Director, Public Education (Fire & Life Safety Experience Required)

The National Fire Protection Association’s mission is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge and passion. Established in 1896, we are dedicated to the elimination of death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The Association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission.

To better meet the needs of those who rely on our information and knowledge to keep people and property safe, we are amidst a transformation to expand our influence and further our safety mission. We are becoming increasingly digital and global to grow, thrive and save more lives from fire, electrical and other hazards. To accomplish this, we need effective leaders at all levels of the Association who understand what we are striving for, why it is important, how to execute on our vision and who passionately want to see NFPA through this important stage. It is an exciting and empowering time to work at NFPA.

NFPA is looking for a Director, Public Education to contributes to NFPA’s Mission, Vision, and Strategic initiatives by overseeing all functions of the Public Education. This role is responsible for all internal and external public education messaging, program development and implementation, serving as the primary public education expert for NFPA.

• Provides ongoing strategic direction and authoritative review for NFPA public education activities.
• Oversees development of all Public Education programs including Fire Prevention Week
• Responsible for achievement of the revenue goal associated with FPW and public education products.
• Supports communication strategy for Public Education.
• Leads technical review for NFPA public education materials insuring NFPA materials reflect current messaging and support NFPA codes and standards.
• Improves outreach and collaboration with NFPA stakeholders, families and educators using creative delivery systems incorporating a variety of learning styles (visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic).
• Creates and optimize for success a communication mechanism for dissemination of NFPA information to fire and life safety educators, safety advocates and the general public.
• Serves as a spokesperson for NFPA fire and life safety education messaging including local and national print, radio and television media.
• Represents NFPA at the local, state, and national events.
• Plans and monitors annual public education budgets
• Leads, develops and manages direct reports by setting clear goals and expectations and by committing to managing for performance excellence.

Experience: 

• 10+ years’ experience in public education or related field.
• Prior management experience required.

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Skills:

• Proven ability to effectively communicate to different levels in the organization
• Ability to clearly communicate technical material, in verbal and written form, to diverse audiences having different levels of technical expertise.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills
• Strong project management skills
• Proven ability to manage and complete complex projects on schedule and within budget requirements
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to solve unique and complex problems
• Proficient at interacting with media outlets

Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of public education and outreach practices
• Working knowledge of Fire Service and related life safety organizations
• Expert knowledge in working with residents, local and state officials including fire and forestry agencies
• Strong knowledge of risk-reduction practices
• Proficient in child and adult learning theories
• Experienced in varied learning modalities
• Working knowledge of instructional design methodologies
• Proven knowledge of how to develop communications strategies to drive program outcomes

Working conditions:

· Remote work

· Travel is required 25% of the time

· Lifting is required with weight lifted in range of 10 pounds, 10% of the time]