Certification Programs Manager (remote)

In January 2022, the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) launched the Longitudinal Education and Assessment for Diplomates (LEAD) program replacing the previous ten-year recertification process. During your first year as the Certification Programs Manager, you will drive the continued rollout, feature development, and ongoing innovations for the LEAD program and manage the Continuous Certification process. We will rely on your ability to manage shifting priorities as we navigate the inaugural year of this highly ambitious and cutting-edge continuous learning program. Working with the IT vendor and your Certification Services team members, you will develop a system to track program participation and progression for our 7,000 ABFAS diplomates. In addition to creating a system to audit certification requirements, such as hospital/ surgical privileges and continuing education (CE) credits, you will partner with external organizations to develop collaborative and complementary education programs for LEAD participants. Naturally, we’ll draw on your credentialing and education experience, program coordination skills, and product management knowledge to oversee the execution of the LEAD program. Unlike many certification manager roles, you will not be simply maintaining an established program; here you will build systems and develop processes during the program’s early implementation phase. This is an opportunity to be creative and have a true impact on the program’s trajectory.

Every day you will support ABFAS diplomates as they cycle into the program, working with the Certification Services team to answer questions about requirements, provide technical assistance, and advise on policy for special cases as they arise. You will manage the relationship with the IT vendor, keeping them continually updated on system requirements, identifying what needs to be tested, and serving as the primary liaison for ABFAS. Additionally, you will work with the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) to align ABFAS’ activities to meet their requirements, ensuring CE credits are awarded to individuals who develop our exams and diplomates who participate in the LEAD program. As part of the four-person Certification Services department, you will collaborate with the Examinations, Information Systems, and Communications teams regularly to ensure a smooth and seamless process for diplomates to maintain their board certification.

At ABFAS, we strive to protect and improve the health and welfare of the public by advancing the art and science of foot and ankle surgery. To accomplish this goal, ABFAS grants certification status to candidates who successfully meet the ABFAS standard of   competency and proficiency in the art and science of foot and ankle surgery.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operations of the LEAD Program and Continuous Certification process and ensure goals and objectives are met.
• Manage the continuing education process and compliance with the CPME; ensure diplomates are issued continuing education credits for LEAD participation and committee work.
• Facilitate regular meetings with senior-level management, directors, and other critical team members to report on the program’s progress and reach critical policy/business decisions.
• Lead our Examinations Preparations Task Force providing assistance to candidates taking any of the ABFAS exam.
• Work with the Communications team to promote ABFAS Continuous Certification.
• Collaborate with the ABFAS psychometrician and Examinations Team to obtain feedback and facilitate future design and program innovations.
• Manage our relationships with technology vendors on initial and subsequent contracts to define requirements and implement processes and technology solutions. Serve as the primary liaison between ABFAS staff and vendors.
• Support the Certification Services team in providing member support to diplomates participating in the LEAD Program.
• Prepare summary/narrative reports, as needed, for board of directors or other meetings.
• Represent ABFAS at medical conferences and/or in committee meetings; a few Saturdays and some travel will be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (health, education, public policy, business administration) and 3-5 years of experience in project/program management, preferably in an agile environment, including capturing business requirements for projects in early implementation.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or recognized equivalent is preferred.
• Program management experience in continuing education, credentialing, or professional development with experience determining educational measurements or conducting evaluation studies or testing.
• Working knowledge of the IT vendor landscape and experience managing multiple vendor relationships.
• Experience supporting program committees comprised of volunteer subject matter experts.

Attributes

• Systems thinker. You understand how to leverage the capabilities of software to meet business needs. You can mentally map the inputs, outputs, and interfaces for any system – and translate business needs into technical requirements.
• Project manager. You identify and analyze needs and can implement procedures that enhance productivity. You can juggle multiple projects and tasks, allocate and optimize resources, reduce risks, manage timelines, and get the work done.
• Relationship builder. You have a proven track record of getting results by building and nurturing productive relationships. You are comfortable working with many stakeholders with varying goals and needs. You establish credibility easily and are quickly seen as the go-to person.
• Focused and flexible. You manage to find order through ambiguity. You easily shape answers to questions where no template exists, and you do whatever it takes to get the job done.
• Owner. You are comfortable taking the lead and guiding decisions. You thrive in a team environment, work well independently, and have a reputation for exceptional follow-up. You carry your weight in the team, learning from others and contributing in equal measure. You are confident and share credit easily.
• Adaptable. You can think on the fly, shift gears, and keep commitments in the midst of situations that are sometimes out of your control. You skillfully manage numerous daily commitments and competing priorities.
• Effective communicator. You are clean and succinct in your communications. You can easily adjust your message, without sacrificing content, consistency, or service delivery.

What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?

• This is a highly visible, collaborative, and creative position in an organization where everyone communicates with each other, everyone trusts each other, and everyone’s expertise is respected and recognized. 
• We value your growth and professional development and will invest in you. You will have access to LinkedIn Learning and go to the annual Institute for Credentialing Excellence Exchange conference. We will encourage you to take advantage of our tuition reimbursement program.
• Our board of directors is phenomenal – they are innovative and supportive, and they trust us to get the work done.
• We offer a robust benefits package that includes a 35-hour workweek, generous paid leave plan, 100% company paid medical/dental/vision/life benefits for the employee, 4% company match retirement contribution, and more.

To Apply

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.

Simply email your resume to Lilly Khan at resumes@staffingadvisors.com with “ABFAS – Certification Programs Manager #2022-2696 ASAE” as the subject of the email. 

Please note: our practice is to not disclose the salary ranges our clients would consider. Any salary information included in this posting was estimated without our input.

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