Manager, Education Programming

Please note for this role, we will only be hiring from the following states: NY, NJ, CT.

Position Summary:

This role supports the educational vision of the organization in conjunction with the Specialty Food Association's (SFA) business needs and strategic initiatives.

The candidate develops and coordinates educational and programmatic content and works with and across organizational teams to ensure the success of educational initiatives and projects to fulfill member, attendee, and industry professionals’ needs, position Association members for success, and help advance the Association as a specialty food authority.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Research, create, develop, and manage session topics and speakers for education programs at the organization’s Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter Fancy Faire*, and other in-person events, effectively utilizing technology to facilitate learning/knowledge transfer. Education programs may range from one-hour seminars/webinars to regional events to pitch competitions and cooking demos.
• Recruit speakers and negotiate contracts in cooperation with Director, Member Education.
• Hold prep meetings with speakers and panels; suggest topics and questions to cover that align with audience needs and SFA program goals.
• Manage marketing copy and schedule with Marketing team to promote education and programs.
• Develop course descriptions and speaker biographies to increase program awareness and attendance.
• Manage tracking of who attends SFA educational programs; manage feedback systems to develop reports that speak to KPIs and goals.
• Manage speaker agreements, travel, and reimbursements. Manage event details, including speaker, student, and guest badges for shows.
• Create scripts and run-of-show documents for in-person event programs, including Fancy Food Shows.
• Provide programming and logistics support for SFA tradeshows and other in-person and virtual education and community events.
• Working with Marketing & Communications department, design and edit slide templates and other audience-facing education materials.
• Participate in strategic planning for new initiatives.
• Identify resource needs of the maker community and be connected to community to be able to identify relevant educational resources.
• Additional roles, as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in media, communications, or related field / equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in event planning, public relations, or event programming required.
• Knowledge of event technologies
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship, business skills, and specialty food business preferred.
• Outstanding communications skills via phone and email; copywriting experience preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail and proven ability to work collaboratively.
• Microsoft Office Products, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint; basic knowledge of Adobe Suite; familiarity with basic HTML, CMS systems, and social media platforms; familiarity with webcasting and online learning platforms.
• Technology savvy

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The Association is headquartered in an office building in NYC, though the workforce is primarily home-based. This position is primarily remote but will require your presence in the office at various times as well as at our two annual trade shows. Regardless of location, job demands may require long periods of sitting; telephone work and/or computer work, as well as interactions with other staff members, external vendors and SFA external constituents. There will be periodic travel required both to industry events and for team and department meetings. Occasional lifting of heavy boxes up to 40 pounds may be required, particularly around events. Less than 10% travel in the US.

Please note for this role, we will only be hiring from the following states: NY, NJ, CT.

Position Summary:

This role supports the educational vision of the organization in conjunction with the Specialty Food Association's (SFA) business needs and strategic initiatives.

The candidate develops and coordinates educational and programmatic content and works with and across organizational teams to ensure the success of educational initiatives and projects to fulfill member, attendee, and industry professionals’ needs, position Association members for success, and help advance the Association as a specialty food authority.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Research, create, develop, and manage session topics and speakers for education programs at the organization’s Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter Fancy Faire*, and other in-person events, effectively utilizing technology to facilitate learning/knowledge transfer. Education programs may range from one-hour seminars/webinars to regional events to pitch competitions and cooking demos.
• Recruit speakers and negotiate contracts in cooperation with Director, Member Education.
• Hold prep meetings with speakers and panels; suggest topics and questions to cover that align with audience needs and SFA program goals.
• Manage marketing copy and schedule with Marketing team to promote education and programs.
• Develop course descriptions and speaker biographies to increase program awareness and attendance.
• Manage tracking of who attends SFA educational programs; manage feedback systems to develop reports that speak to KPIs and goals.
• Manage speaker agreements, travel, and reimbursements. Manage event details, including speaker, student, and guest badges for shows.
• Create scripts and run-of-show documents for in-person event programs, including Fancy Food Shows.
• Provide programming and logistics support for SFA tradeshows and other in-person and virtual education and community events.
• Working with Marketing & Communications department, design and edit slide templates and other audience-facing education materials.
• Participate in strategic planning for new initiatives.
• Identify resource needs of the maker community and be connected to community to be able to identify relevant educational resources.
• Additional roles, as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in media, communications, or related field / equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in event planning, public relations, or event programming required.
• Knowledge of event technologies
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship, business skills, and specialty food business preferred.
• Outstanding communications skills via phone and email; copywriting experience preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail and proven ability to work collaboratively.
• Microsoft Office Products, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint; basic knowledge of Adobe Suite; familiarity with basic HTML, CMS systems, and social media platforms; familiarity with webcasting and online learning platforms.
• Technology savvy

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The Association is headquartered in an office building in NYC, though the workforce is primarily home-based. This position is primarily remote but will require your presence in the office at various times as well as at our two annual trade shows. Regardless of location, job demands may require long periods of sitting; telephone work and/or computer work, as well as interactions with other staff members, external vendors and SFA external constituents. There will be periodic travel required both to industry events and for team and department meetings. Occasional lifting of heavy boxes up to 40 pounds may be required, particularly around events. Less than 10% travel in the US.