Director, Education and Certification

Reports to: VP, Advocacy and Education
Location: Remote
 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director, Education and Certification leads MRC’s global education portfolio, including professional development programs, digital learning, certification, and the supporting learning systems and partnerships. Reporting to the VP, Advocacy and Education, this role sets the education strategy, translates organizational priorities into an annual education plan, and is accountable for the portfolio’s member value, quality, growth, and financial performance.

The Director leads the education team, develops its capabilities, and works across MRC to deliver learning experiences that are relevant, practical, and aligned with the needs of payments and fraud professionals. This role leads strategic initiatives, directs team performance, and supports revenue growth and operational effectiveness across the education function.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Education Strategy and Portfolio Leadership

• Set and lead the strategy for MRC’s education portfolio, courses, webinars, workshops, learning paths, and other professional-development offerings.
• In collaboration with the Senior Program Manager, Certification, set and lead the strategy for MRC’s certification program (CPFPP).
• Develop an annual education plan that connects member and market needs with MRC priorities, revenue goals, and available resources.
• Evaluate portfolio opportunities, prioritize investments, and adjust the roadmap as member needs, industry developments, and performance data change.
• Represent the education function in executive planning and provide the CEO with clear recommendations on performance, priorities, risks, and growth opportunities.

Program Quality and Certification Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight for the design, delivery, maintenance, and continuous improvement of education and certification programs.
• Establish standards for instructional quality, subject matter expert engagement, assessment integrity, accessibility, learner experience, and program evaluation.
• In collaboration with the Senior Program Manager, Certification, ensure certification offerings remain current, credible, and aligned with applicable accreditation requirements, industry standards, and regional needs.
• Oversee the effective use of the learning management system and related education technology, including data integrity, reporting, integrations, and learner support.

Business Performance and Resource Management

• Own the education budget and forecasts, monitoring revenue, expenses, participation, satisfaction, adoption, and other agreed measures of portfolio performance.
• Set meaningful KPIs for the education function and use results to improve program quality, portfolio mix, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability.
• Identify and develop appropriate revenue opportunities, including partnerships, sponsorships, and products that strengthen member value.
• Allocate team capacity and external resources across priorities, maintaining sound project, budget, and vendor oversight.

Team Leadership and Development

• Directly manage the Senior Program Manager, Certification and the Instructional Designer, setting clear expectations, coaching performance, and supporting professional growth.
• Build an accountable, collaborative education team that balances strategic planning with strong execution and follows through on commitments.
• Create role clarity, development plans, succession coverage, and practical ways of working that support a small, high-performing team.

Cross-Functional Leadership and Partnerships

• Partner with Membership, Events, Marketing, Technology, Finance, and other teams to align education programs with the member journey, event strategy, promotion, systems, and financial goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with subject matter experts, industry partners, sponsors, and other external stakeholders that expand MRC’s education offerings and reach.
• Lead cross-functional work that affects education strategy or delivery, resolving tradeoffs, clarifying decisions, and keeping stakeholders informed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent relevant experience. An advanced degree or professional credential is a plus.
• Ten or more years of progressive experience in education, learning and development, certification, program management, or a related field, including responsibility for complex portfolios or major programs.
• Demonstrated people-management experience, including coaching, performance management, and development of direct reports.
• Experience setting strategy, managing budgets, and using program and financial data to guide decisions and improve performance.
• Experience with online learning platforms, learning management systems, instructional design practices, and education technology.
• Experience leading certification programs, accreditation or credentialing processes, association education, or professional learning is strongly preferred.
• Strong judgment, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with executive leaders, internal teams, members, and external partners.
• Knowledge of payments, e-commerce, fraud prevention, financial services, or a related industry is preferred.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10%, as needed.

Additional Notes:

• International safety protocols will be required to be followed.
• All employees traveling for business purposes must be fully vaccinated to the level required for entrance into the respective state or country where the business is taking place.
• This full-time position offers a competitive benefits package and is eligible for an annual performance bonus.
• MRC participates in E-Verify. To learn more, please go to: https://merchantriskcouncil.org/who-we-are/careers/employment-at-mrc