POSITION PURPOSE
The Program Manager, Thought Leadership plays a key role in shaping and executing YPO’s signature thought leadership experiences and content. This position is responsible for the design, coordination, and delivery of dynamic, high-impact learning programs for global events ranging from 200 to 2,000 participants.
The Program Manager partners across YPO teams, member champions, speakers, and partners to support and provide transformative, experiential learning journeys that reflect YPO’s mission. This role blends strategic design with operational excellence to ensure every learning program strengthens connection, insight, and impact across YPO’s global community.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Thought Leadership Program Design & Development
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to support the creation and curation of innovative learning experiences aligned with YPO’s strategic priorities.
Translate the thought leadership mega trends and content pillars into compelling formats such as immersive workshops, peer exchanges, keynotes, panels, and experiential sessions.
Ensure learning content reflects YPO’s standards for quality, diversity of thought, and global relevance.
Event Planning & Delivery
Manage event planning and delivery workstreams as assigned to deliver exceptional, only-in-YPO events and experiences, including but not limited to agenda planning, program design and partner management.
Speaker support for events including contracts, asset collection, onsite logistics and communication etc…
Oversee the creation and quality assurance of all program materials and communications to ensure consistency and excellence.
Develop and manage comprehensive program production timelines, deliverables, and milestones across all stakeholders (content, logistics, speakers, technology, and member leaders).
Manage session flow, run-of-show documents, and onsite/virtual execution of learning sessions, ensuring professional and polished delivery.
Stakeholder and Partner Collaboration
Build strong partnerships with member leaders, event chairs, and internal teams to co-create impactful learning agendas.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing to ensure consistency of message, tone, and experience.
Manage relationships with third-party providers (content designers, AV teams, production agencies, and facilitators) to maintain YPO’s global quality standards.
Supervise program coordinators or contractors as needed, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and execution standards.
SKILLS
Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural organization with international members, helping them achieve excellence in voluntary roles for YPO initiatives.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong diplomacy skills with the ability to build meaningful relationships with all levels of associates, members and vendors. Adaptable, insightful, empathetic and reliable. Great sense of humor and humility.
Able to maintain discretion and integrity of confidential information.
Resourceful and able to work independently with initiative and common sense. Effective time management, organization and prioritization skills with the ability to focus on varied projects simultaneously.
Possesses a distinct global mindset, sensitive to local and international customs and protocols.
Able to identify problems, research alternatives, provide solutions and/or resolve issues in a timely manner. Anticipates member/internal client needs and delivers with clarity.
Analytical thinker with ability influence and guide processes with appropriate approach and execution. Natural curiosity and desire to learn more; proficiency and interest in applying new technologies and tools.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proof reading, with a meticulous attention to detail. Adjusts communication style appropriately to the audience.
Professional presence, appearance, and stature to interact easily with YPO members, C-level executives and peers at all levels within the organization.
EXPERIENCE/BACKGROUND
5+ years of experience in general administration, program, and project management.
3+ years’ experience in global education and/or learning program design and delivery, focusing on adult learning and content in an association setting
Deep understanding of program development, content creation and curation and evaluation
EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to work flexible and/or extended hours as needed to accommodate members and team members in multiple time zones.
Ability to work for extended hours at a computer screen.
Willingness and ability to travel, domestically and internationally, without restrictions, approximately 20-25% per year.
EOE
YPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. YPO takes pride in supporting a diverse workforce and demonstrates this through its policies and practices. YPO does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
