About PIA and the CPIA Program

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) is the premier association for professional independent insurance agents, providing the best in education, information, advocacy, and protection. PIA is a hybrid working environment. The Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) Designation is first-of-its-kind, hands-on, how-to training delivered by PIA and through a network of insurance industry organizations. To earn the CPIA designation, candidates are required to participate in three one-day Seminars. These Seminars are designed to enhance the ability of producers, sales support staff, and company personnel to efficiently create and distribute effective insurance programs.

Summary of Position

The Manager, Education and Certification is responsible for the management and growth of the CPIA designation program, PIA Webinars, and future education programs. This individual will oversee all aspects of educational and certification programs, including curriculum development, Sponsor and Facilitator management, marketing, and operational execution. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with a background in the insurance industry and a passion for professional development. They will ensure the CPIA program remains a valuable and highly sought-after designation for insurance professionals nationwide.

Essential Job Functions

• Program Strategy: In partnership with PIA CEO and PIA’s Professional Development Advisory Committee, implement a long-term strategy to enhance the value, relevance, and reach of the CPIA designation, including expansion of Special Topic seminars that serve as CPIA designation update options.
• Curriculum Management: Coordinate the review and updating of the three core CPIA seminar classes to reflect current market trends, sales methodologies, and insurance best practices.
• Operational Oversight: Manage the logistics of seminar scheduling, virtual seminar hosting, materials production and delivery, post seminar processing of participation and continuing education certificate delivery, diploma preparation and delivery, and designation renewal processing. Ensure a seamless and positive experience for all participants.
• Continuing Education Filing: Ensure PIA is licensed as a provider in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico, and ensure all seminars are approved for continuing education in relevant states.
• Seminar Sponsor Oversight: Ensure Sponsor execution of the CPIA Program in accordance with guidelines stated in the CPIA Seminar Sponsor Operations Manual.
• Facilitator Development: Recruit and train a national network of qualified instructors. Provide ongoing support and resources to ensure high-quality, consistent program delivery.
• Marketing and Business Development: In collaboration with the PIA marketing team, create and implement strategies to promote the CPIA program, increase enrollment, and build strategic partnerships with agencies, carriers, and other industry stakeholders.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage the program's budget, setting enrollment and revenue goals, and ensuring the program's financial health and sustainability.
• Stakeholder Relations: Serve as the primary liaison for the CPIA program to participants, members, sponsors, facilitators, and corporate partners.
• Quality Assurance: Implement evaluation systems to gather feedback from participants and instructors, using the data to drive continuous program improvement.
• Additional PIA Programming: Lead delivery of PIA Webinars and educational programming.

Position Dimensions:

• Organizational Impact: Education and ongoing Professional Development are the prime mission and obligation of PIA National, and PIA members require effective learning programs.
• Supervision Received: Will be supervised by CEO in the execution of any plans and projects, outside vendors, contracts secured, budget, and disbursements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Education, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, curriculum development, or corporate training.
  • Strong understanding of insurance sales, marketing, and agency operations.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and public speaking skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and drive revenue growth.
  • Keen attention to detail and the ability to build and execute consistent processes to ensure operational success.
  • Strong customer-centric focus and sense of urgency associated with delivery of continuing education programs.
  • Ability to travel as needed for industry events, instructor training, and partner meetings.
• Preferred:
  • Hold the CPIA designation or other relevant insurance industry certifications (e.g., CIC, CPCU).
  • Experience in adult education or instructional design.
  • Established network within the insurance industry.
  • Non-profit or association management experience.

Attributes

• Excellent communication and people skills in writing, speaking, advocating, creating ideas, and leading people to action.
• Willingness to learn new AMS and LMS systems.
• Well organized, yet flexible.
• Willingness to work independently and as part of a bigger team.