Certification Program manager

Company Description

The Investments & Wealth Institute is a premier professional membership association and leading credentialing authority for wealth management certifications in the United States and internationally. We specialize in serving the educational and professional development needs of advanced practitioners in the financial advice industry, particularly those focused on high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Our members include top wealth managers, financial advisors, RIA teams, and enterprise-level decision-makers. Through award-winning publications and comprehensive continuing education (CE) programs—including online courses, seminars, and national conferences—the Institute empowers members with cutting-edge knowledge and industry-leading professional certifications.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Programs, the Certification Program Manager represents the Investments and Wealth Institute to current education program candidates, IWI members, education providers, and a variety of organizations with a focus on fostering candidate advancement in our programs and certifications. This role serves as the manager for certification programs by providing support to certification education programs, instructor and ongoing candidate support throughout education delivery.

This critical role serves to monitor the quality delivery of the Certified Investment Management Analyst, Certified Private Wealth Advisor, and Retirement Management Advisor certification programs. This may focus on one program individually or include multiple programs concurrently. This role serves in the daily management of internal processes, drafting and updating standard operating procedures (SOP), utilizing technology and available software. Activities will include program logistics and administration while being a partner with the Program Counselor to support candidates during the education program in preparation for the certification exam. This role will also partner with the Associate Director of Education to provide support on certification education program material updates as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Administration

• Ownership of specific Education Program SOP documents and processes
• Ownership of specific association management technology processes (training available)
• Assist in maintaining program materials for each program and class.
• Coordinate logistics with Registered Education Providers to support a quality education program experience.
• Report CE to IWI & CFP Board on behalf of designees.
• Prepare and organize candidate documentation.
• Maintain Program calendar for Organization.

Class Program Preparation, Execution, Follow-Up and Candidate Support

• Ownership of specific program logistics planning and management.
• Act as host or co-host (MC) during Cohorts
• Work together with the Event Planning Team on program and candidate event details.
• Engage in the production of program materials (PowerPoint Presentations, PDFs, etc.).
• Assist the Associate Director of Programs with instructor/speaker procurement and support.
• Process and record data from program evaluation surveys including net promoter score.

Candidate Support with Program Counselor

• Act as a coach and consultant to current education program candidates.
• Serve as a point of contact for candidates in assigned certification programs along with backup and support for all current and potential candidates.
• Engage in candidate communications.
• Serve as backup support for tracking candidate progress and coordinate communications with candidates regarding their progress.
• Maintain an active class list of candidates.
• Respond to all program inquiries (phone/email) in a timely, professional manner.
• Utilize appropriate technology for communication to program candidate groups and maintain processes for engaging candidates through this and other tools, when suitable.

Other Duties

• Support Sales Team efforts by providing critical updates, sharing program experiences.
• Assist in the update of quiz and chapter questions for CPWA, CIMA and RMA certifications.
• Host and/or deliver program webinars, as needed.
• Work with operational teams for certification programs.
• Work with outside organizations, suppliers and vendors, as needed.
• Participate in training sessions to receive updated information about new and current programs, services, application processes and certification requirements, etc.
• Carry out such other responsibilities as may be delegated by supervisor and Institute Leadership.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or related Certification (in training & development or meeting planning) and 5+ years working in an education or association environment preferred.
• Comfort with coaching and consulting activities.
• 2+ years – demonstrated proficiency with learning management system platforms preferred
• Experience in Financial Services Industry preferred
• Experience working in client or member services along with serving sophisticated clientele is preferred.
• Experience in public speaking for in-person and virtual events, preferred.
• Comfort and ease in managing multiple programs simultaneously.
• Experience with online learning technologies.
• Experience working with a variety of organizational stakeholders including members, students/candidates, instructors/speakers, and volunteers, preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Advanced knowledge of video conferencing platforms including Zoom.
• Ideal candidate is a quick, receptive, and intuitive learner and is comfortable learning new technologies.
• Ability to work well with others, motivate candidates, meet program and project deadlines, and manage tasks and activities.
• Positive attitude and energy with a sustainable work ethic.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Professional attire (as necessary) and professional personal presentation are required.
• Willing and able to provide superior customer service by email, phone, and in person.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility with changing plans, timelines, and external events.
• Travel required - up to 25%, including occasional trips of 4-5 consecutive days; possible consecutive trips to accommodate in-person program and event schedules.