Job Description
Cultivate Learning has an outstanding opportunity for a temporary Events and Training Program Manager to join their team.
About this Opportunity
Reporting to the Senior Director of Training, the Events and Training Program Manager plays a critical leadership role in developing and executing the strategy for Cultivate Learning's conferences, institutes, trainings, and virtual/in-person events. In collaboration with Cultivate Learning Directors and Executive Team, this position executes on the full lifecycle of program design, execution, and continuous improvement from initial vision and budget development through data-informed evaluation and reporting. The Program Manager exercises independent judgment to troubleshoot high-visibility challenges in real time, manages significant vendor and partner relationships, and builds the systems and workflows that ensure Cultivate Learning's events reflect the organization's quality standards and mission. This role also uses participant and outcomes data to drive continuous quality improvement, partnering with the Community Engaged Research and Evaluation (CERE) unit to translate program data into actionable insight for center leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Event Leadership and Partner Relations (35%)
- In collaboration with the Executive team and senior leadership, develop the vision, strategy, and execution plan for Cultivate Learning's institutes, conferences, trainings, and center-wide live events.
- Own and manage relationships with event speakers, community and funding partners, and other stakeholders, exercising judgment in shaping partnerships that advance Cultivate Learning's mission.
- Represent Cultivate Learning at external events, meetings, and partner engagements.
- Develop, negotiate, and finalize contracts for venues, vendors, A/V production, and catering, ensuring alignment with University fiscal and contract policy.
- Develop and lead risk management and contingency planning, independently resolving unexpected challenges without disrupting event delivery.
- Develop and own event budgets from initial forecasting through final reconciliation, including monitoring and reporting on financial performance to leadership.
- Establish internal workflow guidelines, procedures, and evaluation protocols to ensure consistent, high-quality program delivery across the team.
- Lead registration for in-person and virtual events, trainings, and webinars, including registration questions, calendars, and reminders with participants.
- Coordinate with internal teams to align agendas, presenters, timelines, and logistics for events.
Data, Evaluation, and Continuous Quality Improvement (30%)
- In collaboration with directors, lead data collection efforts across all trainings, conferences, and events, including participant surveys and other feedback mechanisms.
- Independently analyze participant and outcomes data to identify trends, strengths, and opportunities for improvement.
- Partner with the Community Engaged Research and Evaluation (CERE) unit to develop reports on training, conference, and event outcomes that inform center strategy and continuous quality improvement.
- Generate summative and process evaluation reports for center leadership, translating data into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Use evaluation findings to redesign and improve future programming, marketing, and outreach strategies.
Virtual and Hybrid Program Leadership (20%)
- Set strategy and standards for virtual and hybrid event delivery, including platform selection (Zoom, Cvent, and related tools).
- Serve as the senior technical and production lead for high-visibility virtual events, resolving complex technical issues independently under time pressure.
- Lead planning and readiness sessions with facilitators and presenters to ensure polished, professional delivery.
- Serve as the primary technical host during virtual events, including managing breakout rooms, chat, polls, screen sharing, and accessibility features.
- Oversee accessibility and inclusive design standards across all virtual and hybrid programming.
Program Coordination, Documentation, and Post-Event Strategy (15%)
- Oversee the scheduling, sequencing, and cross-team coordination of in-person and virtual events, trainings, and webinars.
- Direct the development and distribution of post-event materials, including recordings, attendance reports, and follow-up communications.
- Develop and document event surveys using UW approved tools such as Survey Monkey or Qualtrics.
- Ensure documentation and retention practices comply with University policy.
- Document lessons learned and lead recommendations for improving future events, incorporating data and stakeholder feedback.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree (Business, Communication, Social Sciences, or related field) and 2+ years of progressively responsible experience in event or program management, including budget ownership, vendor negotiation, and independent decision-making.
- Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
Additional Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment to resolve complex, high-visibility challenges without close supervision.
- Experience designing and using data collection and evaluation processes to inform program strategy and continuous improvement.
- Advanced communication and relationship-management skills, including experience representing an organization externally and with partners, funders or stakeholders as well as deep problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot unexpected challenges without disrupting events.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with shifting priorities and deadlines.
- Experience in customer-facing roles (e.g., hospitality, public information, or similar)
- Experience overseeing event budgets from initial forecasting through final reconciliation. This includes developing, monitoring and maintaining strict alignment with approved event budgets.
- Strong expertise with virtual facilitation tools (e.g., Zoom, Cvent)
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and establish workflows, procedures, and quality standards.
- Highly organized with advanced project management and problem-solving skills in fast-paced, high-visibility environments.
- Experience supporting online or hybrid learning environments. Comfortable problem solving quickly in live, high visibility settings.
- Highly organized with advanced attention to detail. Excellent coordination and project management skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience partnering with research or evaluation teams to translate data into strategic recommendations.
- Familiarity with accessibility and inclusive virtual practices.
- Experience leading large-scale or multi-session conferences and institutes.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$70,008.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$75,000.00 annual
Other Compensation:
-
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a temporary position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not Applicable
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.