The Program Manager (PM) plays a key role on the FEDA staff by working with the CEO and other team members to plan and manage programs, services and activities that advance and support the association’s strategic and operational goals. The PM, based on research and knowledge of the industry’s evolving needs, develops programs offered through FEDA’s annual conference and live and on-demand Learn Institute education and training. The PM also plans, manages and provides service and support for FEDA’s Future of Distribution Council and Emerging Dealers Council and will help complete a new distributor peer mentoring program.

Educational Program Planning for the Annual Conference and Online Education (Learn Institute)

• Work with the CEO to determine the theme/focus/programming of the onsite annual conference and online education and training courses through the Learn Institute (learn.feda.com), anticipating industry priorities, based on the evolving industry environment and challenges, and aligning the conference and education and training themes/focus/programming with the association’s strategic goals. Identify the types of speakers, presentations and formats needed to address the above and provide a plan to the CEO for approval.
• Reach out to request and confirm specific speakers, panelists and trainers for the annual conference and Learn Institute courses.
• Share conference programs and speakers with the Director of Meetings and Events (DME) who plans and manages the conference’s logistics and operational execution. For conference programming, work with the DME throughout the year to ensure that programming is aligned with conference logistics and operations and that all speakers are well-prepped and rehearsed prior to the conference and that their needs are fully supported, per agreements and requests.
• Ensure that live and on-demand education and training products and resources available through learn.feda.com reflect industry priorities and the association's strategic goals, are delivered successfully, are evaluated, and that the associated certification program achieves organizational and member goals.
• Research potential additional education and training partnerships and nurture and grow existing ones.

Council Staffing and Support

• Work with the CEO to plan and prepare agendas, programming and speakers for two of FEDA's volunteer leadership councils; meet with co-chairs, speakers and facilitators before meetings to help them prepare for the meetings. Prepare materials for the meetings and send to council members.

Mentoring Program Development

• Work with the CEO and program partners to complete the development of a new FEDA distributor peer mentoring program.

Desired Skills

Leadership

• Highest personal and professional integrity and strong work ethic
• Strong interest in learning new things and developing new skills
• Willingness to take charge and demonstrate initiative

Relationship Management

• Ability to support the staff’s service relationship to members and volunteers to consistently provide responsive and respectful assistance to them
• Ability to develop and manage cooperative and constructive relationships across all business and functional areas
• Collaborative team player orientation toward work relationships
• Effectiveness in building trust, respect and cooperation in teams and volunteer committees

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, education or other degree with related experience
• Ability to learn, understand and support the foodservice equipment industry’s evolving needs, overall, and the needs of the industry’s various types of individual distribution and manufacturing companies
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in program and/or operational planning and management, including tracking and reporting activities progress and results
• Solid organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
• Must be able and willing to work three days a week in FEDA's office in Rosemont, IL.

About FEDA

FEDA is a well-regarded, innovative and growing trade association that provides a positive work environment and strong personal, professional and financial benefits for its team members. For general information about FEDA, see learn.feda.com and feda.com. FEDA offers employer-paid medical and dental coverage, generous pension plan, hybrid on-site and remote work schedule, flexible vacation and other time-off options.

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