Education Manager

Main responsibilities: As an Education Manager at World Aquatics, you will be responsible for strategy, coordination and implementation of World Aquatics’ global education programmes and pathways.

This position offers an exciting opportunity and a pivotal role in advancing the education and professional development of Coaches and Technical Officials, as well as leading the development and delivery of online learning opportunities across all aquatic sports.

As the Education Manager, you will oversee the entire education ecosystem, ensuring coherence, quality, innovation and alignment across programmes. This role is integral to our mission of fostering development, inclusivity and positive change worldwide.

You will line-manage and coordinate the Education Team: Development Coordinators for Coaches and Technical Officials.

You will oversee the World Aquatics e-learning platform at a strategic level, including its content development and delivery, further development and business strategy, while working closely with the external contractor responsible for day-to-day platform administration.

You will report to Senior Development Manager based in Lausanne, Switzerland and work closely with international stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities Leadership and Oversight of World Aquatics Education Pathways:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of World Aquatics’ education pathways for Coaches, Technical Officials and online learning across all aquatic sports.
• Develop and implement a coherent, long-term education strategy aligned with World Aquatics’ Development objectives.
• Ensure consistency, quality assurance and alignment of education frameworks, certification structures and learning outcomes across all programmes.
• Lead, mentor and support Development Coordinators, ensuring effective planning, delivery and performance management.
• Foster collaboration across education workstreams to maximise impact and efficiency.

World Aquatics Coaches’ And Technical Officials’ Education Pathways

• Oversee the design, implementation and continuous improvement of the Coaches’ and Technical Officials’ education frameworks.
• Ensure the effective delivery of certification courses, seminars, clinics, webinars and educational activities worldwide.
• Guide the review and updating of course content to ensure relevance, innovation and alignment with best practices.
• Oversee the maintenance and development of a global network of experts, educators and instructors.
• Ensure effective collaboration with National Federations, Continental Organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen education systems globally.
• Oversee the implementation of Olympic Solidarity initiatives related to education and training.

E-learning And Digital Education

• Provide strategic oversight and ownership of the World Aquatics e-learning and digital education platform, ensuring that it supports the organisation’s education objectives and priorities.
• Define and oversee the platform’s learning and content strategy, including the planning, management and ongoing development of digital education content.
• Define and oversee the further development roadmap for the platform, identifying priorities and improvements in line with user needs and organisational objectives. Develop and oversee the business strategy for the platform, including its positioning, growth and long-term sustainability. Manage the working relationship with the external contractor responsible for e-learning platform administration, ensuring that day-to-day administration and technical support are delivered in line with World Aquatics’ requirements and strategic priorities.
• Monitor user engagement, learning outcomes and platform performance, and ensure alignment between online and in-person education pathways.

Programme Evaluation And Reporting

• Oversee the implementation and follow-up of monitoring and evaluation frameworks across all education programmes.
• Establish consistent evaluation mechanisms to assess quality, effectiveness and impact.
• Analyse reports and data provided by stakeholders and Development Coordinators, drawing conclusions and proposing programme improvements.
• Provide quarterly and annual reports on education programmes, or upon request from the line manager.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative impact analysis and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.

Financial And Budget Oversight

• Oversee budget planning, financial monitoring and reporting for the education portfolio.
• Ensure effective budget follow-up and financial compliance across programmes.
• Support Development Coordinators in managing invoicing and financial reporting.

Miscellaneous Tasks

• Support cross-departmental initiatives related to education, development and events.
• Provide back-up support to other team members when necessary to ensure continuity of programmes.
• Contribute to operational planning and ad-hoc projects as required.

Requirements Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in education programme development and implementation, preferably in an international sports environment.
• Proven experience in managing teams and coordinating multiple programmes.
• Strong understanding of education systems, professional development pathways and capacity building.
• Experience working with international stakeholders and multicultural environments.
• Knowledge of coaching education, officiating education or high-performance sport is an advantage.
• Experience in e-learning platform management, including both content management and platform administration, with an understanding of platform development, user experience and operational requirements.
• Excellent organisational and strategic planning skills.
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving abilities.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced international environment.
• Flexibility in working hours, including occasional travel and event support.
• Culturally sensitive with a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management, Education, or a related field.
• Full proficiency with Microsoft Office and other digital tools.
• Fluency (both written and oral) in English. Good knowledge of French, Spanish or other language skills a plus.

Start Date: To be agreed Location: Budapest, Hungary What we offer?

• Opportunity to work in an exciting, fast-paced, international sports environment.
• Involvement in major global sports events with opportunities to travel.
• Career development opportunities and room for creative experimentation.
• A supportive and diverse team in a multicultural workplace.

World Aquatics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.