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Professional Development Director, International Downtown Association - Washington, D.C.

Professional Development Director 

International Downtown Association
Contact person: 
David Downey, President & CO
Email: 
ddowney@ida-downtown.org
Location: 
WashingtonDC


BASIC FUNCTION SUMMARY:   
Establish a clear market understanding for the place management education needs of IDA customers and develop programs, products, and services to meet these needs. Lead professional development programs for IDA members including content for an annual fall conference, multiple regional spring events, an ongoing webinar series, research projects or publications.  Provide direction and oversight to contractors in support of professional development programming and all other duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
General
  • Identify industry trends and professional development needs of IDA customers.
  • Develop distinct, segmented strategies to serve the needs of a diverse customer base; ensure resources are relevant to varying career stages and organization sizes.
  • Secure knowledge resources through research of and engagement with practitioner members and experts.
  • Leverage knowledge resources for distribution through multiple channels to include live events, online programs, and publishing.
  • Develop and implement assessment tools to gauge member needs and satisfaction of professional development programs. Provide evaluations and key recommendations to IDA leadership and staff members.
  • Manage the call for submissions process for the annual conference including implementation of submission website and promotion to encourage submissions.
  • Coordinate operational aspects of continuing education programs at IDA conferences and events, such as the collection of speaker biographies, presentations, handouts, and release forms. Establish curriculum, assign program timing and venues. Determine audio-visual and technology needs, and coordinate with vendors on room set-up.
  • Identify and manage supplemental contract resources such as event planners, vendors, and temporary staffing to support highest quality educational programming while meeting attendee expectations and overall financial goals.
  • Work with appropriate vendors to coordinate the recruitment, training, and placement of volunteers
  • Contribute to the annual budgeting process and manage work consistent with the approved budget.
  • All other duties as assigned
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:Must be able to work with all staff members in a highly interdependent environment.
EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:IDA Committees, members, contractors, and service providers.
JOB LOCATION:
Washington DC ideally.  Willing to consider alternatives depending on the expertise of the ideal candidate.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate advocate for creating healthy and vibrant urban communities a must. Demonstrated practical experience as a team participant in successful events and conferences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Detail oriented. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to participate as a self-starting member of a small-staff team. Must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Technologically proficient with a solid understanding and ability to use appropriate software products (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and NetForum,). 
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or field related to urban development. Combined five to seven years of related experience with a downtown organization, community or business group, membership organization, or service marketing-related company preferred. Advanced degree or professional certification a plus.
TO APPLY:
To apply to this position send resume, cover letter and salary history to David Downey at ddowney@ida-downtown.org.