Programs Manager

Reports to: Communications Director

Compensation: $24/hour. This is a full time, non-exempt position with an excellent benefits package, including a 401(k).

Please email resume and cover letter to Kristina Franz, CAE at kfranz@auctioneers.org. Applications will be accepted through November and interviews will begin December 1.

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating several of NAA’s key member and industry programs — including the International Auctioneer Championship (IAC), State Association relations, the Speakers Bureau, and the NextGen programs.

This role ensures that each program operates efficiently, aligns with NAA’s mission, and delivers exceptional value to members, partners, and stakeholders. The Program Manager serves as the primary staff contact for these initiatives, working closely with volunteers, committees, and staff to drive engagement, streamline logistics, and elevate program impact.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrives on managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a member-focused approach.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Coordination

• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of NAA’s flagship programs:
• International Auctioneer Championship (IAC), International Junior Auctioneer Championship and IAC Live
• NAA Hall of Fame
• Speakers Bureau
• State Association partnerships and relations
• NextGen programs
• Ambassador programs
• Legacy Youth Scholarship
• Serve as the primary staff liaison for volunteer leaders and committees supporting these programs.
• Ensure that all programs align with NAA’s strategic priorities, brand standards, and member value objectives.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and deliverables for assigned programs.
• Develop and document program procedures, timelines, and best practices to ensure operational consistency year-to-year.

Ambassador Program

• Manage the NAA Ambassador Program including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and promotion.
• Train ambassadors and ensure they meet yearly deliverables.

State Association Liaison

• Support state associations and partners in identifying and securing qualified NAA speakers.

• Track participation, speaker evaluations, and overall impact of the program.
• Collaborate with Marketing to promote the Speakers Bureau through NAA’s website and digital platforms.

International Auction Championship (IAC)

• Lead planning and logistics for the International Auctioneer Championship, the International Junior Auctioneer Championship, and the IAC Live! show, including contestant registration, scheduling, judging coordination, and on-site event execution.
• Schedule and support committee meetings, agendas, and follow-up, helping plan the IAC/IJAC/IAC LIVE.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reports related to committee activities and outcomes.
• Coordinate with Events & Education staff to integrate IAC and IJAC into NAA’s Conference & Show and ensure a seamless participant experience.
• Collaborate with Communications and Marketing on promotion, media coverage, and post-event storytelling.
• Track participation metrics and feedback to enhance future competitions.
• Serve as ongoing point of contact for IAC and IJAC champions.
• Order all awards, medals and trophies to be distributed at conference and show.
• Responsible for ordering and onsite organization of all IAC and IJAC auction items.

NAA Hall of Fame

• Work with marketing manager to ensure application and nomination deadline is promoted across NAA channels.
• Manage and review applications. Compile applications for Hall of Fame committee review.
• Serve as primary point of contact for Hall of Fame committee.
• Lead planning and execution of the Hall of Fame Dinner, managing the full run of show, coordinating video assets, and ensuring a seamless, welcoming experience for honorees’ families.

State Association Relations

• Serve as the primary staff contact for NAA’s State Association Partners.
• Maintain updated contact lists, meeting schedules, and communication channels.
• Facilitate resource sharing, collaborative initiatives, and regular check-ins to strengthen relationships and alignment.
• Coordinate state leader meetings, roundtables, and information exchanges.

Speakers Bureau Oversight

• Manage the NAA Speakers Bureau including speaker recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and promotion.
• Support state associations and partners in identifying and securing qualified NAA speakers.
• Track participation, speaker evaluations, and overall impact of the program.
• Collaborate with Marketing to promote the Speakers Bureau through NAA’s website and digital platforms.

NextGen Program Coordination

• Partner with the Member Engagement Manager to co-lead the NextGen program, supporting engagement, event planning, and leadership development for youth and early-career professionals.
• Serve as staff liaison for NextGen volunteer committees and initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for adjacent organizations in program collaboration or sponsorship (FFA, DECA, etc.).
• Coordinate communications, meetings, and reporting related to program progress.

Foundation Scholarships & Auctions

• Collaborate with COO/Foundation ED on National Auction Foundation scholarship programs and fundraising auctions
• Work with National Auction Foundation’s Legacy Youth Scholarship Committee (LYSC) to promote scholarship opportunities and raise scholarship funds and plan the fundraising auction.
• Work with the Foundation’s children’s auction chairs to plan the auction.
• Work with the Pass-It-Forward chairs to plan the auction
• Responsible for organizing LYSC auction, Don Shearer Children’s Auction, and Pass-it-Forward auction at Conference and Show.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Foundation’s auction bidding platform provider for the purpose of the fundraising auctions

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with Communications and Marketing to ensure effective promotion and storytelling for each program.
• Coordinate with Events & Education on logistics, integration, and scheduling of program-related activities at major events.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to identify new opportunities for program growth and innovation.

Data, Evaluation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records, reports, and participant data for each program.
• Track engagement metrics and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Provide reports and recommendations to the CEO and leadership team on outcomes and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Event Management, or related field.
• 4–6 years of experience managing programs, events, or member initiatives — association or nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to handle multiple programs simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities; comfortable working with volunteers, committees, and external partners.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with association management systems (AMS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with event logistics, competitions, or award programs.
• Familiarity with the auction, event, or professional/trade association industries.
• Understanding of marketing and communication principles for program promotion.
• Comfort with virtual meeting and collaboration tools (Zoom, Teams, Asana, etc.).

Environmental/Physical Qualifications

• Must be able to lift boxes up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Must be able to spend extended periods of time in front of computer screen.
• Must be able to spend long amounts of time on your feet on concrete occasionally.
• Must be able to work in office and remotely, including during event travel.
• All physical requirements listed can be accommodated based on respective limitations of incumbent.

Performance Indicators

• Successful planning and execution of IAC and other assigned programs.
• Strong relationships and engagement with state associations and program participants.
• Growth in participation and satisfaction across programs.
• Timely communication and collaboration with volunteer leaders.
• Accurate, complete reporting and documentation for all programs.

About National Auction Association

Founded in 1949, the National Auction Association (NAA) is the world’s largest professional organization for auction professionals. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the NAA represents thousands of members across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

As a membership-based association, the NAA supports professionals across a wide range of auction specialties. Through industry-leading education, resources, and a strong professional network, the NAA helps members grow their businesses and elevate the industry. All members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, promoting integrity and professionalism throughout the auction community.

NAA Team Values

The NAA exists to empower all auction professionals to shape the auction landscape and advance the industry.

• Respect: Every voice matters, every person counts
• Accountability: Own it, deliver it, count on it
• Proactive Service: Anticipate, act, advance
• Growth: Challenge today, thrive tomorrow
• Communication: Connect with purpose, clarity, and heart
• Integrity: Lead with truth, serve with purpose

Customer Service Beliefs

• Create a Positive and Consistent Experience
• Provide One-of-a-Kind Value
• Cultivate Kind and Respectful Interactions

About National Auction Association

Founded in 1949, the National Auction Association (NAA) is the world’s largest professional organization for auction professionals. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the NAA represents thousands of members across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.As a membership-based association, the NAA supports professionals across a wide range of auction specialties. Through industry-leading education, resources, and a strong professional network, the NAA helps members grow their businesses and elevate the industry. All members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, promoting integrity and professionalism throughout the auction community.

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