World Fire Congress Program Manager

Description:

The National Fire Protection Association’s mission is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and passion. Established in 1896, we are dedicated to the elimination of death, injury, and property and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The Association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission.

To better meet the needs of those who rely on our information and knowledge to keep people and property safe, we are amidst a transformation to expand our influence and further our safety mission. We are becoming increasingly digital and global to grow, thrive, and save more lives from fire, electrical, and other hazards. To accomplish this, we need effective leaders at all levels of the Association who understand what we are striving for, why it is important, and how to execute our vision and who passionately want to see NFPA through this important stage. It is an exciting and empowering time to work at NFPA!

NFPA is looking to add a World Fire Congress Program Manager to the Outreach & Advocacy team!

As part of our expanding international mission, NFPA—alongside the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro)—oversees the World Fire Congress (WFC), a collaborative forum of national and international fire service associations, public-safety leaders, researchers, and technical experts committed to voluntary, unrestricted knowledge sharing.

The World Fire Congress Program Manager will play a central role in ensuring the WFC's continuity, growth, and global impact. This position directly supports the Executive Secretary of the Metro Chiefs, who serves as the WFC Lead responsible for coordinating international partners, host nations, and year-round WFC activities.

This is a unique opportunity to help strengthen international fire and life safety cooperation, expand participation among countries worldwide, and support a high-visibility, global initiative.

The Program Manager oversees WFC operations, supports governance functions, aligns with Communities of Practice (CoPs), facilitates global engagement, and advances the founding principles of the WFC—including voluntary, equitable, and unrestricted global knowledge sharing.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized project manager with strong communication skills, experience supporting executive-level leaders, and the ability to collaborate effectively across cultures and time zones.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

1. WFC Operations & Governance Support

• Support the Executive Secretary in managing Secretariat operations, ensuring continuity across WFC cycles.
• Prepare Steering Committee materials—including agendas, minutes, reports, and decision briefs.
• Maintain systems for tracking progress, timelines, deliverables, and organizational performance.
• Ensure alignment with the WFC founding principles of global equity, knowledge sharing, transparency, and dignified participation, through/by.
• Maintain document archives and ensure effective version control and institutional memory.

2. Communities of Practice (CoP) Coordination

• Aligns and support the CoPs structure, ensuring inclusive global participation and translation/hybrid access as required.

3. Congress Cycle Management & Host Nation Coordination

• Support the planning, organization, and delivery of each WFC cycle, including coordination with host nation planning teams.
• Assist in developing host toolkits, templates, handover frameworks, and continuity plans.
• Conduct needs assessments with host nations and ensure WFC support is aligned with identified requirements.
• Coordinate travel and planning sessions related to event preparation.

4. Global Engagement, Communications & Outreach

• Contribute to communication strategies that highlight WFC activities, global partners, and CoP progress.
• Prepare WFC related briefings, presentation materials, and content for international conferences.
• Support engagement efforts with global fire service organizations, researchers, and national associations.

5. Recruitment & Global Expansion

• Lead and coordinate targeted recruitment strategies to expand the number of countries participating in the World Fire Congress.
• Identify underserved regions and build outreach plans to engage national fire service leaders, ministries, research institutions, and public safety organizations.
• Track global participation trends and develop strategies to ensure representation from developing nations and diverse regions.
• Cultivate relationships with international associations, embassies, NGOs, and global safety partners to broaden Congress involvement.
• Support initiatives that align with the WFC’s founding principles of voluntary, unrestricted, and globally equitable participation.

6. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Track WFC performance metrics related to participation, CoPs, operations, and global impact.
• Develop quarterly reports for the Steering Committee and assist in preparing the Annual WFC Impact Report.
• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation to support strategic decision-making.

7. Financial, Sponsorship & Resource Development Support

• Support the development and tracking of sponsorship, philanthropy, and research partnership engagements.
• Assist with budget monitoring, financial reporting, and scenario-based planning.
• Help maintain accurate financial documentation related to WFC-supported activities.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, International Affairs, Emergency Management, Project Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant program or project management experience.
• Experience in association management, government affairs, or international coordination preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Proficiency with project management tools and virtual collaboration platforms.

Leadership & Organizational Skills

• Ability to maintain programmatic excellence, manage operational systems, and ensure quality and accountability.
• Strong organizational discipline with the ability to coordinate multi-year, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Governance & Committee Support

• Experience supporting boards, committees, or senior leadership groups with high-quality documentation and guidance.
• Ability to support strategic planning, monitor progress, and facilitate leadership decision-making.

Strategic & Analytical Thinking

• Ability to assess program needs, analyze challenges, identify opportunities, and recommend strategies.

Communication Skills

• Superior writing, editing, and presentation abilities for global audiences.
• Ability to translate complex information into accessible products.

Global & Cultural Competence

• Ability to work effectively with multiple cultures, languages, and international partners.
• Strong commitment to global equity and representation.

Relationship Building & External Engagement

• Skill in establishing partnerships with government leaders, associations, vendors, and community stakeholders.

Administrative Excellence

• Experience with document management, workflow tracking, and performance evaluation systems.

National Fire Protection Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level, using competitive market data for each specific role. Within the range, individual pay is determined by many factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training NFPA is proud to offer competitive compensation and comprehensive, best-in-class benefits. Pay Grade 208 -Min $82,327 - Mid $111,120 - Max $139,913