Director of Certification (Association)

The Choice is seeking a Director of Certification to lead the strategic development and management of certification programs for our client, a professional learning and membership association in the architecture field.

The Director of Certification will oversee all aspects of the certification program, including process improvement, team management, and collaboration with key stakeholders. This role is fast-paced and integral to the organization’s exciting continued growth. The position would be ideal for someone who has managed certification programs previously and is looking to grow their career. We are seeking someone process oriented.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage certification processes, ensuring they are efficient, transparent, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Implement technology and streamline manual processes to enhance efficiency and accommodate the growing demand for certifications.
• Collaborate with leadership to set priorities, establish standard operating procedures, and drive the program’s growth and evolution.
• Work closely with the education department to align certification requirements with curriculum-based programs and communicate the value of certification to members, regions, and the broader industry.
• Supervise and mentor two direct reports, fostering a positive culture and evaluating roles to ensure they align with the program’s evolving needs.
• Engage with candidates, provide excellent customer service, and craft compelling communications to promote the importance of certification.

Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience managing certification programs, with a strong focus on process, strategy, and operations.
• Nonprofit/association experience very highly preferred
• A bachelor’s degree in business, education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• A clear understanding of certification software and high-volume workflows.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills, with a passion for streamlining processes and building systems.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• A background in nonprofit, licensing agencies, or higher education is helpful but not required—emphasis is on process expertise rather than industry experience.
• A passion for professional credentialing and its impact on advancing industries.

Pay: Salary: $115k-$125k

Schedule: Full-time, hybrid position based in Washington, DC. Tuesdays/Wednesday/Thursdays are required in office days.