Director, Content, Conferences & Educational Programs

Director, Content, Conferences & Educational Programs

BAFT is the leading global forum for bringing the financial community, its solution providers and stakeholders together to collaborate on defining best market practices that facilitate efficient delivery of trade and cash management products and service offerings for their clients.

As the Director, Content, Conferences & Educational Programs, you will lead the strategy, development, and management of content for BAFT's diverse programs, including conferences, workshops, briefings, and webinars, as well as their comprehensive training initiatives. This pivotal role ensures that all programming is relevant, innovative, and deeply aligned with both industry dynamics and BAFT’s strategic priorities. You will also oversee the creation of course frameworks and training content, collaborating closely with project managers and instructional designers for seamless production and delivery. Acting as a crucial link between members, subject matter experts, and internal teams, you will play a key role in shaping the learning and thought leadership agenda that underpins BAFT’s mission and drives member engagement.

Key Duties

Content Leadership (25%)

• Collaborate with the VP, Marketing, Events & Education Programs to define the vision and strategy for content across all programs (conferences, workshops, briefings, webinars) and training initiatives.
• Proactively identify emerging topics, industry trends, and critical regulatory priorities to ensure all programming is forward-looking and impactful.
• Engage with members and subject matter experts to secure high-quality content contributions and secure influential speakers.

Program & Event Content (35%)

• Oversee the comprehensive agenda development for BAFT conferences, briefings, webinars, and workshops, ensuring strict alignment with organizational priorities.
• Provide expert direction and leadership to global and regional program planning committees on program format, overarching themes, specific session content, and speaker selection.
• Rigorously review and approve all program content to uphold BAFT’s high standards of quality and consistency.
• Utilize feedback mechanisms, performance data, and ongoing industry intelligence to continuously refine and enhance programming.

Training & Learning Content (20%)

• Partner with trainers, clients, and internal staff to develop clear learning objectives, structured course outlines, and comprehensive materials for both on-demand and custom training solutions.
• Ensure that all training content reflects industry best practices and adheres to adult learning principles for maximum effectiveness.
• Collaborate with project managers and instructional designers throughout the course production, delivery, and evaluation phases.
• Actively participate in the Education Advisory Committee (EAC), providing support to the VP, Marketing, Events and Educational Programs.

Custom Training & Client Engagement (20%)

• Engage proactively with the EAC, other member institutions, and external clients to scope and design bespoke tailored training solutions.
• Serve as the primary content lead in client discussions, ensuring that all proposed solutions effectively meet both organizational objectives and specific learner needs.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of the transaction banking industry, including international trade and cross-border payments, with an established network of industry contacts is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree in business, education, or a related field is preferred.
• 8+ years of proven experience in program content development, professional learning, or conference/educational programming, with association or financial services experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to set clear strategic direction for content and educational initiatives.
• Strong track record of successfully working with diverse cross-functional teams from across the globe to shape high-impact programming.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple programs, competing priorities, and various stakeholders simultaneously.
• Familiarity with adult learning principles and professional development trends; understanding of instructional design workflows (preferred, not required).

Leadership Competencies

• A strategic thinker with the proven ability to translate complex trends into actionable and engaging programming.
• Skilled at influencing and collaborating effectively with diverse and global stakeholders.
• Possesses strong project oversight capabilities and the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration.

Additional Requirements

Some travel (including some over weekends) will be required to attend conferences and workshops.

Key skills/competency

• Content Strategy
• Program Development
• Educational Design
• Event Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Trade Finance
• Cross-Border Payments
• Adult Learning Principles
• Instructional Design
• Project Management