Training Implementation Specialist

Founded in 1971, the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is a national nonprofit and a certified community development financial institution dedicated to helping local rural organizations build affordable homes by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, training, research, and information services. HAC’s mission is to improve housing conditions for the rural poor, with an emphasis on the poorest of the poor in the most rural places, particularly regions and populations with high needs: Native American communities, the Mississippi Delta, farmworkers, the southwest border colonias, and Appalachia.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Training Implementation Specialist is a strategic and tech-savvy professional responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of training events from webinars to large national conferences. The Training Specialist will execute sophisticated registration and marketing systems, website pages, ensure seamless venue logistics, and develop engaging marketing materials adhering to brand guidelines. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and customer service skills, the ability to manage simultaneous tasks and events, and have a proactive approach to contingency planning to ensure each event is seamlessly executed.

The position is open to candidates located anywhere in the contiguous United States, within a two-hour drive of a major airport, enabling occasional travel as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Logistics: Organize logistics for all training formats: webinars, classroom sessions, peer exchanges, and conferences, ensuring each event is executed smoothly and meets organizational standards.
  • Lead the planning and coordination of the biennial National Rural Housing Conference, orchestrating all aspects from theme development to vendor selection, participant engagement, and logistical arrangements, ensuring the flagship event showcases innovation and excellence.
  • Organize logistics for 6-12 place-based trainings annually including classroom sessions, peer exchanges, and conferences, ensuring each event is executed smoothly and meets organizational standards.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of 10-20 webinars annually, including scheduling, technology setup, participant registration, and post-event follow-up, to ensure high-quality delivery and alignment with organizational standards.
• Contractor and Venue Management:
  • Identify, secure, and manage contracts with external vendors, including venues, speakers, caterers, and technology providers. Coordinate and manage setup and specific requirements for each event, such as technology, accessibility, or security.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, answering questions and resolving issues as they arise.
• Comprehensive Project Management:
  • Utilize project management tracking tools to oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, ensuring deliverables meet standards and timelines.
  • Develop and maintain detailed project documentation, including timelines, budgets, and vendor lists.
• Marketing and Content Creation:
  • Create engaging and informative marketing materials, ensuring content is compelling, brand-aligned, and tailored to target audiences. This includes brochures, email campaigns, website content, and social media posts.
  • Utilize SEO principles and analytics to optimize content reach and engagement.
  • Design and manage sophisticated registration systems tailored to different audience types, enhancing the registration process and
  • attendee experience.

• Technical Expertise:
  • Expertise in use of CRM databases, marketing system, event management system, and website CMS for event execution.
  • Committed to timely and accurate data entry and hygiene, ensuring accuracy and completeness in records and reporting.
  • Adept at collaboration and project management using Microsoft Planner, Loop or OneNote, and Teams.
• Attendee Management and Support:
  • Provide exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and issues with professionalism and efficiency, and ensuring a positive event experience.
  • Manage all aspects of onsite registration. Prepare event materials such as nametags and signage, ensuring all materials contribute to a cohesive event identity.
• Risk Management and Contingency Planning: Proactively identify potential risks associated with event planning and develop contingency plans to mitigate risks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and Experience: An undergraduate degree in Marketing, Communications, Hospitality Management, Public Relations, Education, or a related field, or five years of related experience. Demonstrated interest in adult learning, customer service, event coordination, digital marketing, and social justice.
• Marketing Expertise: Creative and strategic thinker, with the ability to create compelling marketing materials that incorporate style guidelines and resonate with diverse audiences.
• Project Management Expertise: Exceptional event planning and management, contractor procurement and oversight, and experience using project management tools.
• Collaboration in a Virtual Work Environment: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with the capability to demonstrate initiative and foster relationships in a virtual environment.
• Platforms and Systems: A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analytics, marketing systems, website management platforms, familiarity with, and the ability to adapt to new technologies.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong emphasis on engaging with and responding to customers in a clear, respectful, and effective manner, ensuring high-quality service experiences.
• Attention to Detail: Exhibits thoroughness with a commitment to quality and precision. Expert in strategizing and evaluating options to ensure optimal outcomes, while clearly communicating expectations and equipping team members with necessary resources for success. Capable of managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, embodying the essence of effective planning.
  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

HAC offers competitive wages, benefits, and growth opportunities consistent with industry standards. Flexible benefits packages include health insurance; life and other insurance; financial benefits, to include a retirement plan with partial employer match; time off; and work/life benefits, to include education assistance. Salary range is $68,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

This role routinely:

• Uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, printers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• Uses the English language to engage with internal and external stakeholders by phone, email, and in person. The employee is expected to be able to accurately exchange information with stakeholders.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

HAC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. HAC’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.