Position Overview 

We are seeking an innovative and dynamic Director of Public and Professional Education to lead and manage education programs and personnel in the creation, development, and delivery of projects designed to improve COPD, Bronchiectasis, and NTM education and awareness, health care delivery, and amplification of the patient and caregiver voice. In this role, the employee is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships to result in successful and productive partnerships, employing effective project management and implementation skills, and managing a team of education development professionals. This role requires knowledge and expertise in digital education solutions and instructional design, leveraging eLearning and other technologies to provide impactful, accessible learning experiences. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Provide managerial oversight of the portfolio of Education programs and projects to ensure alignment with the overall mission, vision, and strategic direction of the COPD Foundation’s educational initiatives.  

  • Identify gaps in the Foundation’s educational offerings and collaborates with team members to address these with innovative, comprehensive, and accurate solutions and content.     

  • Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team that develops, designs, and delivers digital educational content for diverse audiences. 

  • Works collaboratively with COPD Foundation leadership and other departments to develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders including corporate and nonprofit partners, healthcare providers, industry professionals, and patient advocacy groups; strategize with cross-functional leadership and team members to identify new opportunities to improve outcomes for impacted individuals, family members, and healthcare professionals.  

  • Manage direct reports, and increase team member knowledge/skills, accountability, empowerment, and role effectiveness.  

  • Oversee the creation and distribution of instructional materials on topics related to respiratory health, ensuring materials are engaging, accurate, and effective. 

  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure that educational content aligns with current clinical guidelines and is relevant to patient and professional needs. 

  • Oversee the quality and timeliness of education programs and projects to ensure deadlines and expectations are met and exceeded. 

  • Utilize data analytics and feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and continuously improve educational offerings and assess the impact of instructional materials for patients and health care professionals. 

  • Guide the education team on current instructional design techniques and maintain an in-depth understanding of evolving eLearning trends, tools, and best practices to drive continuous innovation in educational delivery. 

  • Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure alignment with branding standards in education deliverables. 

  • Communicate plans and status updates clearly and on a regular basis to leadership and effectively drive cross-functional collaboration and program development. 

  • Monitor budget performance, including budget reconciliations and invoice management. 

  • Serve as the Education advisory expert on committees representing the COPD Foundation. 

  • Work collaboratively across the organization to craft proposals and submit grants for program funding to support strategic and priority education needs of the community. 

 

Education and Experience Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree required in Instructional Design, Education, Health Education, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.  

  • 8-10 years of experience in learning management systems, instructional design, learning engagement tools, and online platforms for professional education in the health care industry; minimum of 5 years in a managerial role overseeing a Public and Professional Education team in healthcare education.  

  • A strong understanding of pulmonology-related conditions (e.g., asthma, COPD, lung cancer, sleep disorders) and the corresponding patient care protocols; licensed RT (Respiratory Therapist) or clinical experience a plus.  

  • In-depth experience and understanding of various educational delivery methods, including in-person workshops, e-learning, webinars, digital education, print, web, and blended learning approaches (audio, video, podcasts, animation, simulation, blogs, etc.) and platforms such as Absorb, Storyline, iSpring, Articulate, Captivate, or similar). 

  • Strong leadership acumen and managerial experience directing a team of education content developers, with strong organizational and project management skills. 

  • Proven ability to create and deliver high-quality written content, including instructional materials and other educational or professional documents. 

  • Expertise in designing and implementing educational initiatives that are not only mission-driven but also have the potential to generate sustainable revenue streams. 

  • Familiarity with integrating emerging technologies, such as AI, VR, and AR, into educational programs to enhance learning experiences. 

  • Understanding of accreditation and compliance requirements for healthcare education programs (e.g., CME, CEU). 

  • Strong time management skills and experience managing multiple, concurrent projects in a matrix organization. 

  • Experience developing and managing budgets. 

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills. 

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. 

  • Business development experience and skills in proposal development and grant writing in the healthcare arena is a plus. 

 

Other Skills and Abilities:   

  • Proficient in MS Office, including Excel and PowerPoint 

  • Willingness to travel for job-related events, meetings, and conferences 

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills to inspire teams, resolve conflicts, and build strong internal and external relationships. 

 

Why Join Us? 

The COPD Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on patient and healthcare provider education. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape educational content and resources that support respiratory health across diverse audiences. We offer competitive compensation, a collaborative work environment, and a chance to work on meaningful projects that make a difference.