Every day, Americans across the country rely on 9-1-1 telecommunicators to protect them and their loved ones during emergencies. The APCO Institute, part of APCO International, is at the center of workforce training and standards development for this critical first link in the emergency response chain. As Director, you will lead the strategic direction, operational performance, and overall success of the Institute, ensuring that 25K+ public safety communications professionals nationwide receive high-quality, standards-based training and continuing education that prepares them to make decisions that save lives.

With a strong operational foundation and a clear mandate for continued growth, you will guide the Institute into its next chapter by setting the vision and priorities for adult and professional learning, curriculum modernization, and market-responsive program development. Your leadership will help APCO expand its impact, reach new audiences, and strengthen the Institute’s role as a trusted partner in workforce training. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you’ll lead a multidisciplinary team of approximately 14 staff overseeing standards development, course delivery, and curriculum design, and oversee a $6.7MM budget with a significant contribution margin that directly supports APCO’s membership and overall operations.

This is a highly visible and collaborative role focused on strategy, operations, and external engagement, requiring expert interpersonal and communication skills. In addition to effectively managing and coordinating staff, you’ll regularly engage with peer organizations on joint standards initiatives, committees and work groups of subject matter experts, public safety agency partners, adjunct instructors who train on behalf of APCO, and other industry stakeholders. This role is ideal for an experienced leader who can anticipate trends, guide complex initiatives, build consensus across diverse stakeholders, and implement solutions that prepare this essential workforce for the challenges of tomorrow.

How You’ll Make an Impact

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a nationally respected leader in public safety communications workforce development. Your leadership will strengthen APCO’s impact and elevate the profession by improving training and support systems that help agencies reduce turnover and better equip telecommunicators to manage the high-stress nature of their work. Success in your first 1-2 years will be demonstrated by:

• Achieving revenue growth by meeting or exceeding the Institute’s $3.5MM annual goal and driving year-over-year increases through expanded enrollment across live virtual, on-demand, and in-person modalities.
• Analyzing and optimizing the Institute’s 50+ training programs—spanning entry-level courses to executive leadership tracks—to ensure effectiveness, financial sustainability, standards integration, and alignment with best practices in adult learning.
• Leading change management for the launch of a new association management system and the selection and implementation of a new learning management system, leveraging tools to streamline processes and improve the learner experience.
• Sustaining the Institute’s high-performing, collaborative team culture by evaluating team structure, providing professional development opportunities, and implementing workflow improvements that enable staff to deliver their best work.

Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits

• This role is based on-site at our Daytona Beach, FL headquarters, where you will collaborate closely with the APCO Institute team five days a week.
• The budgeted salary range for this position is $130K–$140K with an outstanding benefits package that includes 13 paid company holidays; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with an HSA option; disability insurance; basic life and AD&D insurance; a 401(k) with an 8% employer match; and additional benefits.
• You will be part of an organization of dedicated, mission-driven leaders who are passionate about public service and committed to making a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the strategic vision for the APCO Institute in alignment with APCO International’s overall mission and long-range strategic plan.
• Provide oversight of Institute staff and contractual employees to ensure compliance with Institute policies/procedures and strategic plan goals and objectives.
• Provide management and oversight of all products, standards, and courses offered through the Institute to ensure compliance with industry standards and emerging industry trends.
• Identify market needs for new training programs and/or products. Lead the development of new products and training course curricula from concept through delivery.
• Provide oversight of revisions to Institute course materials, instructional media, and other training resources.
• Oversee the standards development process to ensure timely updates and alignment with industry requirements and emerging trends.
• Oversee the APCO Agency Training Program Accreditation program.
• Oversee the development, revision, and enforcement of Institute policies & procedures.
• Oversee the development, revision, and enforcement of training course instructor guidelines/procedures and minimal qualifications.
• Provide management and operational support for the APCO Institute Advisory Committee.
• Make policy recommendations to the Executive Director and CEO.
• Foster a positive Institute culture and maintain strong working relationships with other APCO department directors.
• Collaborate with APCO staff across departments to advance organizational initiatives and priorities.
• Negotiate contracts with potential partnership or revenue-sharing entities and cultivate strong working relationships with all external organizations that provide products or services through the Institute.
• Prepare and manage the Institute’s finances and annual budget.
• Ensure that all necessary internal and external reporting requirements are met.
• Oversee the selection process of all Institute staff and adjunct instructors.
• Develop and maintain staff position descriptions and oversee the performance evaluation process for all Institute personnel.
• Develop and deliver presentations on behalf of APCO Institute at state, regional, and national industry conferences.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior-level leadership experience in adult learning across multiple delivery modalities, including 5+ years in a supervisory role. A PhD in a related field is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex programs with a strong understanding of supervisory and organizational leadership practices.
• Expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design, curriculum and training program development, and familiarity with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).
• Demonstrated knowledge of marketing concepts, business processes, and new product development.
• Knowledge of public safety communications, emergency medical dispatch, and standards development processes and requirements is a plus.

About APCO International

Founded in 1935, APCO is the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals. APCO’s 35,000+ membership includes those who manage, operate, build, and support public safety communications systems for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety agencies. The association supports its members – and the general public – by providing industry expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy, and outreach. APCO’s 64-person professional staff is unparalleled in their commitment, work ethic, and productivity. Our incredible staff expertly leads a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, from advocating for public safety at the federal level and delivering high-quality training curricula to planning and executing the premier public safety communications conferences and events in the country—while always aligning their exceptional service ethic to our long-range strategic plan and goals.

Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.