Program Manager, Academic Programs

The hotel and lodging industry is vibrant, innovative and full of dynamic opportunities for upward mobility while serving (and supporting) its most important assets: its people. The AHLA Foundation works to inspire, support, and advance the people who make this industry strong. By connecting employees, employers, and their communities, we seek to continuously nurture a culture of professional growth and belonging. The Foundation is a dynamic, entrepreneurial organization poised for growth. The Program Manager would join a nimble, collaborative team that is supportive and fun to work with.
Position Summary
The AHLA Foundation is seeking a Program Manager to manage and implement the AHLA Foundation’s academic programs and partnerships, a robust scholarship fund, and campus activities. The successful candidate will be able to support strategic goals within this specific program area, as well as across the organization in collaboration with similarly focused program managers, to increase efficiencies and impact. This Program Manager will report to the Vice President, Workforce Development.
Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight and guidance to student volunteers at industry conferences
• Compile monthly program progress report for Foundation Leadership team
• Support effective fundraising, marketing and communications by regularly sourcing both outcome-centered data points and qualitative insights to convey impact of academic programs on the industry workforce
• Lead AHLA’s campus chapters, including strategy development, curriculum and activities oversight, and ongoing communication
• Serve as organizational representative at relevant internal/external meetings and events
• Co-manage assigned project deliverables across Foundation program areas to ensure timely execution, including communication with internal and external project stakeholders
• Manage annual academic scholarship program, including the creation of strategic and detailed work plans across activities, timelines, budget and accounting processes
• Identify, maintain, and expand relationships with affiliated universities, academic leaders, and other essential stakeholders who support scholarship administration
• Collaborate with Development team to continuously align academic program goals and deliverables with funding opportunities and commitments
• Maintain accurate and relevant information conveyed via organizational website, social media channels and collateral materials
• Support program reporting, including outcome tracking, to include annual report on program strengths and weaknesses
• Regularly research programmatic focus areas to inform program development and strategic planning efforts
• Support the commission of research, including promotion, application process and review, committee approval, check distribution, and following up
• Implement college programming, including the facilitation of year-round speakers' series
• Identify opportunities to increase impact and efficiency across programs areas to streamline external communications, as well as program development and delivery
• Manage the Foundation’s partnerships with key academic-affiliated organizations
• Support operations and deliverables of relevant committee and other advisory structures
• Process and manage student travel scholarships to major industry conferences and events, including on-site engagement of students and relevant faculty members

Requirements
Education and Experience

• Ability to travel (minimal to moderate).
• 3-5 years of experience higher education programs, including working directly with student populations
• Bachelor’s degree or related experience
• Proven project management experience and familiarity with program monitoring and evaluation

Skills And Attributes

• Strong strategic thinking skills with an ability to identify challenges and opportunities to meet organizational, program participant, funder and industry needs
• Thrives working in a fun and fast-paced environment and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively across the organization, while maintaining attention to detail and “managing up” effectively.
• The ability to source, analyze, and report on data in support of dynamic problem solving and strategic decision-making
• Computer and software literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and CRMs – Salesforce preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure, meeting key project and reporting deadlines.
• Proven communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to clearly articulate program impact and outcomes to connect with participants, stakeholders and funders
• Positive attitude with customer service orientation and willingness to be flexible to adapt to changing needs and "roll up shirtsleeves" to get the work done
• Excellent relationship management skills (both internal and with external partners)

Other:

• Position located in Washington, DC area.
• Salary - $60,000-$70,000
• Hybrid - 3 days in office (Mon-Wed. or Tue-Thurs.); remote option for the right candidate

AHLA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
EOE
Benefits

• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Training & Development
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Free Food & Snacks
• Work From Home