Program Manager, Industry Initiatives and Engagement

The AHLA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, dedicated to supporting and advancing the education, engagement, and leadership of individuals in the hotel and lodging industry. As a highly respected and influential non-profit organization, the AHLA Foundation leads initiatives that foster professional development, promote diversity and inclusion, and cultivate future leaders within the hospitality sector. The Foundation partners with industry professionals, educational institutions, and community leaders to create impactful programs that drive positive change and innovation throughout the hotel and lodging landscape.

The AHLA Foundation is currently seeking an experienced and passionate Program Manager to support its prominent FORWARD initiative, a collective movement designed to advance women leaders in the hotel and lodging industry. This newly created and dynamic role reports directly to the Vice President and is crucial for the overall support, coordination, and successful implementation of targeted FORWARD activities. The successful candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, possessing extensive relationship management skills necessary to engage and collaborate effectively with partners and industry members.

In this full-time, hybrid position based in downtown Washington, DC, the Program Manager will work three days per week in the office (Tuesday through Thursday) and have the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization making strides in gender parity and professional advancement in hospitality. The role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience.

The Program Manager will oversee the development and day-to-day coordination of the FORWARD initiative projects, from conception through implementation and thorough evaluation. They will translate organizational priorities into clear actionable project plans, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with advocacy, membership, education, and other Foundation priorities. This position will require coordinating efforts across internal teams and external partners to keep programs on track, within budget, and aligned with measurable goals.

Key responsibilities include monitoring program budgets and vendor contracts, establishing and evaluating KPIs, tracking outcomes, and suggesting program improvements based on data and participant feedback. The Program Manager will also be pivotal in creating program frameworks, toolkits, pilot activities, and scalable models to enhance the initiative's impact.

Externally, this role serves as the primary liaison for the FORWARD/Network, which encompasses thousands of members. The Program Manager will foster an engaged community that provides opportunities for learning, mentorship, peer support, and professional growth through both virtual and in-person events. Building and maintaining positive relationships with members, partners, and other industry participants is essential to driving program success.

Additional duties include planning and executing engagement activities such as events, roundtables, webinars, and working groups. The Program Manager will coordinate speaker outreach and agenda development, managing content that resonates with industry leaders and subject matter experts to ensure impactful, market-relevant programming.

The role requires a strategic thinker with strong communication and problem-solving skills, capable of managing multifaceted budgets and using technology tools efficiently, including Microsoft Office Suite, Asana, Salesforce, and basic design software such as Canva or Adobe. The candidate should be adaptable, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and thrive under deadlines with an entrepreneurial mindset. Travel up to 15% may be required.

This position presents a unique opportunity for a dedicated professional to play a significant role in advancing women leaders within the hospitality industry through innovative program management and community engagement within a highly respected foundation.