Professional Development Program Specialist

Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM or as needed.

Virginia's community colleges have a 50-year track record of educational excellence and innovation to serve the needs of our citizens and strengthen the Commonwealth's economy. When Virginia's General Assembly established the Virginia Community College System in 1966, the need for a comprehensive system was well known. Over the two decades after the end of World War II, leaders in government, business, professional sectors, and academia had called for a new approach to providing educational opportunity. A key concern was Virginia's ability to develop a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to expand the state's economy. Today our community colleges give every Virginian the opportunity to gain a quality education. With 23 colleges on 40 campuses located throughout the state, Virginia's Community Colleges are committed to serving Virginia families, helping them acquire the knowledge and skills to seize the opportunities of today and tomorrow.

The VCCS Student Success Center Logistics Team is seeking a detail-oriented, adaptable professional to support the planning and delivery of system-wide professional development conferences and trainings for Virginia's Community Colleges. The Professional Development Program Specialist position is well suited for someone with experience planning both large, multi-day conferences and smaller meetings or trainings, who enjoys organizing complex programming, solving problems in real time, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders in support of staff who serve community college students across the Commonwealth.

The ideal candidate is calm under pressure, highly organized, and service-minded, with a strong commitment to clear communication, teamwork, and respectful customer service. Success in this role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a dynamic environment.

The Professional Development Program Specialist position is based at the Virginia Community College System Office in Midlothian, Virginia, and requires regular in-person work. Limited telework may be available based on program needs but is not guaranteed and is subject to change. While work schedules are largely weekday-based, peak program periods may require nontraditional hours. Travel within the Commonwealth is required.

Additional Details

The Student Success Center provides and supports professional development meetings, trainings, summits, and conferences for faculty, staff, administrators, and stakeholders in support of Virginia's Community Colleges' mission. This Professional Development Program Specialist supports all phases of these events - from initial planning and concept development through onsite delivery and evaluation - ensuring programs are well-coordinated and executed to meet departmental needs.

Working in collaboration with department leads, procurement, fiscal services, and venue staff, this role supports planning documentation, venue and service procurement, and the coordination of people, resources, and logistics necessary for successful program delivery.

* Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

* Demonstrated ability to remain calm, flexible, and solutions-focused in fast-moving environments

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and service-oriented approach

* Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a wide range of internal and external partners, including staff, vendors, venues, sponsors, and speakers.

* Proven problem-solving skills, including the ability to anticipate needs and adapt to changing circumstances

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, event management platforms, and related planning tools

* Working knowledge of procurement, contracting, and budget tracking within established guidelines

* Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with vendors, venues, speakers, sponsors, and staff

* Ability to negotiate contracts with vendors to ensure quality services/products to meet the program needs and fiscal parameters

* Ability to operate within the approved guidelines to ensure costs are controlled and in line with state guidelines

* Strong customer service mindset with attention to detail and follow-through

* Ability to set up, operate, and troubleshoot basic audiovisual and technology equipment

* Demonstrated excellence in successful event management and planning of conferences, or large-scale professional development trainings

* Familiarity with higher education, state agencies, or system-level organizations

* Two or more years of experience in the field of event planning in various settings, included but not limited to: higher education, state agencies, hospitality industries, and/or related professional associations

* Knowledge of hospitality, venue management, or sponsor/exhibitor coordination

Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification required for entry into position: Required: *

* Proven use of eVA purchasing system

* Experience using Canva, Illustrator, or other graphic design/signage creation software

None

Travel is required.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth's Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services ( DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired ( DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155

This position is a state classified position. All classified employees new to the Commonwealth of Virginia will serve a 12-month probationary period. The VCCS offers competitive compensation along with excellent benefits and opportunity for career development.

The Virginia Community College System ( VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.

The Virginia Community College System ( VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts ( ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.