• Senior Manager, Learning Programs and Events

    Goodwill Industries International, Inc. (Washington, DC)


    Date: May 2025

     

    TITLE:Senior Manager, Learning Programs and Events

     

    RESPONSIBLE TO:Director, Learning Programs and Events

     

    DIVISION/DEPT:Goodwill Academy (GWA)

    SUPERVISES:N/A

    FLSA STATUS:Exempt

    BASIC FUNCTION:

    • Create meetings that exceed expectations; apply technology, improve programming, and provide unexpected enhancements for the Goodwill network.

    • Identify trends, conduct industry research, and monitor meeting development best practices to reduce costs, increase efficiency and better address needs of the Goodwill network.

    • Collaborate across GII to ensure strategic initiatives are integrated and executed flawlessly into GII events.

    • Produce and maintain relevant metrics and key performance indicators, including attendance, budget, etc.

    SPECIFIC DUTIES:

    A. Collaborate with team members and leaders to design, coordinate and execute GII national events with commitment to excellence.

    B. Develop and maintain guiding principles for effective planning and site meetings.

    C. Support financial planning and monitoring processes including budget setting, expense tracking, invoice coding, and contract processing for programming-related activities.

    D. Develop detailed project plans aligned with programming leads’ objectives.

    E. Support planning meetings to drive clarity and execution.

    F. Provide thought partnership to session designers and hold stakeholders accountable to timelines and deliverables.

    G. Provide speaker tracking and confirmation.

    H. Collaboratively develop and implement communication plans for major meetings and relevant planning committees.

    I. Manage all aspects of event logistics including set-up, session execution, on-site support, off-site activities, and event breakdown.

    J. Oversee coordination with external vendors (hotels, catering, transportation, etc.), ensuring services are contracted, executed smoothly, and aligned with event needs.

    K. Review, edit, and produce high-quality event materials.

    L. Create and distribute post-event evaluations.

    M. Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis to generate insights that inform program improvement.

    N. Participate in after-action reviews and support team learning.

    O. Maintain systems for internal knowledge and resource management.

    P. Print, pack, and ship conference related materials as needed.

    Q. Support team operations including supplies, materials inventory, and special projects as needed.

    RELATIONSHIPS:

    • Internal: Frequent interaction with all team members.

    • GII Members: Frequent contact with members at all levels.

    • External: Frequent contact with vendors.

    • Governmental Officials: N/A

    SKILLS NEEDED:

    • Ability to think organizationally, across function areas, for broad organizational alignment and integrated strategy execution.

    • Outstanding communications competencies, including excellent writing, editing and speaking skills; outstanding interpersonal skills; excellent leadership communications skills.

    • Ability to collaborate cross-functionally to determine communications mechanisms to support alignment and mission and business development opportunities.

    • Strong organizational and operational skills, including budget management; project management and results tracking.

    • Strong management skills and ability to lead a cross-functional team for meeting organizational objectives.

    • Strong contract management and negotiating skills for effective vendor relations.

    • Ability to develop innovative new approaches for increased opportunity and brand awareness.

    • Ability to relate well to others, both individually and in a group.

    • Ability to work independently.

    • Ability to set, manage and meet deadlines under changing conditions and circumstances.

    • Minimal supervisory experience.

    • Ability to perform frequent travel for pre-planning meetings, site selection and industry conferences. Extended stay (5+days) is required for annual events.

    EDUCATION:

    • Bachelor’s degree

    • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation or other event planning certifications preferred.

    EXPERIENCE:

    A. Minimum of 6 -10 years in meeting management and logistics, with a preferred minimum of five or more years of relevant work experience.

    B. Strong budget management skills.

    C. Ability to manage complex meetings and events with great accuracy and attention to detail.

    D. Strong organizational abilities, including the ability to manage and prioritize a number of complex issues and demands in a fast-paced environment.

    E. Strong negotiation skills, with solid understanding of vendor contract terms and language and experience negotiating contracts.

    F. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

    G. Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.

     

    DECISION MAKING: Solid conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges, make quick decisions, and rectify issues efficiently and effectively under high pressure circumstances.

     

    SUPERVISION: Regular – Latitude is given to this position to select appropriate procedure(s). The work is reviewed for the approaches, procedures and methodologies used to complete the work. Some guidance and review may be required on special or unusual work problems and projects.

     

    PHYSICAL EFFORT: Sedentary with occasional lifting of 10 lbs. maximum. Walking or standing is required occasionally. Also requires long hours at a computer.

     

    EMOTIONAL EFFORT: Work environment is fast paced. Having a positive attitude and strong sense of personal initiative will help to meet daily challenges.