Technical Certification Manager

Description

VAST Data is looking for a Technical Certification Manager to join our growing team!

This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an organization that is in the center of the hurricane being created by the revolution in artificial intelligence.

"VAST's data management vision is the future of the market." - Forbes

VAST Data is the data platform company for the AI era. We are building the enterprise software infrastructure to capture, catalog, refine, enrich, and protect massive datasets and make them available for real-time data analysis and AI training and inference. Designed from the ground up to make AI simple to deploy and manage, VAST takes the cost and complexity out of deploying enterprise and AI infrastructure across data center, edge, and cloud.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Certification Manager to join our growing Enablement team. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, developing, and managing a comprehensive technical certification program for our customers. This program will be on par with industry-leading certifications and will include various elements such as live labs, proctored exams, and learning pathways. You will leverage your expertise in technical certification, instructional design, and program management to create engaging and effective learning experiences that validate customer expertise, drive product adoption, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Certification Program Design and Development:
• Design and develop a multi-tiered technical certification program that aligns with VAST Data products and solutions, and industry best practices.
• Define certification paths, learning objectives, and exam blueprints for each certification level, ensuring technical rigor and relevance.
• Develop high-quality technical certification exam content, including proctored exams and practical assessments using live lab environments.
• Incorporate innovative technical assessment methods to validate advanced technical skills and knowledge.
• Design and develop learning pathways and curricula that support technical certification preparation.
• Technical Certification Program Management:
• Manage the end-to-end technical certification lifecycle, including exam development, delivery, scoring, and certification issuance.
• Oversee the logistics of technical certification exams, including scheduling, registration, and proctoring.
• Maintain the security and integrity of the technical certification program and exam content.
• Implement and manage a Learning Management System (LMS) or Certification Management Platform to track learner progress, manage certifications, and deliver online exams.
• Establish and maintain relationships with third-party vendors or partners involved in technical certification delivery or proctoring.
• Content Development and Instructional Design:
• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) and technical trainers to develop or curate learning content that supports technical certification objectives.
• Apply instructional design principles and adult learning theory to create engaging and effective technical learning materials, including training guides, documentation, and hands-on lab exercises.
• Ensure that learning content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with technical certification requirements.
• Evaluation and Improvement:
• Gather and analyze data on technical certification program effectiveness, including exam results, learner feedback, and industry trends.
• Evaluate and improve the technical certification program, exam content, and learning materials based on data analysis and feedback.
• Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging trends in technical certification and assessment.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including product management, engineering, sales, and marketing, to ensure alignment of the technical certification program with business objectives.
• Communicate effectively with customers and partners regarding technical certification programs, requirements, and benefits.
• Provide exceptional customer service and support to technical certification candidates.

Requirements

• Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in developing and managing technical certification programs in the technology industry.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering successful technical certification programs that are recognized and valued by the industry.
• Technical Skills and Knowledge:
• Strong understanding of technical certification principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Experience in developing and delivering proctored technical exams, including online and in-person formats.
• Experience with designing and implementing live lab environments for technical assessments.
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or Certification Management Platforms.
• Proficiency in instructional design principles and adult learning theory.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts.
• Other Skills:
• Project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for customer success and a deep understanding of customer education.

Bonus Points:

• Experience with technical certification program accreditation.
• Knowledge of data analytics and reporting tools to track technical certification metrics.
• Familiarity with products in the data infrastructure space, including VAST Data products and solutions.