Careers

Associations International is a full-service association management firm providing services and support for international and domestic associations. We focus on the needs of each of our partner associations, helping them build their membership, promote their missions, and support their value. 

Above all, we nourish their ability to grow. We hire diverse and talented people who drive the success of our partner associations by bringing their talents, passions, and expertise to the team. We pride ourselves on creating a culture of respect and belonging and are proud to have been named a Best Places to Work in Kentucky award recipient for ten years and counting! 

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The International Coaching Federation & Foundation (ICF) is the largest resource for business and personal coaches, representing more than 40,000 members and 30,000 credential holders. ICF supports and preserves the integrity of coaching through standards supported by the individual membership.   

The Director of Strategic Initiatives for ICF Credentials and Standards will be responsible for leading programmatic initiatives in support of the organization’s strategic plan and its mission to elevate professional standards in coaching. This role will work closely with International Coaching Federation staff and volunteers, as well as external partners, in the development and delivery of products that offer high value, impact, and quality to ICF Credential-holders and candidates, including new certifications, certification exams, publications and resources, and web-based training development and delivery. This role is charged with leading the day-to-day management of strategic projects and initiatives, including managing budgets and resources, timelines, deliverables, stakeholder relationships, and monitoring and evaluation activities. 

Key responsibilities will include the development and delivery of online trainings, creation of digital publications and resources to expand ICF Credential and Standards global brand awareness, leading the development of new specialty certification and certificate programs, and managing efforts to develop certification items and exams, in collaboration with external vendors, consultants, and subject matter expert (SME) volunteers.

FUNCTIONS

• Partners with the ICF Credentials and Standards Vice President to ensure organizational success and achievement of strategic plan goals
• Leads the development and delivery of new credentialing products and services, including specialty certifications and certificate programs
• Oversees the creation of digital publications, candidate handbooks, and other resources designed to provide critical guidance to current and prospective ICF Credentialing candidates while expanding and elevating ICF Credentials and Standards’ global brand awareness
• Builds collaborative partnerships across the ICF family of organizations and with external partners to advance professional coaching standards and expand the impact of ICF Credentials and Standards
• Leads content creation for ICF Credentialing marketing materials aligned with ICF Credentials and Standards tone and key messages
• Serves as liaison to designated committees and task forces of the ICF Credentials and Standards Global Board of Directors
• Oversees the development and delivery of web-based training programs designed to support the ICF Credentialing program and performance evaluation processes
• Coordinates with external psychometric consultants to manage ongoing certification item and exam development activities
• Represents the ICF Credentials and Standards at conferences and events, as requested 
• Provides customer support and assist, as needed, with inquiries related to ICF Credentialing program

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years’ experience in association management, professional certification, or nonprofit program management, or a graduate degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology or similar discipline with 2-3 years’ experience in association management, professional certification, or nonprofit program management
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects 
• Proven ability to anticipate challenges and apply well-informed solutions and process improvements
• Proven pro-active, self-directed, results-oriented approach with the demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals
• Previous experience in volunteer management
• Outstanding interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships within diverse environments
• Demonstrated record of working with others to develop, evaluate, and execute complex projects and change initiatives
• Strong problem-solving skills predicated on solid information gathering and analytical thinking
• Previous experience with policy/standards development, evaluation, and compliance
• Skilled in the use of a variety of technology tools (MS Office, Customer Relationship Management systems, instructional design/course authoring software, etc.)
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong leadership skills

WHY JOIN ASSOCIATIONS INTERNATIONAL?

• Flexibility: remote, hybrid, and in office options
• Competitive compensation: based on skills and experience
• Benefits: Full benefit package including medical, and company paid dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Retirement: 401(k) plan which includes company contributions
• Time Off: Comprehensive time off to do the things you love including holidays, vacation, sick, and floating holidays.
• Culture: Best Places to Work in Kentucky award recipient 2013- 2021.

Associations International is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. AI recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires support in applying, please reach out to our HR team at 859-219-356