The Senior Program Manager, Education is responsible for managing and advancing MRC’s global education portfolio. Reporting to the VP, Advocacy and Education, this role ensures that educational initiatives align with organizational objectives and deliver measurable value to members and partners. The position leads program planning, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and ensures quality standards are met, while also mentoring and developing one direct report. Success in this position requires expertise in learning management systems, partnership development, and strategies that drive customer adoption, retention, expansion, and revenue growth in a fast-paced, member-focused environment. The ideal candidate operates with a high degree of independence and judgment, balancing strategic priorities with hands-on execution in a dynamic, globally diverse setting, and confidently represents MRC with senior-level partners, members, and sponsors across regions.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Design & Delivery

• Oversee the design, development, and management of educational programs, including webinars, workshops, and online courses.
• Manage the LMS to ensure seamless learner experience, accurate tracking, and insightful reporting.
• Develop education programs that support customer adoption, deepen engagement, and strengthen long-term retention.
• Work with the Technology team to ensure online course integration and functionality.

Promotion & Outreach

• Partner with the Marketing team to develop and execute promotional plans for education programs and products, ensuring alignment with product strategy and market needs.
• Actively develop and pursue sales leads related to education programs, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities. 

Partnership Development & Growth

• Build and maintain relationships with industry and strategic partners, including key sponsorship accounts, to expand educational offerings, enhance member value, and generate revenue opportunities.
• Collaborate with global partners to adapt, localize, and expand certification program, ensuring they meet regional market needs, industry standards, and member expectations.

Program Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze educational program effectiveness through participant feedback, metrics, and market trends; implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance impact and relevance.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for participation rates, satisfaction scores, adoption metrics, and ROI.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and coach one direct report, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and innovation.
• Provide regular feedback, development plans, and stretch opportunities to build team capability.

Budget & Resource Management

• Contribute to budget development for education programs and assigned cost centers.
• Monitor expenses and revenue against budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost control.
• Collaborate with internal teams to maximize the impact of shared resources.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent on-the-job experience; advanced degree or certification a plus.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in program management with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience conducting market research and staying current with industry trends.
• Knowledge of the financial industry, e-commerce, fraud prevention, or payment processing is preferred.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions, including close work with marketing and product marketing teams.
• Proficient with online learning platforms and educational technologies. Experience with LMS integration a plus.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that drive program growth.
• Strong background in strategic partnerships, sponsorship management, and customer adoption and retention strategies.
• Track record of accelerating product adoption through targeted education initiatives.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including coaching and developing direct reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including experience presenting to senior stakeholders and building strong interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally as needed.

Work Location: Remote (Preference given to GA, NC, OK, TX, WA)

Additional Notes:

• Competitive benefits package and performance-based bonus.
• International safety protocols will be required to be followed.
• Employees traveling for business purposes must be fully vaccinated to the level required for entrance into the respective state or country the business is taking place.
• MRC participates in eVerify. To learn more, please go to: https://merchantriskcouncil.org/who-we-are/careers/employment-at-mrc

About Merchant Risk Council

The Merchant Risk Council (MRC) is a global non-profit trade association for payments and fraud professionals, established in 2000. With a presence in North America, Europe, APAC and LATAM, MRC provides a platform for its members through education, advocacy, collaboration and networking. Program and service offerings address the challenges and opportunities in the payments ecosystem, providing our members with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving payments industry. The membership base represents a diverse range of industries, including e-commerce, retail, travel, and financial services, reflecting the organization’s commitment to promoting safer and more secure commerce across sectors.

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