Title: Manager, Education, IAAPA ESA Department: IAAPA ESA Reports To: Executive Director and Vice President, ESA Direct Reports: Associate, Education and Events Location: IAAPA ESA – Brussels, Belgium About IAAPA IAAPA is the global association for the attractions industry. Our purpose is to bring the global attractions family together and our mission is to inspire, grow, and protect the industry through member connections. IAAPA represents the diverse and ever-changing attractions industry. For over a century, IAAPA has connected companies of all sizes and people of all levels to provide meaningful experiences for their guests around the world. IAAPA hosts global events and conferences that provide a showcase for innovation, support trade, and facilitate the sharing of best practices. We also provide valuable tools and resources that make member businesses smarter, safer, and more profitable while delivering guest experiences that delight and provide memories that last a lifetime. Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions; manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants; and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members own and operate a variety of location-based entertainment venues and attractions including amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, and cultural and natural attractions. Overall Responsibilities: The Education Manager for IAAPA Europe & Sub-Saharan Africa (ESA) serves as the strategic lead for the development, delivery, and advancement of the region’s full educational portfolio, including IAAPA Expo Europe’s education program, regional Summits, IAAPA Presents events, and virtual learning initiatives such as Live Chats and Webinars. The role provides leadership to ensure all programs align with IAAPA’s global educational objectives while remaining responsive to the evolving needs of members across the Europe and Sub‑Saharan Africa region. A central responsibility is shaping and executing the educational vision for IAAPA Expo Europe, overseeing more than fifty education sessions and over ten ticketed events, ensuring these are delivered with operational excellence. This includes strategic program design, schedule development, comprehensive speaker management, and full oversight of logistical, technical, and operational requirements, all executed with a high level of precision and attention to detail. The position carries responsibility for budget planning and financial stewardship across the education portfolio, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and programs remain within agreed financial parameters. The Education Manager leads the Call for Presentations process, oversees content governance, and ensures the timely collection, review, and preparation of all speaker materials, including session descriptions, biographies, headshots, and final presentations. Strong communication and relationship management are essential, as the role works extensively with speakers, committee and task force members, volunteers and external partners to ensure clarity, alignment, and operational excellence. Internally, the Education Manager collaborates closely with marketing, event, and sponsorship colleagues to ensure cohesive program promotion, seamless event planning, and the identification of new opportunities for growth and innovation. The role contributes to long‑term strategic planning for the region’s educational direction, ensuring IAAPA remains a leader in education and continues to deliver impactful learning experiences that support the advancement of the global attractions industry. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership Lead the strategic development and direction of IAAPA ESA’s educational portfolio, ensuring alignment with IAAPA’s global education strategy and the evolving needs of the regional membership. Shape the educational vision for IAAPA Expo Europe, regional Summits, IAAPA Presents events, and virtual learning programs, ensuring they advance IAAPA’s mission and industry leadership. Program Development & Delivery Oversee the full development and execution of IAAPA Expo Europe’s education program, including more than 50 education sessions and over 10 ticketed events with educational components. Lead the creation and delivery of year‑round educational initiatives, including Webinars, Live Chats, IAAPA Safety Institute, Institute for Attraction Professionals and other events. Ensure all programs are designed and delivered to a consistently high standard, meeting member expectations and supporting industry advancement. Guide the development of content that is relevant, impactful, and reflective of current and emerging trends within the attractions sector. Lead the development of IAAPA Summit themes, ensuring each event reflects current industry priorities, regional trends, and IAAPA’s strategic objectives. Identify, recruit, and secure high‑caliber keynote speakers who bring thought leadership, industry relevance, and strong member appeal to Summit programs. Oversee the design and delivery of EDUTours within Summit programs, including venue selection, content development, operational logistics, and coordination with host facilities. Operational & Logistical Management Direct all operational planning for educational programs, including scheduling, room assignments, technical requirements, and on‑site logistics, executed with strong attention to detail. Oversee the delivery of EDUTours, Learning Lunches, Breakfasts partnering with stakeholders on venue selection, transportation, food and beverage, audio‑visual needs, and décor. Manage the preparation, shipment, and inventory of educational materials for IAAPA Expo Europe and regional events. Speaker & Content Governance Serve as the primary liaison for speakers, ensuring clear communication, timely submission of materials, and adherence to IAAPA’s content standards. Oversee the collection, review, and approval of session titles, descriptions, biographies, headshots, and final presentations. Lead the Call for Presentations process for IAAPA Expo Europe, including system preparation, administration, evaluation process, committee coordination, and collaboration with marketing. Maintain oversight of content quality, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with IAAPA’s educational objectives. Proactively cultivate relationships with members and industry leaders to identify emerging voices, recruit high‑quality speakers, and attract them to speaker within IAAPA’s educational programs. Stakeholder, Volunteer & Committee Engagement Act as the key point of contact for the Education Committee, volunteer leaders, and regional stakeholders, ensuring strong collaboration and effective program delivery. Coordinate volunteer involvement at IAAPA Expo Europe, including committee members and event ambassadors, ensuring they are briefed, scheduled, and supported. Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, partners, and external providers to ensure seamless execution of all educational activities. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with marketing, event services, sales, and sponsorship teams to ensure cohesive promotion, alignment with organizational goals and successful execution of deliverables. Collaborate with global IAAPA colleagues to ensure consistency across regions and contribute to the development of global education initiatives. Budget & Resource Management Lead budget planning and financial oversight for the ESA education portfolio, ensuring programs are delivered within approved financial parameters. Monitor expenditures, negotiate with vendors, and ensure cost‑effective use of resources. Evaluation & Continuous Improvement Oversee the evaluation of speakers, sessions, and programs, ensuring feedback is collected, analyzed, and reported to leadership. Use evaluation insights to inform future program improvements, strategic planning, and innovation. Identify opportunities to refresh existing programs and introduce new offerings that enhance member value. Additional Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned in support of IAAPA’s mission and regional objectives. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Required: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in education, events management, business administration, hospitality, or a related field. Experience within the attractions, leisure, tourism, or hospitality industry is a must. Experience in educational program development, event management, professional learning, or association management is a plus, but your industry knowledge is what matters most. Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office in particular Excel and PowerPoint. Strong digital literacy with comfort working across multiple systems with strong attention to detail to maintain data, generate reports, and coordinate information across multiple platforms. Demonstrated experience leading complex events or conferences with multiple stakeholders. Proven experience prioritizing and balancing multiple, on-going high-profile projects. Experience working in an international or multi‑regional environment is preferred. Multilingual capability: fluency in English is a must, additional European languages (such as: German, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish) preferred. Some travel and exceptionally working during weekends may be required. What can you expect from us: Working in an international environment with great team members. Flexibility: a good work in the office and work from home balance. You work in the industry of fun, entertainment and amusement; never a dull moment. Meal vouchers and other benefits. Equal Opportunity Employer IAAPA is committed to a diverse and inclusive global workplace and provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs, in accordance with applicable laws. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.