Program Manager, Mariner Academy

Chief of Staff, Mariner Academy Position Summary The Chief of Staff for Mariner Academy is a high-impact operational and strategic leader, responsible for the seamless execution of the Academy’s learner experience, cohort operations, enterprise initiatives, and administrative infrastructure. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Chief of Staff acts as the Academy’s operational integrator, translating strategy into coordinated action across learners, facilitators, business-unit leaders, vendors, technology partners, and internal stakeholders. This role oversees the comprehensive operational experience of each Academy cohort, including communications, scheduling, travel, lodging, meals, onsite programming, virtual learning logistics, materials, assessments, and post-program follow-up. The Chief of Staff ensures an organized, consistent, and professional learner journey that upholds Academy standards and the firm’s brand. In addition to cohort management, the Chief of Staff supports the Executive Director by leading high-priority projects, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, advancing technology and measurement efforts, supporting One Mariner and cross-serve programs, and proactively addressing operational gaps that could impact the Academy’s efficiency or scalability. The Chief of Staff also champions the Academy’s brand and external recognition, ensuring brand consistency and managing submissions for industry awards and visibility opportunities that position Mariner Academy as a top financial services development institution. This position blends operational leadership, project management, executive partnership, learner experience oversight, communications, brand stewardship, data and technology coordination, and strategic execution to help build and run a high-performing enterprise academy. Scope, Scale, and Organizational Impact Academy operations: Manage the operational infrastructure for multiple cohorts, both onsite and virtual. Learner experience: Provide a coordinated, high-quality experience from onboarding to completion and follow-up. Executive leverage: Be the Executive Director’s key partner for operations, priorities, risks, deadlines, and execution. Cross-enterprise coordination: Align work among business leaders, HR, L&D, Technology, Data & Analytics, Communications, vendors, and partners. Brand and reputation: Uphold Academy brand standards, manage award submissions, and support external positioning. Program scalability: Develop repeatable systems, documentation, and processes that enable growth without sacrificing quality. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Academy Operations & Cohort Management Oversee all administrative and logistical aspects of Academy cohorts, including calendars, communications, registration, attendance, materials, technology, travel, and venues. Manage logistics for onsite experiences (flights, hotels, meals, transportation, meeting spaces, supplies, vendors). Administer virtual learning logistics (technology, meetings, materials, facilitator support, troubleshooting). Develop and maintain standardized operating procedures, templates, and communication protocols. Ensure accurate records for learners and cohorts, tracking participation, assessments, and completion. Proactively identify and resolve operational risks. Continuously improve processes based on feedback and operational data. Executive Support & Strategic Execution Serve as the Executive Director’s primary operational partner, maintaining visibility on Academy priorities, initiatives, and decisions. Translate strategy into actionable plans with clear timelines, ownership, and follow-up. Prepare executive materials, agendas, briefings, and status updates. Coordinate cross-functional projects and ensure accountability. Identify and recommend solutions for operational gaps. Represent the Academy in cross-functional meetings as needed. Brand Management & External Recognition Lead day-to-day brand stewardship, ensuring all materials, events, and communications align with firm standards. Collaborate with Corporate Communications and Marketing for internal and external Academy presence. Manage annual industry award submissions, recognition opportunities, and maintain relevant calendars. Compile supporting materials for award applications. Track Academy recognitions and inform market positioning. Cohort Facilitation & Learner Development Support cohort facilitation and learning experiences, ensuring facilitators and learners have necessary resources. Administer assessments (CliftonStrengths) and coordinate related activities. Support group coaching, scheduling, communications, and materials. Facilitate selected activities as experience allows. Maintain a learner-centered approach, prioritizing psychological safety. Cross-Serve & One Mariner Initiatives Coordinate initiatives that build cross-business knowledge, collaboration, and trust. Align multi-unit projects, participants, materials, and follow-up. Support and measure cross-serve learning experiences and activities. Surface and address gaps that affect collaboration. Technology, Data & Analytics Partner with Academy leaders, Technology, and vendors on tech and data initiatives. Support implementation and administration of learning and assessment platforms. Manage operational data, reporting, dashboards, and analytics. Identify automation opportunities to drive efficiency and scalability. Test and implement new technological capabilities. Vendor, Budget & Resource Management Manage relationships with travel, venue, vendor, and technology partners. Monitor expenses and support budgeting, invoices, and vendor management. Identify and implement efficiency opportunities. Maintain proper operational documentation for governance and accountability. Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s in Business, Communications, Hospitality, Education, Organizational Development, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience). 5+ years in program management, operations, executive support, learning and development, event management, consulting, or related area. Demonstrated experience with complex, multi-stakeholder programs. Experience managing both onsite and virtual programs or events. Proven ability to independently juggle multiple projects and stakeholders. Experience improving operational processes and documentation. Preferred Education and Experience Experience supporting executive or enterprise-level programs. Background in financial/professional services or consulting. Leadership or executive development program experience. Familiarity with LMS, assessment tools, project management, CRM, and dashboards. Brand management and corporate communications experience. Experience preparing award, association, or conference submissions. Experience with CliftonStrengths or similar assessment tools. Experience using AI or automation to improve processes. Skills and Capabilities Exceptional operational leadership and project management. Strategic partnership and anticipation of executive needs. Strong service orientation and learner experience focus. Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences. Cross-functional influence and collaboration skills. Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism. Brand and detail orientation. Comfort with technology platforms, data, and reporting tools. Commitment to continuous improvement and adaptability. Dependable, proactive, and accountable for outcomes. Measures of Success High-quality, consistent execution of cohort experiences. High satisfaction among learners and facilitators. Reliable onsite and virtual programming with minimal disruption. Effective execution of Executive Director’s priorities. Sustained adherence to brand standards. Recognition and award submissions for Mariner Academy. Improved efficiency, scalability, and process standardization. Accurate data to support measurement and decision-making. Effective cross-unit coordination and adoption of technology and automation. We welcome your interest in being a part of our firm. We believe in giving associates progressive opportunities, actively nurturing professional growth and giving back to the community. We are dedicated to building a diverse culture where everyone has the support they need to achieve their career goals. We offer an innovative workplace and a culture that fosters camaraderie, teamwork and work-life balance. 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