Corporate Relations Manager – Exhibits

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic oversight for the AACN exhibits team.

• Propel the growth and execution of the AACN National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI).

• Manage the comprehensive sales lifecycle for exhibits and corporate sponsorships.

• Act as the main point of contact for corporate partners.

• Formulate strategies for the growth of exhibits and sponsorships that align with organizational goals and market trends.

• Spearhead revenue forecasting and track exhibit and sponsorship performance relative to objectives.

• Create annual business plans and strategic insights.

• Establish and nurture industry alliances, corporate relationships, and partnerships.

• Oversee financial planning, budget management, expense oversight, variance analysis, and cost control.

• Meet annual revenue targets for exhibits and sponsorships.

• Negotiate and manage agreements with exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and corporate partners.

• Identify and address financial, operational, vendor, and customer experience risks.

• Enhance the effectiveness of the exhibits team through coaching, modeling, and professional development opportunities.

• Lead cross-functional projects to ensure successful outcomes.

• Analyze feedback from exhibitors and sponsors, market insights, and performance metrics to enhance engagement, retention, and customer experience.

• Manage strategic partnerships with third-party vendors that support exhibit sales and services.

• Identify and implement innovative strategies and processes to boost sales and enhance business performance.

• Develop new business opportunities with potential exhibitors, sponsors, corporate partners, and events.

• Oversee outsourced advertising sales operations.

• Keep abreast of industry trends, competitive activities, customer needs, and market opportunities.

• Perform other assigned duties.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related area.

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in exhibit and sponsorship sales within associations, nonprofits, professional societies, membership organizations, or similar environments.

• Proven sales leadership and business development expertise.

• Experience in developing and implementing strategies to enhance exhibit sales, sponsorship revenue, corporate partnerships, exhibitor participation, engagement, and retention.

• Strong consultative sales, negotiation, relationship management, communication, facilitation, and customer service abilities.

• Experience in formulating business plans and strategies aligned with organizational priorities, market opportunities, customer insights, and industry trends.

• Strong analytical skills and business acumen.

• Experience in managing revenue, budgets, resources, complex projects, competing priorities, revenue forecasting, financial performance monitoring, and variance analysis.

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make informed decisions.

• Experience in leading cross-functional initiatives within a matrixed environment.

• Capability to lead and optimize systems, processes, and workflows using data and technology.

• Experience in managing complex relationships, third-party vendors, and external stakeholders.

• Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Familiarity with Asana and Personify/a2z platforms.

• Willingness to travel.

• Certified Exhibition Management (CEM) and/or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is highly preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• 37.5-hour workweek with three different scheduling options.

• Generous paid time off.

• Affordable health plans for medical and mental health services.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Company-paid life insurance.

• Company-paid short-term disability insurance.

• Retirement savings program with employer matching and additional company contributions.

• Alternative and flexible work arrangements to support work/life balance.

• Remote work options.

• People-focused culture promoting workplace excellence and belonging.