Posted: 27-Mar-26
Location: Alexandria, VA
Type: Full Time
Salary: $80,000- $90,000
Categories:
Additional Information:
Professional Advancement at SMPS
MISSION: To elevate the impact, influence, and visibility of professional services marketing by overseeing certification, professional and industry recognition, and advancement programs that celebrate excel and support career development across the AEC industries. This role drives strategy for community engagement, recognition and strategic alliances that strengthen and advance the profession.
The Director of Professional Advancement provides strategy and leadership for SMPS’s professional certification (CPSM), awards and recognition programs, and member advancement initiatives. This strategic leader ensures alignment between professional advancement and organizational priorities, and collaborates with peers to amplify visibility, engagement, and community belonging.
In this role, the Director also guides staff recognition efforts, stewards the MYSMPS member platform, and leads the Society’s Professional Development Committee to inform learning and credentialing strategies. The Director supports and advances strategic alliances that elevate the profession of marketing and business development in the built environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Certification Leadership
- Oversee the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) program, including exam development, vendor management, recertification, and study materials.
- Lead the Certification Committee and support CPSM volunteer networks and chapter study groups.
- Analyze and grow the certification program’s reach, reputation, and impact within the A/E/C industry.
- Develop and maintain CPSM program-specific budgets and strategic plans.
Recognition and Awards
- Lead SMPS’s awards and recognition strategy, including oversight of national recognition programs (e.g., Marketing Communications Awards, Marketing Achievement Award, and Fellows program).
- Supervise the Manager of Recognition and drive the alignment of recognition efforts with SMPS values and strategic goals.
- Guide strategy and delivery of internal staff recognition and appreciation programs to foster a positive, high-performing culture.
Professional Development Committee Leadership
- Serve as staff lead for the Professional Development Committee, ensuring alignment with SMPS strategic goals and member needs.
- Facilitate committee meetings, gather feedback, and guide implementation of committee recommendations to strengthen SMPS learning and credentialing efforts.
Approved Provider Program Oversight
- Lead the Approved Provider Program, including application review, ongoing support, and alignment with SMPS learning objectives.
- Ensure consistency, quality, and brand alignment across third-party education offerings carrying the SMPS endorsement.
- Build relationships with approved providers to enhance the visibility and credibility of SMPS-aligned education.
Community and Engagement
- Develop and lead strategic direction for MYSMPS, ensuring it serves as a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging online community for members.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure MYSMPS aligns with member needs, knowledge sharing, and volunteer engagement.
Alliance Partnership Support
- Support the development and implementation of strategic alliances that advance the profession and support workforce development.
- Contribute to SMPS’s presence and influence within coalitions, think tanks, and inter-organizational forums relevant to professional advancement.
Program Development & Strategy
- Develop and evaluate professional advancement offerings in partnership with the Learning and Experiences team.
- Identify gaps in career development tools and recognition pipelines to inform future programming.
- Ensure alignment of advancement strategy with broader SMPS strategic goals, including DEI, member engagement, and industry impact.
