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Job Title


Director of Planning and Development


Company : Canadian Dermatology Association


Location : Ottawa, Ontario


Created : 2025-12-15


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

About the Canadian Dermatology Association Established in 1925, the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is a member organization that advocates for dermatologists across Canada, underscoring their essential role in the healthcare system. As a community of Certified Dermatologists, we are dedicated to advancing the science of dermatology encompassing over 3000 skin, hair and nail conditions. we also protect and educate the public through comprehensive educational initiatives and our product recognition program. The CDA is seeking a Manager, Professional Development and Events Reporting to the Director, Programs and Member Services, the Manager of Professional Development and Events is responsible for supporting the development of the Canadian Dermatology Association''s (CDA) Professional Development Strategy and for leading its operational execution including the CDA''s major events. This role leads the planning and delivery of the CDA''s flagship eventsincluding the CDA Annual Conference, Women in Dermatology Leadership Forum, and NextGen Derm Summit while overseeing limited, high-value professional development initiatives directly connected to these events (e.g., Outside of these events, the Manager supports CDA and industry-sponsored webinars and oversees the CDA''s podcasts. The Manager works in partnership with third-party event management firms and internal CDA departments to ensure exceptional experiences for CDA members and stakeholders. Professional Development Support the Director, Program and Member Services with the development of the CDA''s Professional Development Strategy Develop and implement an annual professional development action plan to execute the strategy Develop and implement event-linked education projects for CDA members for both in-person and online delivery Ensure all learning and development initiatives are grounded in an assessment of member needs, with clear intended outcomes, behaviour/practice change indicators, and success metrics aligned to the CDA''s professional development strategy Support delivery of web-based learning such as webinars, podcasts, workshops, ensuring alignment with educational priorities, member expectations, and sponsorship deliverables Manage the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada''s accreditation process for CDA educational sessions (events and webinars), including documentation, application submission, and compliance with ethical standards Administer bursary and scholarship programs associated with professional development activities delivered at CDA events Develop the professional development budget and monitor expenditures; ensure accurate invoice processing, reporting, and reconciliation in partnership with the Finance team In partnership with Communications and the third-party podcast producer, ensure the successful annual delivery of the CDA''s podcasts, aligned with member learning needs, sponsorship agreements, and overall member value analyze results, measure effectiveness, and prepare written post-event evaluation reports Work with Communications to develop education content, promotional materials, and web/social media updates In partnership with the Director, Programs and Member Services ensure all corporate sponsorship deliverables related to education are fulfilled Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts on content development related to event programming and medical education offerings Maintain awareness of best practices and innovations in professional developmentparticularly those relevant to conference-based learning, Section 3 credits, and dermatology-specific continuing medical education Contribute creative ideas and early-stage strategic insights to enhance CDA''s educational offerings, proactively identifying opportunities for program innovation, improved member experience, and evolution of event-linked professional development Event Management Lead the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of CDA''s major events, including in-person and virtual conferences, forums, and special events. Contribute creative concepts, enhancements, and early-stage strategic recommendations for CDA events, bringing forward ideas related to program innovation, delegate experience, and event design for review and collaboration Oversee and act as primary liaison to contracted Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs), third-party event management firms, suppliers, and venue partners to ensure seamless, high-quality event delivery and member value Develop comprehensive event budgets and monitor expenditures; ensure accurate invoice processing, reporting, and reconciliation with the CDA and Finance team Support the CDA Annual Conference Committee through regular meetings, detailed meeting packages, and program development support Support planning committees for the NextGen Derm Summit and Women in Dermatology Leadership Forum through meeting coordination, materials preparation, and program support Lead the full event cycles for CDA''s major events, including: # Site selection and contract review # Cross-portfolio integration and alignment with CDA portfolios (messaging and objectives) though the responsible CDA staff lead for advocacy, communications, recognized logo program, membership, and governance # On-site event leadership and troubleshooting (including management of volunteers and CDA staff) # Post-event evaluations, reporting, and close-out documentation Partner with Communications to develop event promotional materials and ensure timely web/social media updates In collaboration with the Director Programs and Member services ensure all sponsor deliverables for CDA events are met Ensure all event documentationincluding timelines, run-sheets, PowerPoint decks, and closing reportsis completed accurately and on schedule Post-secondary education in event management, project management, adult education, or a related field (PMP and/or CMP or CMM designation an asset) ~78 years of progressively responsible experience in event management, conference planning, or professional development within an association or non-profit environment (experience in a medical association is an asset) ~ Demonstrated excellence in project management with the ability to oversee multiple complex events simultaneously ~ Strong understanding of adult learning principles as applied to conference-based education. ~ Familiarity with Royal College accreditation policies and ethical considerations related to industry sponsorship of medical education and events ~ Strong digital and technical capabilities, including experience with association management systems, learning management platforms, event registration systems, abstract management platforms, mobile apps, and virtual conferencing tools ~ Availability for scheduled evening meetings and weekend travel for CDA''s in-person events (time-off-in-lieu will be provided for evening and weekend work) ~ Bilingualism (English and French) is considered an asset ~ Experience in a medical association or non-profit environment is considered an asset The Canadian Dermatology Association also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental coverage, employer RRSP contributions, and paid vacation. You will be an important part a high performing not-for-profit medical speciality association that is focused on member service and providing Canadians with credible information from certified dermatologists. 5% salary top-up in lieu of pension, Health and Dental benefits premiums are 100% paid for by the CDA, Training and Development opportunities, Three-weeks vacation to start, plus the December holiday shut-down, and A hybrid environment (in-office / work-from home). Please submit your rsum and cover letter by January 5 th , 2026 to accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.