The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), located in Washington, DC, represents the nation’s nearly one million workers across the plastics industry supply chain. PLASTICS is seeking a Director of Education to lead the Association's professional education strategy to advance workforce development, enhance member value, and drive non-dues revenue growth. PLASTICS provides unlimited paid time off, generous medical benefits, and competitive salaries. This position is based in Washington, DC, and offers a hybrid work schedule of three days per week in the office.

Cessna & Associates, LLC has been retained by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) to lead the recruitment and search process for this position.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President of Events & Marketing, the Director of Education oversees the development, delivery, and growth of a portfolio of educational products and learning experiences, including online and in-person courses, certificate programs, webinars, workshops, and event-based education.

Working closely with industry experts, volunteer leaders, and internal stakeholders, the Director identifies emerging workforce and market needs and develops innovative learning solutions that serve plastics industry professionals and companies. This role is responsible for portfolio strategy, product development, financial performance, learning technologies, and team leadership.

This position combines strategic planning with hands-on execution and is ideal for an entrepreneurial leader who is passionate about workforce development, adult learning, and building innovative educational programs that create value for both learners and the Association.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute the Association's education and workforce development strategy; identify, evaluate, launch, and scale new educational products, programs, and revenue-generating opportunities, aligned with organizational goals.
Lead the design, development, implementation, growth, and continuous improvement of educational products and learning experiences.
Develop annual business plans, budgets, revenue forecasts, and performance metrics.
Monitor metrics results and optimize investments, leveraging market research, competitive analysis, and member needs assessments to inform portfolio decisions.
Partner with subject matter experts, instructors, volunteer leaders, industry stakeholders, and internal teams to develop high-quality educational programming that remains current and responsive to industry, technology, workforce, and regulatory trends.
Oversee speaker/facilitator recruitment and management, session development, content review, instructional design, and educational quality standards for all learning experiences including conferences and events.
Oversee the Association's learning management system (LMS) and related technology platforms, ensuring effective enrollment, communications, reporting, and operational processes.
Establish and monitor measures of learner satisfaction, program effectiveness, business impact, and return on investment.
Maintain awareness of adult learning, professional education, credentialing, and workforce development trends and apply best practices to strengthen the portfolio.
Drive innovation in instructional design, learner engagement, and delivery methods.
Lead, coach, and develop education staff while fostering a collaborative, results-oriented culture.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and adjust to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results
Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit
Excellent analytical, strategic, problem-solving, organizational, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to influence diverse stakeholders
Ability to work well autonomously and collectively to build consensus amongst internal and external stakeholders
Ability to provide customer service to internal and external stakeholders
An earnest work ethic and dedication to the collective success of the organization in service of its membership
A commitment to promoting and working in an inclusive and diverse environment with a variety of colleagues from multiple backgrounds
A commitment to embody and uphold PLASTICS’ core values of ethics, unity, impact, optimism, and innovation in all interactions and responsibilities

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in education, adult learning, instructional design, organizational development, business administration, or a related field; or equivalent experience
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in talent development, education, association management, or related discipline
Demonstrated success developing and growing revenue-generating educational products, programs, or business lines including certificate programs, credentialing initiatives, or structured professional development pathways
Experience working in talent development within a trade association, professional society, nonprofit organization, or manufacturing environment preferred
Experience working with subject matter experts, volunteer leaders, advisory committees, and industry partners on program development
Proficiency managing learning management systems and educational technology platforms
Deep understanding of talent development, adult learning principles, and instructional design methodologies
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

At least three years of experience in a leadership and people management role
Experience with LearnUpon
Professional credentials such as Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), or I.C.E. Certified Credentialing Professional (ICE-CCP)
Knowledge of manufacturing, plastics, sustainability, or related industrial sectors

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples to Cessna & Associates via the submit button.

Salary: $113,000 – $141,000

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at jobs@cessnasearch.com or contact 202-232-1765.

ABOUT THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is a purpose-driven organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain. From the technological advancements plastics enable to the possibilities they create, PLASTICS is dedicated to helping members shape the future and make a positive impact every day.

Together, employees at PLASTICS help shape the direction of the plastics industry while learning, growing, and making meaningful contributions along the way.

PLASTICS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

ABOUT CESSNA & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven organizations. Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.

Director, Education