Program Specialist – Leadership Development

Socket.dev; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The National FFA Organization is seeking a Program Specialist – Leadership Development to design, implement, and continuously improve national leadership programs for students in grades 5-12 and college. You will manage logistics, timelines, budgets, and develop curricula and digital learning resources, while leveraging emerging educational technologies to create engaging experiences.

Based in Indianapolis, this role requires strong program management, collaboration, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in program development and leadership training.
• Experience planning large-scale national events such as conferences.
• Strong data analysis for program improvement and reporting.
• Ability to manage budgets and logistics across multiple programs.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate leadership development programs aligned with mission and standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of initiatives.
• Direct planning and delivery of national-level programs and events.
• Develop curricula, digital courses, and training resources; leverage modern educational methods.
• Create learner-centered resources for students, teachers, and volunteers.
• Monitor program performance using data and participant feedback to drive improvements.
• Oversee planning, analysis, and reporting for leadership programs to stakeholders.
• Manage the online learning platform ensuring accessibility and engagement.

Skills

Leadership program design

Event planning

Stakeholder management

Logistics coordination

Vendor negotiations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education/leadership/agricultural education

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Learning Management System (LMS)

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Specialist – Leadership Development serves as a key member of the National FFA Organization’s leadership development team, with primary responsibility for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of national leadership programs that support personal and professional growth of FFA members in grades 5-12 and collegiate students. This role directly supports the organization’s vision by cultivating the next generation of leaders through engaging, educational, and student-centered experiences.

The Program Specialist will direct the delivery of a variety of high-impact programs, which could include Washington Leadership Conference, State Officer Programs, National Officer Selection Process, National Officers, Member Leadership Series, Convention Arena programming, and FFA’s online learning platform.

This position requires strong program management capabilities and a solutions-focused mindset, as the Program Specialist is responsible for handling all logistics, timelines, and budgets associated with their assigned programs. In addition, the role involves content development, curriculum planning, and the integration of emerging educational methodologies and technologies to create modern, engaging learning experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage, design, develop, implement, and evaluate leadership development programs that align with the National FFA Organization’s mission and educational standards.
• Collaborate with team members, supervisors, and cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of leadership initiatives.
• Direct the planning and delivery of national-level programs.
• Direct the development of specialized curriculum, digital courses, training resources, evaluation strategies, and quality standards for FFA programming.
• Create, develop, and deliver student-centered, chapter-centered, and teacher-centered learning resources.
• Analyze and address program performance using data and participant feedback for improvement and recommend solutions for greater program efficiency and impact.
• Manage program planning, analysis, and reporting for leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage FFA’s online learning platform, ensuring accessibility and engagement across diverse audiences.
• Utilize digital tools and learning management systems to enhance program delivery.
• Budget management ($2 million), ensuring responsible financial practices, create budget proposals and financial analysis to support planning and reporting. Onsite management of all aspects of assigned student leadership conferences including:
• Registration and content delivery
• Participant health and safety
• Student discipline and emergency management
• Communication, facilitator feedback and coaching
• Conference logistics

SKILLS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

Job Knowledge

• Recruit, interview, train, and coach seasonal trainers, facilitators, and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain systems that enhance coordination and communication among program staff and support teams.
• Execute and collaborate on contract negotiations with vendors and external partners.
• Manage all program logistics including scheduling, venue and travel coordination, staffing, materials preparation, and technology needs.

Work Product

• Direct resource allocation and workload assignments to maximize team efficiency.
• Plan and execute large-scale national events, including FFA’s National Convention.
• Effectively prioritize, organize, and multitask.
• Exhibit accuracy, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrate excellent program management skills.
• Provide facilitator feedback and coaching during and after events.

Customer Focus

• Engage with diverse internal and external stakeholders, providing exceptional customer service
• Represent the organization at conferences, meetings, and other events, maintaining professionalism.

Dependability

• Respond, and support facilitators during travel to and from National FFA events and during events, including overnight assistance if needed.
• Perform additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned to support organizational and programmatic goals.
• Adapt to changing environments
• Work independently and reliably in dynamic settings

Teamwork

• Prioritize tasks effectively and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and solutions-focused team culture.
• Foster a collaborative spirit among program staff and support teams.

Communication

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in facilitating both small and large groups.
• Represent the organization with professionalism and strong public speaking presence.

Belonging

• Fosters and contributes to a welcoming, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for all FFA colleagues, students, teachers, and stakeholders.
• Promote organizational values through leadership and collaboration.
• Prioritizes staff and member well-being.
• Actively challenges prejudice and promotes inclusivity, dignity, and respect.
• Demonstrates kindness, accountability, and care for others.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in education, leadership, agricultural education or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in program development, educational content delivery, leadership training, program management, facilitation experience or other relevant experience.
• Previous leadership, management and/or supervisory experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Light sedentary work. May lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Employees are required to have close visual acuity to perform activities; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Some work is required outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, to support program and events. This position will be based at the office in Indianapolis, which is an indoor, cubicle environment.

TRAVEL

Frequent travel (up to 20% Travel) is required for program delivery, site visits, and national events. Needs to be eligible for rental car privileges.

OVERNIGHT TRAVEL

As applicable, travel will include up to three, 5-10 day long, conference/event on-site management.

FFA VALUES

Integrity: “Upfront and Honest Always” – Do what is right, all the time. Choose Courage over Comfort. Be open and Truthful

Respect: “We Before Me” – Be Considerate and Courteous. Respect differences in all interactions. Encourage and recognize others.

Accountability: “Do It, Own It” – Take Initiative, do what you say you will do. Own Mistakes.