Senior Manager, Education & Programs

ABOUT US

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) is based in the DC area and is the heartbeat of industries that bring warmth, flavor, and joy to our lives. We champion the essential products that make family gatherings and moments with friends unforgettable—from cozy fireplaces to sizzling barbecue grills and inviting outdoor living accessories. Fun fact: Over 80% of households have a barbecue grill! Education is central to our mission. We equip our members with the insights, skills, and resources they need to grow, adapt, and succeed, and we're looking for the person who will help shape what that learning looks like in the years to come.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

You love creating learning experiences that help people grow. Adult learning principles aren't jargon to you—they're how you design sessions people remember and apply on Monday morning. You thrive on understanding what members need to succeed and building programs that meet those needs. You can think about where industry education should go three years from now, then build the plan to get it there. Speakers and subject matter experts love working with you. You recruit them and help transform deep industry knowledge into learning experiences people remember and apply. You're a self-starter who owns outcomes and solves problems before they become obstacles. At the same time, you crave feedback, seek coaching, and ask questions before making assumptions. Drama eludes you because you're too busy getting things done. Curiosity and hunger are two of your superpowers. You review data, survey participants, test new ideas, and adopt new tools—an LMS, virtual event platform, or AI— whenever they help you work smarter or better serve learners. One day you're building next year's HPBExpo education program; the next you're recruiting speakers and launching a new webinar series. If variety, ownership, and impact motivate you, you'll fit right in.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Senior Manager of Education & Programs leads the development and execution of HPBA's education portfolio, including HPBExpo education, webinars, and professional development opportunities. This role combines education strategy, speaker and volunteer management, event programming, vendor management, budgeting, and performance measurement to deliver meaningful member value and support organizational growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Education Strategy & Portfolio Leadership Develop and execute HPBA's education strategy and portfolio, including HPBExpo education, webinars, and professional development programs. Ensure programs meet standards set by industry’s credentialing agencies for CEU credit and deliver meaningful member value. Write engaging program descriptions and educational materials. Program & Event Execution Drive HPBExpo education planning, agenda development, speaker recruitment, and program execution. Partner with staff, volunteers, and subject matter experts to deliver exceptional learning experiences. Work with Communications to drive awareness, attendance, and revenue. Operations, Budget & Performance Manage budgets, vendors, RFPs, and contracts. Evaluate program performance and learner outcomes, using data and feedback to improve future offerings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree required; CMP, ICE-CCP, or related certification preferred. 7+ years of experience in association education, professional development, or program management. Experience designing and delivering adult learning and professional development programs. Experience managing conference or trade show education programs, including speaker management, volunteer engagement, and continuing education requirements. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Remote work environment with required travel for events and meetings. Availability to support evening or weekend programming as needed. Access to a reliable internet connection and dedicated, quiet workspace required for working remotely. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing typical office duties. Occasional lifting of office supplies and packages may be required.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE

Purpose-Driven Work: Our programs directly contribute to the success and growth of our members, with new opportunities for impact every day. A Team Built for Growth: Join supportive, growth-minded colleagues who embrace agility, open communication, and a shared mission, and who will give you room to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and own meaningful projects. Opportunity to Build Something Meaningful: For the right candidate, this position provides the opportunity to help shape future member education and programs and grow alongside the organization.

TRAVEL

Domestic travel approximately 4-6 times per year, up to a week at a time, including some weekends. #J-18808-Ljbffr KENTUCKY SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES INC