Leadership Akron

Program Facilitator

Leadership Akron is an independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing community leadership impact & influence. The Program Facilitator position directly reports to Leadership Akron's Vice President of Programs and Operations. (VPPO)

Position Overview

Leadership Akron is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Program Facilitator to lead corporate and community leadership programs in support of our mission.

This position serves as the primary manager for Leadership Akron’s Insight, NEXT, and Community Leadership Institute programs for corporate, community, and senior/seasoned leaders. With support and strategic guidance from the Vice President of Programs & Operations (VPPO) and staff, this role leads end-to-end program operations and participant experience.

They coordinate all pre-program, during-program, and post-program logistics and learning experiences, including program delivery, curriculum management, stakeholder engagement, and program administration. This position is the central point of contact for class members regarding day-to-day participation and supports a high-quality, consistent cohort experience.

Duties include program design, planning, recruitment, execution, and assessment in collaboration with Leadership Akron staff and any applicable program/planning committee(s) and/or corporate and community lead(s)/liaison(s).

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Design & Planning

·         Lead the annual planning cycle for assigned programs, including timelines, session themes, curriculum updates, and cohort calendars.

·         Coordinate speakers, site visits, venues, and program partners to ensure meaningful and well-sequenced learning experiences.

·         Maintain program documentation, run-of-show plans, and internal coordination tools to support consistent delivery.

2. Recruitment & Onboarding

·         Support outreach and recruitment strategies to build strong cohorts, in coordination with staff and partner liaisons.

·         Manage participant selection workflow, confirmations, and onboarding communications.

·         Maintain accurate participant records, rosters, and engagement tracking.

3. Program Delivery & Participant Experience

·         Manage all operational elements of program days and events: schedules, materials, rooms, meals, transportation, staffing, and technology.

·         Facilitate sessions and/or coordinate facilitators and staff support as needed.

·         Provide timely, professional participant care, addressing questions and needs and elevating issues to the VPPO when appropriate.

4. Stakeholder & Volunteer Engagement

·         Build and maintain relationships with speakers, volunteers, alumni, sponsors, and community/corporate partners.

·         Coordinate and support volunteer committees and program advisors to ensure tasks are clear and completed on schedule.

5. Administration, Budgeting & Assessment

·         Track program budgets, purchase requests, and vendor payments within approved limits and organizational processes.

·         Support evaluation and assessment efforts, including surveys, debriefs, and post-program reporting.

·         Use feedback and outcomes to recommend improvements and strengthen future program cycles.

Experience & Qualifications

Planning & Organization — Programs, Projects, and Events (Required)

·         Proven experience planning and coordinating programs, projects, and/or events with multiple stakeholders.

·         Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

·         Strong attention to detail in coordinating logistics for groups of leaders and professionals.

·         Strong organizational and administrative skills; ability to work under pressure and adapt when priorities shift.

Customer/Volunteer Relations & Stakeholder Engagement (Required)

·         Ability and commitment to deliver outstanding experiences and service for program participants as primary customers of the organization.

·         Experience coordinating with volunteers and/or committees to accomplish program goals.

·         Demonstrated relationship-building skills with diverse community and corporate partners.

Education, Facilitation, and Training (Preferred)

·         Experience in education, group facilitation, adult learning, and/or training.

Communications (Required)

·         Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

·         Conscientious and timely management of internal and external communications, including participant, volunteer, and partner correspondence.

Computer & Technology Skills (Required)

·         Comfort and proficiency with common technology tools, including Microsoft Office, virtual meeting platforms, databases/CRMs, and emerging tools such as AI.

Other Requirements (Required)

·         Ability to work a flexible schedule, including staffing early morning meetings and occasional evening events.

·         Demonstrated effectiveness working in a collaborative, team-based environment.

·         Understanding of nonprofit organizations and/or community-based work.

·         Personal experience with volunteering and community involvement.

·         Self-motivated, growth-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.

Education & Experience (Required)

·         Bachelor’s degree in leadership development, education, organizational development, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

·         Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in facilitation, training, adult education, program management, or closely related work.

 Work Arrangements

As a full-time employee of Leadership Akron, this role is expected to prioritize in-person work to support program days, partner engagement, and team planning. Remote and flexible working arrangements are permissible when they do not compromise program quality, participant care, or required qualitative and quantitative deliverables.

Apply

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to hiring@leadershipakron.org with subject line: Program Facilitator