Professional Development & Special Projects Manager

Position Overview

The Professional Development & Special Projects Manager plays a vital role in driving the success of MCEC’s training initiatives by planning, coordinating, and delivering professional development experiences and special projects, including our signature global training events. Reporting to the Director of Program Implementation, this position focuses on executing high-impact learning events and supporting project-based initiatives that advance MCEC’s mission. With a strong emphasis on logistics, cross-functional collaboration, and budget management, the Manager ensures that each training event and special project runs smoothly, meets participant needs, and reflects MCEC’s standards of excellence. The role requires a detail-oriented project manager who can coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality educational experiences through both virtual and in-person formats, while measuring impact against organizational goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Educational and Training Event Management

• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of in-person, virtual, and on-demand educational and training events
• Works with schools, districts, and other stakeholders to bring new training programs to new communities
• Manage event budgets in coordination with the VP of Education Services and COO
• Coordinate the "Call for Presenters" process, including solicitation, review, and selection of speakers
• Oversee venue selection, contract negotiation, and vendor management for training events
• Develop event agenda and content that aligns with MCEC's strategic priorities and annual theme
• Work closely with Marketing and other departments to promote the event and maximize attendance
• Manage on-site execution, including staffing coordination, speaker support, and attendee experience
• Conduct post-event evaluation and develop recommendations for future improvements

Additional Training Program Support

• Support the expansion, planning, execution, and evaluation of MCEC training programs, including webinars, workshops, and specialized courses
• Assist in the development of training content that aligns with organizational priorities and responds to the needs of military-connected children
• Coordinate speaker selection and communication process for various training initiatives
• Manage logistics for in-person and virtual training events, including technology setup and participant experience
• Maintain accurate program planning documents and track project milestones using project management tools
• Support the creation and distribution of training materials and resources that complement MCEC's educational programming

Special Projects Management

• Assist with the coordination of specialized initiatives including Month of the Military Child activities, Call for the Arts, and other outreach programs
• Lead cross-team collaboration to facilitate the selection and awarding of MCEC’s national service awards, such as the Mary Keller Award and the Pete Taylor Partnership of Excellence award
• Support the production of On the Move Magazine by coordinating article submissions and collaborating with contributors
• Serve as liaison between Education Services, Operations, Marketing, and external partners for cross-functional initiatives
• Implement evaluation processes for special projects to ensure alignment with organizational goals

Data-Centric Program Management

• Support the implementation of data collection systems that measure the effectiveness, reach, and impact of training programs
• Analyze participant feedback and program metrics to identify trends and opportunities for continuous improvement
• Prepare regular reports on program outcomes that demonstrate alignment with organizational impact criteria
• Collaborate with Education Services leadership to develop evidence-informed approaches to professional development design

Modern Training Infrastructure

• Coordinate the use of digital platforms for program delivery, ensuring seamless participant experiences in virtual training environments
• Support the development of innovative training formats that leverage technology to reach geographically dispersed audiences
• Maintain program documentation in cloud-based systems that facilitate collaboration across the distributed team
• Assist in the evaluation and implementation of new technologies to enhance training effectiveness

Culture of Trust in Educational Outreach

• Ensure consistent, transparent communication with program participants, presenters, and partners throughout the planning and execution process
• Develop and maintain clear documentation for all procedures related to training programs and educational events
• Create supportive environments for participants to share feedback and experiences during MCEC educational programs
• Maintain relationships with subject matter experts, speakers, and educational partners based on mutual respect and shared mission

Pathways to Financial Sustainability

• Assist in monitoring program budgets and tracking expenses to ensure fiscal responsibility
• Identify opportunities for cost-efficient program delivery without compromising quality
• Support the development of fee structures and registration processes that balance accessibility with sustainability
• Contribute to grant reporting requirements related to educational programs and special initiatives

Reporting Responsibilities

• Partner with VP of Education Services to determine key performance metrics and goals for each event and special project
• Provide regular reports to the VP of Education Services on event statuses, risks, and budgets
• Share final reporting for each event to demonstrate effectiveness and impact

Position Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in education, communications, project management, or related field; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• 3+ years of experience in program coordination, event planning, or professional development facilitation
• Experience working in educational settings, non-profit organizations, or military-connected environments preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management, including tracking milestones and coordinating multiple stakeholders
• Prior military service or immediate family connection to military life desired

Required Skills and Abilities

Program Implementation & Evaluation

• Experience coordinating educational programs or professional development initiatives
• Understanding of adult learning principles and effective training methodologies
• Ability to collect and analyze program data to inform continuous improvement
• Familiarity with evaluation tools and metrics for measuring program effectiveness

Technical & Communication Skills

• Proficient with collaborative workplace technology including project management platforms
• Experience with virtual meeting platforms and educational technology tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to adapt communication style for different audiences including educators, military families, and organizational partners
• Organizational agility with capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Problem-solving orientation with ability to troubleshoot in real-time during program delivery

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• Experience supporting speakers, presenters, or subject matter experts
• Customer service mindset with commitment to creating positive participant experiences
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and emerging needs within the organization
• Commitment to MCEC's mission of supporting military-connected children

Why Work with Us

• • Make a Meaningful Impact: At MCEC, your work directly supports military-connected children and their families—ensuring they receive the quality education and emotional support they deserve, no matter where military life takes them. Every project you contribute to helps improve real lives.
  • Innovative and Evolving: MCEC is growing and embracing innovation across our programs, systems, and infrastructure. As we build our future, you'll have the opportunity to shape new initiatives, bring fresh ideas to life, and help modernize how we serve families.
  • Support for Military Families: We understand the unique challenges military spouses face, especially during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). That's why we offer a special benefit to military spouses on our team—up to five additional days of leave when their spouse receives PCS orders. This leave is separate from your PTO, ensuring you have the time you need to manage the move without sacrificing your vacation days.
  • Flexible and Mission-Responsive: We understand the importance of balance—many of our team members are military spouses or veterans themselves. We strive to create a flexible work environment that honors personal commitments while driving mission success.

Note: Employee must maintain reliable phone and high-speed internet connectivity for virtual work and program delivery. Occasional travel required for in-person events, particularly for the Global Training Summit.

Revised: April 11, 2025