Job Function: Lead all association efforts in the identification, design, and execution of learning initiatives and instructional content for professional development, including establishing a comprehensive curriculum, both in-person and virtual, that meets the needs of IFDA’s various constituents. Provide strategic leadership and execution for IFDA’s member engagement and professional development portfolio. This role serves as the organization’s lead architect of learning strategy and year-round member engagement, overseeing the design, delivery, and evolution of high-impact educational programs that drive member value, participation, and revenue.

Essential Responsibilities:
• Serve as a primary liaison between IFDA and its members, focusing on driving engagement by developing tailored programs and facilitating networking opportunities to foster community and ensure value.
• Lead all of IFDA’s learning initiatives and educational programs;
• Plan, develop, and deliver effective educational and professional development programs across in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats while monitoring industry trends and identifying new revenue opportunities through innovative delivery models;
• Lead IFDA’s member community initiative to support 365-member engagement, providing opportunities for members to share, collaborate, and learn while addressing industry challenges and opportunities. Collaborate with IFDA community staff liaisons managing various communities.
• Design and execute learning opportunities, including: Solutions conference, IFDA Executive Development Program with UVA’s Darden School of Business, and online education to support communities and member needs
• Research, prepare, and manage diverse speakers while serving as primary staff liaison to conference planning councils and Darden faculty and participants.
• Collaborate across departments to promote learning opportunities, ensure marketing consistency, maintain website content, and work with Research & Insights to understand member needs and assist with Learning Exchanges.
• In collaboration with leadership, develop and monitor departmental budgets, oversee evaluation processes for all educational events, and cultivate relationships throughout IFDA membership to identify subject matter experts and learning opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities and Duties:
• Monitor other industries for best practices that could have value for foodservice distributors;
• Collaborate with staff liaisons to identify and develop learning opportunities around IFDA committee work;
• Serve as staff liaison to assigned committees, communities, task forces, and planning councils;
• Develop and execute strategies to leverage IFDA event content into extended learning opportunities;
•Support IFDA Strategic Plan Implementation and National Truck Driving Championship, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
• Progressive experience and responsibility in creating and executing association event education and managing community engagement;
• Data-driven professional who can generate and execute ideas at the strategic and tactical levels;
• Creative individual with a curiosity and desire to continuously learn and try new things;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Excellent member relations skills and experience working with and leading volunteers;
• Support a culture of collaboration, teamwork, innovation, and excellence with an ability to work cooperatively across all departments;
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision;
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to position IFDA’s education events for the future by moving beyond traditional approaches, when appropriate;

Education & Experience Required:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Communications, Learning/Education, Public Relations, or Marketing;
• 5+ years of employment in association management, private industry, or an education-related field

• Travel:
  Travel to IFDA Events, industry-related events, and member visits up to 25% of the year by land/or air. Some weekend travel is required.