Program Manager - Leadership Development

Job summary

The Program Manager for Leadership Development is a core member of the National FFA Organization’s leadership team. The role focuses on planning, running, and improving national leadership programs that help FFA members in grades 5–12 and college students grow personally and professionally. The position supports the organization’s mission by creating meaningful, student-centered learning experiences that build future leaders.

This person will help deliver major programs such as the Washington Leadership Conference, State Officer Programs, the National Officer Selection Process, the Member Leadership Series, Convention Arena programming, and the organization’s online learning platform.

The role calls for strong project management and a practical, solution-oriented approach. The manager will handle program schedules, budgets, logistics, supplies, materials, and related processes while coordinating with program partners and seasonal staff to deliver modern and engaging learning experiences.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, launch, and review leadership development programs in line with the organization’s mission and educational expectations.
• Work closely with teammates, supervisors, and cross-functional partners to deliver leadership initiatives successfully.
• Lead the planning and execution of national-level programming.
• Track program performance, interpret data and participant input, and make improvements as needed.
• Handle logistics and communication with trainers and volunteers.
• Coordinate advance communication with vendors, stakeholders, and staff before events.
• Prepare and share internal notices related to facilitator payroll.
• Administer the FFA online learning platform and support access and engagement for varied audiences.
• Oversee car rental agreements in coordination with vendors and staff.
• Manage a program budget of $2 million, including budget planning, financial tracking, proposals, and reporting support.
• Provide onsite leadership for student conferences, including registration, content delivery, safety, discipline, emergency response, facilitator coaching, and overall event logistics.
• Recruit, interview, train, and coach seasonal trainers, facilitators, and volunteers.
• Create and maintain systems that improve coordination and communication across program and support teams.
• Support contract discussions and negotiations with vendors and outside partners.
• Manage scheduling, venues, travel, staffing, materials, and technology for all assigned programs.
• Allocate resources and assign work to improve team efficiency.
• Plan and execute large national events, including the National Convention.
• Stay organized, manage multiple priorities, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Represent the organization professionally at conferences, meetings, and other events.
• Support facilitators while traveling to and from National FFA events and during events, including overnight assistance when needed.
• Take on additional duties as assigned to support program and organizational goals.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required, with event coordination, hospitality, or a similar field preferred.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in project coordination, event management, or a related area is required.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Experience with student organizations, leadership training, or agricultural education/FFA is preferred.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to work independently in changing environments are needed.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and public speaking skills are expected.
• Ability to recruit, train, and support seasonal staff, facilitators, and volunteers.
• Comfort working with budgets, vendor coordination, logistics, and event operations.
• Availability for evenings and weekends when program or event needs require it.
• Ability to travel frequently, including rental car eligibility.
• Physical capability for light sedentary work with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds and repetitive hand or wrist movements.
• Must be able to perform work requiring close visual focus and extended computer and reading tasks.

Additional details

The role is based in an indoor cubicle-style environment and uses a hybrid working model. Some work will fall outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, to support programs and events.

Travel is expected at up to 20% for program delivery, site visits, and national events. Overnight travel may include as many as three event assignments lasting 5 to 10 days each.

Organizational values

Integrity: Act honestly and do the right thing consistently, choosing courage over comfort and being open and truthful.

Respect: Put the team first, treat others with consideration, value differences, and recognize the contributions of others.

Accountability: Take initiative, do what you say you will do, and own mistakes.

Belonging: Build a welcoming, supportive, and growth-minded environment for colleagues, students, teachers, and stakeholders. Promote inclusivity, dignity, respect, kindness, and accountability while protecting staff and member well-being.

Physical and work environment

This is light sedentary work. The role may require occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, or moving items up to 50 pounds. It also involves repetitive motion, regular use of hands and wrists, and close visual attention for computer-based work and reading.