Corporate Relations Manager – Exhibits

Job Description:

• Provide strategic leadership for AACN's exhibits team
• Drive the growth and execution of AACN's National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI)
• Manage the full sales lifecycle of exhibits and corporate sponsorships
• Serve as primary liaison for corporate partners
• Develop exhibits and sponsorship growth strategies aligned with organizational priorities and market opportunities
• Lead revenue forecasting and monitor exhibit and sponsorship performance against goals
• Develop annual business plans and strategic recommendations
• Build and maintain industry alliances, corporate relationships, and partnerships
• Lead financial planning, budget management, expense management, variance analysis, and cost containment
• Achieve annual exhibit and sponsorship revenue targets
• Negotiate and manage contracts with exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and corporate partners
• Identify and mitigate financial, operational, vendor, and customer experience risks
• Lead and improve exhibits team effectiveness through coaching, modeling, and development opportunities
• Lead cross-functional projects and ensure successful delivery of outcomes
• Analyze exhibitor and sponsor feedback, market insights, and performance data to improve engagement, retention, and customer experience
• Manage strategic relationships with third-party vendors supporting exhibit sales and services
• Identify and implement innovative strategies and processes to increase sales and improve business performance
• Develop new business opportunities with prospective exhibitors, sponsors, corporate partners, and events
• Oversee outsourced advertising sales activities
• Monitor industry trends, competitive activity, customer needs, and market opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business or a related field
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in exhibits and sponsorship sales within associations, nonprofits, professional societies, membership organizations, or related environments
• Demonstrated sales leadership and business development experience
• Experience developing and implementing strategies to grow exhibit sales, sponsorship revenue, corporate partnerships, exhibitor participation, engagement, and retention
• Strong consultative sales, negotiation, relationship management, communication, facilitation, and customer service skills
• Experience developing business plans and strategies based on organizational priorities, market opportunities, customer insights, and industry trends
• Strong analytical and business acumen
• Experience managing revenue, budgets, resources, complex projects, competing priorities, revenue forecasting, financial performance monitoring, and variance analysis
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment
• Ability to lead and optimize systems, processes, and workflows using data and technology
• Experience managing complex relationships, third-party vendors, and external stakeholders
• Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency with Asana and Personify/a2z platforms
• Ability to travel
• Certified Exhibition Management (CEM) and/or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) strongly preferred

Benefits:

• 37.5-hour workweek with 3 different schedule options
• Generous paid time off
• Low-cost 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 contribution
• Alternative and flexible work arrangements to support work/life balance
• Remote work arrangement
• People-centered culture of workplace excellence and belonging