional education, talent, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of the government or public-sector market and its leaders.
• Proven ability to build and lead teams.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Experience working with or within federal, state, or local government, or with national associations serving the public sector is a plus.
• Experience scaling programs or launching new offerings is a plus.
• An established network among public-sector leaders is a plus.

Benefits

• Open time off policy
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Twelve weeks paid parental leave
• Supportive, collaborative teams
• Unique opportunity to help government officials from a private sector company
• Expansive learning and development opportunities

GovExec recruits talent for four salient attributes: Soul of Entrepreneurship, Culture of Inclusion, Force of Ideas, Spirit of Generosity.

The compensation range for this role is $175,000 to $225,000 per year, including bonus potential.

GovExec is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against our applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.