Description

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world’s largest organization representing professional counselors in various practice settings.  

Our vision: We are the preeminent advocate and resource for professional counselors and their clients in a world where everyone has access to mental health services.

Our mission: Advancing the counseling profession, mental health and well-being through education, advocacy, community, inclusion and research.

Our values: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Proactive Leadership, Professional Community & Relationships, Scientific Practice & Knowledge, Social Justice & Empowerment.

All American Counseling Association team members are encouraged, supported, and expected to demonstrate The Way We Work Values: Be Flexible, Be Creative, Be Empowered, Be Inquisitive, Be Collaborative and Be Respectful. 

JOB PURPOSE

The Director of Education & Content Strategy is responsible for developing the strategy and administering the content delivered for professional development and online resources. The Director is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating content and education strategies that align with ACA’s strategic plan and membership needs. The Director will work in conjunction with leadership to design and implement innovative instructional design and delivery efforts. This is a hands-on role directly responsible for managing the development and administration of content for education programs for members and/or the public. This position has supervisory responsibilities.

In addition to the list of responsibilities below, the Director of Education & Content Strategy will carry out assigned tasks that are consistent with the general responsibilities of the position. 

DIMENSIONS AND DEPARTMENT ORG CHART

•  4 Direct Reports
• Attendance at the ACA Annual Conference

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, evaluate, and improve the organization’s content strategy(s).
• Develop a global, content distribution strategy to grow non-dues revenue. 
• Work with staff and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop innovative, sophisticated, and robust educational solutions, design curricula, and identify SMEs to deliver program content that enhances and meets the learning objectives of participants. These offerings include but are not limited to annual conference programing, online resource-library offerings, webinars, workshops (in-person, asynchronous, virtual, and hybrid), and podcasts. 
• Oversee and manage the development of learning modules and curating content for online learner communities; content may be custom, existing, or from other ACA or partner sources. 
• Assist in the creation of post-program survey design to produce data on learner success and program objectives. 
• Develop and foster relationships with key stakeholders, including members, staff, and corporate partners to cultivate and lead content development, strategy, and design. 
• Evaluate, edit, and enforce editorial standards. 
• Create efficient content creation processes through cross-team collaboration. 
• Manage content creators and freelance writers. 
• Lead efforts to optimize content according to the latest SEO best practices. 
• Develop and maintain a content calendar. 
• Keep track of KPIs to measure the effectiveness of the strategy/ content. 
• Ensure that the content helps drive business goals and member engagement. 
• Ensure all content adheres to brand standards, brand voice, and core values. 
• Bring forward new ideas. 
• Identify content partners, new methodologies, and formats around virtual learning and community building. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of educational resources for relevance, organizational need, and value-added benefit with respect to ACA’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. 
• Seek and maintain knowledge and awareness of current issues, trends, theories, and research affecting the medical liability industry. 
• Develop and manage budgets for all educational offerings and department operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovatively, and creatively using sound business judgment and quantitative skills. Results-driven, diplomatic, collaborative, and possessing a data informed mindset. 
• Strong leadership, organizational and communication skills; understanding of quality principles, professionalism, continuous learning, customer focus, teamwork and partnering skills; ability to manage multiple projects & campaigns simultaneously, adhere to deadlines and adapt to change. 
• Ability to create and deliver highly effective presentations to senior leadership. 
• Strong business acumen. Self-directed, highly motivated, deadline driven, and customer-service focused with the ability to work independently with a high level of personal accountability to produce results rapidly and within deadlines. A strong leader adept at leading and developing high-performing teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Master's degree preferred. 
• At least 5 years of experience as a practicing counselor preferred. 
• At least 8-10 years of experience in content strategy and content development. Experience in Association educational design/programming preferred. 
• 5-7 years' experience in online and mobile learning technologies preferred.  
• Comprehensive knowledge of learning formats to ensure a variety of learning experiences are offered. 
• Experience implementing virtual programming on a variety of platforms. 
• Knowledge of continuing education accreditation compliance, desired. 
• Experience developing, writing, and editing educational content. 
• Strong project management, follow up and follow-through skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines and budgets. 
• Experience in managing others, including outside vendor partners and promoting a positive team environment with an eye on helping team members gain the skills needed to succeed and advance. 
• High level of technical acumen required to explore and figure out new tools and technologies. 
• Familiar with the latest trends in digital media, including social media, and marketing. 
• Attention to detail and ability to create processes that include establishing and meeting schedules and deadlines.

LOCATION AND FLEXIBILITY, #LI-Hybrid Location: Candidates must reside in the Greater DC, Maryland, Virginia area. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The position requires the ability to operate computer equipment, telephone, and general office equipment to generate and transmit communications.