Description

<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Summary</strong></span><br><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The National Communication Association is looking for a results-driven professional to join our Convention &amp; Meetings team as <strong>Manager of Sales &amp; Exhibitor Services</strong>. In this role, you'll be responsible for generating new and existing revenue and building strong relationships with exhibitors and sponsors for NCA's Annual Convention. You'll create and execute sales strategies for exhibits, sponsorships, and advertising, ensuring we deliver on every customer commitment. Beyond sales, you'll support convention operations by developing signage, ensuring program quality, and helping with session scheduling. We need someone with proven sales skills, a talent for customer service, and the ability to execute operational details flawlessly.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Primary Responsibilities</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Revenue Generation &amp; Sales:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Develop and implement sales strategies for exhibits (general exhibitors, Graduate School Open House, Career Fair), sponsorships, and advertising</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Conduct proactive outreach to prospective and past exhibitors, sponsors, and advertisers to build and maintain relationships</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Manage the full sales cycle - from generating leads to finalizing contracts and tracking payments</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Design persuasive sales materials, including exhibitor and sponsor prospectuses, marketing pieces, and customized package offerings</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Collaborate with the Director to develop pricing structures and partnership packages</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Identify new revenue opportunities and creative sponsorship offerings</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Conduct post-convention analysis and renewal campaigns</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Exhibitor &amp; Sponsor Services:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Serve as the primary point of contact for all exhibitor and sponsor customer service (manage 80+ exhibitors annually)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Design exhibit hall floor plans and manage booth assignments for all exhibitor categories</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Coordinate with exposition service companies to develop exhibitor kits and handle logistics</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Manage all exhibitor communications, including housing, registration, badges, and operational guidelines</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ensure compliance with venue safety regulations and obtain necessary fire marshal approvals</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ensure all sponsorship benefits and contract terms are fulfilled</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Coordinate sponsored events and activations</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Oversee exhibit hall operations, including setup, customer support, and food &amp; beverage coordination</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Manage on-site exhibitor registration and check-in operations</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Coordinate security services for exhibit hall operations, including vendor research, RFP process, and on-site management</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Conduct post-convention surveys and analyze feedback</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Convention Operations Support:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Develop and coordinate all convention signage (directional, sponsor recognition, session identification, wayfinding)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Review program and mobile app for accuracy, including verifying sponsor recognition and advertisement placement per contracts and exhibitor information accuracy</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Partner with the Convention &amp; Meetings Associate on managing the scheduling of programming in the abstract management system and coordinating ancillary meetings</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Participate in site visits with a focus on exhibit space and sponsor opportunities</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Provide on-site support during the convention for exhibitor services and operations</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Other duties as assigned</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Budget &amp; Vendor Management:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Negotiate and manage contracts with exhibit-related vendors (drayage, expo services, specialty suppliers)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Track sales revenue, manage invoicing and payment processing</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Assist with budget development and monitor expenses</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Reconcile post-convention billing</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">&nbsp;<strong>Continuous Improvement:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Monitor sales metrics, conversion rates, and retention trends</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Research emerging exhibit and sponsorship trends, stay current with industry best practices, and provide strategic recommendations to the Director</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Conduct market analysis to identify competitive opportunities and new revenue streams</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Suggest process improvements that boost efficiency and enhance the customer experience</span></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Organizational Context</strong></span><br><span style="font-size: 14pt;">NCA represents almost 6,000 scholars, teachers, practitioners, students, and affiliates worldwide. NCA is a scholarly society founded in 1914 and categorized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with an annual operating budget of approximately $4 million. NCA is a collaborative environment with a small staff where teamwork is valued.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">NCA holds one annual convention and several governance meetings each year. The NCA Annual Convention draws 4,500 attendees and features over 1,100 programmatic sessions, an exhibit hall, a career center, a graduate school open house, and networking events.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For more information about NCA, please visit our website at www.natcom.org.</span></p><p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Benefits</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Competitive salary commensurate with experience</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Health, dental, and vision insurance</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Retirement savings plan</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Opportunities for professional development</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Collaborative and inclusive work environment</span></li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Work Mode</strong></span><br><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The National Communication Association (NCA) operates in a hybrid work mode; two days in the office and three days at telework. Staff are expected to be in the office on Tuesdays for strategic planning and other ongoing discussions. The position requires travel to the NCA Annual Convention in November and approximately 2-3 additional trips per year for site visits and other annual events. This position will work in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The work mode is regularly reviewed to meet the association's evolving needs. Such a review may necessitate changing the work mode designation for a position.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to Apply</span></strong><br>Several professional profiles may be well-suited to this position. Should your qualifications differ from those described below, but you believe this is the job for you, please do not hesitate to apply by emailing your <em>resume and cover letter </em>to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>convention@natcom.org</strong></span>. Please place <strong>Manager of Sales &amp; Exhibitor Services</strong> in the subject line. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.</span></p>

Requirements

<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></span><br><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Required:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">5+ years of experience in meeting planning, trade show management, event sales, or association management</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business administration, marketing, communications, or related field</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Demonstrated success in B2B sales with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Preferred:</strong></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or similar industry certification is a plus</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A strong focus on customer service with excellent relationship management and negotiation abilities</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Comfortable using AMS systems, abstract management software (X-CD Technologies preferred), registration platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Experience with trade show floor plan design, exhibitor services, sponsorship fulfillment, and exhibit hall logistics (including drayage, shipping, and AV requirements)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Knowledge of exhibit hall safety regulations, venue compliance requirements, fire marshal approval processes, and lead retrieval services</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Familiarity with mobile app platforms, digital advertising, and print program production</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Solid project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects and competing deadlines</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sharp attention to detail, especially when it comes to quality control and contract compliance</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Strong communication skills&mdash;both written and verbal&mdash;and excellent interpersonal abilities</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Flexibility to shift priorities based on seasonal demands and the convention timeline</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Willing to travel domestically several times a year for site visits and on-site event support</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Professional approach with a positive, solutions-oriented attitude and dedication to creating exceptional customer experiences</span></li></ul>