Virtual Program Consultant - Shape the Future of Digital Engagement
💰 $85,000 - $125,000
🎯 Role Definition
Are you an expert at turning visionary ideas into impactful virtual experiences? This role requires a highly motivated Virtual Program Consultant to join our forward-thinking team. In this pivotal role, you will be the chief architect and strategic advisor for our portfolio of virtual programs, including online training, digital conferences, client workshops, and internal development initiatives. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams to deliver seamless, engaging, and effective programs that meet strategic business objectives. The ideal candidate is a blend of a creative instructional designer, a meticulous program manager, and a tech-savvy facilitator who thrives in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Senior Instructional Designer
- Corporate Trainer or Facilitator
- Project Manager (with a focus on L&D or Events)
- Marketing Events Manager
Advancement To:
- Senior or Principal Program Consultant
- Director of Digital Learning & Development
- Head of Virtual Events and Engagement
- Learning and Development Strategist
Lateral Moves:
- Senior Learning Experience (LX) Designer
- Learning Technology Manager
- Change Management Consultant
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Spearhead the end-to-end lifecycle of multiple, concurrent virtual programs, from initial needs analysis and strategic conception through to flawless execution, delivery, and comprehensive post-program reporting.
- Act as a strategic consultant to internal and external stakeholders, providing expert guidance on virtual learning best practices, engagement strategies, and appropriate technology solutions to achieve their goals.
- Design and develop sophisticated, interactive, and instructionally sound virtual program curricula, agendas, and content in collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs).
- Masterfully facilitate high-stakes live virtual sessions, workshops, and events, fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for all participants.
- Select, configure, and manage the technology stack for virtual delivery, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), webinar platforms (e.g., Zoom, ON24, Webex), and engagement tools.
- Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, defining project scope, timelines, resource allocation, and key milestones to ensure programs are delivered on time and within budget.
- Create and implement robust communication and marketing plans to drive program awareness, registration, and attendance.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for program success; analyze data to measure impact, ROI, and participant satisfaction, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement.
- Lead the training and preparation of other facilitators, speakers, and presenters to ensure they are confident and effective in a virtual environment.
- Manage all logistical aspects of virtual programs, including scheduling, participant registration, technical support coordination, and distribution of materials.
- Cultivate and manage vibrant online communities associated with programs to foster networking, collaboration, and sustained learning beyond the live event.
- Ensure all virtual programs and materials adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to provide an equitable experience for all learners.
- Develop and manage program budgets, tracking expenditures and providing regular financial reporting to leadership.
Secondary Functions
- Research and evaluate emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies in virtual learning and digital engagement to drive innovation within the organization.
- Build and maintain a centralized repository of reusable program assets, templates, and best practice guides to improve the efficiency and quality of future programs.
- Collaborate with the marketing and branding teams to ensure all program communications and materials are consistent with the company's brand identity and voice.
- Manage relationships with external vendors, including technology providers, content creators, and guest speakers, from negotiation to contract management and performance evaluation.
- Provide technical troubleshooting and "white-glove" support to presenters and high-profile participants during live virtual events.
- Develop and implement comprehensive evaluation strategies, including surveys, focus groups, and performance assessments, to gauge the long-term effectiveness of programs.
- Partner with IT and security teams to ensure all virtual program platforms and processes comply with data privacy and security policies.
- Onboard new participants by providing clear instructions, system orientations, and resources to ensure a smooth and positive user experience from the start.
- Support the creation of compelling business cases and proposals for new virtual program initiatives, outlining potential benefits and resource requirements.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- LMS & LXP Mastery: Deep expertise in administering and authoring within Learning Management Systems (e.g., Cornerstone, Canvas, Docebo, Moodle) and Learning Experience Platforms.
- Virtual Event Platforms: Advanced proficiency with enterprise-level webinar and virtual event platforms such as Zoom Webinars, Webex Events, Microsoft Teams Live Events, and ON24.
- Instructional Design Tools: Proven ability to create engaging eLearning content using authoring tools like Articulate 360 (Storyline, Rise), Adobe Captivate, or Camtasia.
- Project Management Software: Fluency in using project management and collaboration tools like Asana, Jira, Smartsheet, or Trello to manage complex timelines and deliverables.
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Strong capability in using tools like Excel (PivotTables), Google Analytics, or Power BI to analyze program data and visualize insights.
- Collaboration Suites: Expertise in leveraging tools like Miro, Mural, and Slido to facilitate interactive and collaborative virtual sessions.
- Video Production Basics: Familiarity with basic video recording and editing principles for creating supplemental learning assets.
- Technical Standards: Working knowledge of learning technology standards such as SCORM, xAPI, and LTI.
Soft Skills
- Consultative Mindset: Ability to listen deeply to stakeholder needs, diagnose challenges, and recommend strategic, effective solutions.
- Exceptional Communication: Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
- Stakeholder Management: Adept at building rapport, influencing, and managing expectations with senior leaders, SMEs, and cross-functional partners.
- Dynamic Facilitation: Charismatic and confident public speaking and facilitation skills, capable of commanding a virtual room and driving engagement.
- Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a dynamic environment, able to pivot quickly, solve problems on the fly, and maintain composure under pressure.
- Strategic & Critical Thinking: A creative problem-solver who can connect program activities to broader business goals and anticipate future needs.
- Meticulous Organization: Outstanding organizational and time-management skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to juggle multiple priorities seamlessly.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
Preferred Education:
- Master's Degree in Instructional Design, Adult Learning, Educational Technology, or Organizational Development.
- Professional certifications in Project Management (PMP), Virtual Facilitation, or Instructional Design are highly desirable.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Education & Adult Learning
- Communications & Marketing
- Business Administration
- Human Resources
- Instructional Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 5-8 years of progressive experience in program management, instructional design, or corporate training, with a significant focus on virtual delivery.
Preferred:
- Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex virtual programs or events in a corporate, consulting, or fast-growth technology environment.
- Demonstrable portfolio of virtual learning experiences or programs you have designed, developed, or managed.
- Experience working with global audiences and navigating cross-cultural communication nuances in a virtual setting.