Job Title: Director of Education Department: Education
Reports to: Vice President, Education
Location: Hybrid (DC Area) or REMOTE based on qualifications
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Available: November 1, 2024
Qualified Applicants: Send Cover Letter & Resume to scurtis@franchise.org
Job Summary
The International Franchise Association (IFA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Education Reporting to the Vice President of Education, will lead the development and implementation of strategic learning initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of franchisees, franchisors, and industry professionals. This individual will be responsible for creating and managing educational programs that align with the organization’s goals, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of franchise operations, compliance, and growth. The Director of Education will collaborate closely with internal teams, industry experts, and external partners to deliver impactful, innovative learning experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement comprehensive and strategic education initiatives, tailored to the franchise community, focusing on franchise development, operational excellence, and compliance at all stages of the franchise lifecycle.
- Program Development: Design, implement, and continuously improve educational programs, workshops, webinars, and certification courses tailored to franchisees, franchisors, suppliers, and stakeholders.
- Partnerships & Collaboration: Build and maintain relationships with subject matter experts, franchising leaders, and educational institutions to enhance program content and delivery.
- Quality Assurance: Evaluate the effectiveness of education programs through feedback, assessments, and performance metrics, making improvements and recommendations as needed.
- Industry Trends: Stay informed of trends and innovations in franchising, adult education, and e-learning to ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of franchise education.
- Project Management: Ensure program scope, key deliverables, timelines, and budget requirements for all projects are met.
- Publications and Communication: Create the IFA Education Newsletter and quarterly publication strategy. Research relevant social, digital, publication, magazine channels. Suggest opportunities and lead initiatives for IFA Education awareness through blogs, podcasts, partnerships, and/or articles.
- Accreditation Compliance: Serve as IFA Education Department compliance lead to maintain compliance and alignment within the IACET Accreditation program.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree: In Education, Business, Organizational Development, or a related field/experience.
- Proven Track Record: Experience in developing and managing educational programs, particularly within a corporate, franchise, or adult learning setting.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and other educational technologies that enhance the delivery of training programs.
- Project Management: Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with effective project management skills.
- Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical capabilities, with experience in data-driven decision-making.
- Outreach: Considerable experience in strategic outreach initiatives.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Financial Management: Experience in budget management and financial analysis.
- Compliance & Accreditation: Knowledge of accreditation standards and compliance requirements.
- Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners, stakeholders, and team members.
Preferred Qualifications (Not Required but a Plus):
- Certifications: Certification(s) in franchise management, instructional design, corporate training, or leadership.
- Franchise Industry Experience: 3-5 years of experience in the franchise industry, especially in roles related to training, education, and franchise operations, with familiarity in franchise models, systems, and regulatory requirements.
- Program Design & Implementation: Experience in designing and implementing training programs and educational content tailored to franchisees, with a focus on operations, sales, marketing, and compliance.
- Team Leadership: Proven experience in leading and managing teams of trainers, educators, and instructional designers.
Work Environment
- This position requires occasional travel.
- The role may include extended hours to meet deadlines and facilitate events.
Application Process
Interested, qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience related to the key responsibilities outlined above to scurtis@franchise.org.
Additional details
This is a full-time position, which can either be performed remotely or from the IFA office in Washington, DC. Periodic travel throughout the U.S. will be required. The incumbent will be expected to model the values of the IFA.
The International Franchise Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or any other category prohibited by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination. IFA is firmly committed to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusiveness.
About the International Franchise Association:
Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.4 million direct jobs, $825.4 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.
