Now Hiring: Director of Professional Development and Education

The National Association for Interpretation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership association that brings interpreters of nature and culture together through networking, online and in-person events, and professional development. NAI offers professional development through conferences, certification, training, webinars, and more. We’re looking for a dynamic, experienced, and energetic individual to oversee and enhance these professional development programs.

About the Position

The Director of Professional Development and Education will curate a cohesive strategy of professional development across the association’s varied platforms. This individual will be responsible for strategic thinking, development, evaluation, and application of NAI’s Certification and Training program and other professional development opportunities offered by NAI, including online training, webinars, and National Conference keynotes and concurrent sessions. 
 
The Director of Professional Development and Education reports directly to the Executive Director, but works collaboratively with all staff team members. Additionally, this position supervises three staff members in the certification and events departments.  

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Certification and Training

  • Oversee and manage NAI’s certification and training programs, including oversight of certified instructors.
  • Evaluate use and effectiveness of certification program within the interpretation industry.
  • Oversee NAI webinar program, including selecting topics and presenters.
  • Recommend improvements and changes in certification categories and policies as necessary to keep certification program within standards set by Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE) and appropriate to the field as a whole.
  • Serve as lead liaison between NAI and NAI Lead Trainers, including regular communication and scheduling of professional courses.
  • Provide training, and/or contract with appropriate trainers for all certification-related courses and other training events managed by the national office.
  • Oversee NAI’s transition to revised and new certification and training programs, including roll-out of the learning management system.
  • Supervise programmatic staff.
  • Approximately 60 days of travel annually may be required, including some weekend days. 

Conferences and Events

  • Advise on keynote speakers and other professional development offerings at NAI National Conference and other events.
  • Oversee concurrent session proposal process for NAI National Conference and other events.

The Field of Interpretation

  • Conduct periodic job analyses of profession as necessary to maintain relevancy of NAI’s programs.
  • Represent NAI's interests with institutional and government partners
  • Communicate results of evaluative research with membership and partner organizations.
  • Update professional development materials with new research findings and appropriate activities as needed.
  • Travel as deemed necessary to provide training and otherwise support the organization.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Experience

The successful candidate will have the following experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; Master’s degree or equivalent work experience in areas related to interpretation, management or training preferred.
  • Budget management and supervisory experience.
  • Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
  • Familiarity with research and evaluation methods, training product development, training and coaching skills.
  • The desire to learn new skills (particularly with learning new technologies) and accept new responsibilities as required. 
  • Certified Interpretive Trainer credential is preferred; if a successful candidate does not currently have the CIT credential, must successfully complete CIT credential within the first year of employment.
  • A personal commitment to and genuine passion for heritage interpretation as a profession.

Salary & Benefits

Pay range in Fort Collins/ Denver Metropolitan area:
$64,000–$72,000 (exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience) plus benefits, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid vacation.

Location

The Director of Professional Development and Education will be based primarily in NAI’s office in Fort Collins, Colorado, an hour north of the Denver metro area. A relocation stipend is available for the right candidate.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and any supporting documentation to NAI Executive Director Paul Caputo at pcaputo@interpnet.com. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled with a priority on applications received by February 17. First interviews will be conducted February 22–24. Preferred start date for this position is April 3, 2023.

Diversity is Core to NAI’s Mission. 

NAI is fully committed to employing a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive work environment. We won’t define people by their race, gender, sexual-orientation, age, or ability; we embrace everyone’s unique contributions, experiences, and values. Individuality is what makes us great; we want everyone to bring their full self to work and create something amazing. 
 
NAI recognizes and honors diversity in its many dimensions including but not limited to ethnicity, race, culture, nationality, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, faith, socioeconomic background, mental and physical abilities, learning styles, and viewpoints. 

We are better together when we support and recognize our differences. We strongly encourage members of the BIPOC community to apply!