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TITLE: Sponsorship & Exhibit Sales Manager     
LOCATION: NHQ, Chicago IL
DEPT: CPD & Marketing       
DATE Posted: July 19, 2010
REPORTS TO: Director, Communications & CPD

Company Overview:
The National Black MBA Association’s (NBMBAA) mission is to lead in the creation of economic and intellectual wealth for African Americans.  One of its primary services is the continuous delivery of unparalleled professional development opportunities.  We also hold the world’s largest African American Career Fair, for employment opportunities partnering with fortune 500 companies, to leverage the opportunity to engage a diverse workforce.

The NBMBAA tagline “Empowering Visionaries” exemplifies the drive and determination to be the best service-provider to the more than 350 corporate and educational partners.  The membership of NBMBAA represents households with incomes from $50K – to more than $200K across 43 National Chapters and 26 Collegiate Chapters.

The National Black MBA Association is a great place to work embracing the efficiencies of advanced technology, innovative products and unlimited opportunity.  With more than 100,000 MBA’s around the world, the opportunity for growth is phenomenal.  This is a tremendous opportunity for a self-motivated professional looking for a challenge and ready for change. Join a winning team and discover what National Black MBA Association has to offer.
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Get in on the ground floor to build revenue for an outstanding association. If you have a successful history of solutions based selling, the National Black MBA Association wants to hear from you!  This position is suited to a self-motivated, professional person who can confidently work with a variety of people.  Diplomacy and tact are important to the success of this person.

Our Corporate Partner Development team manages every detail of the sponsorship and exhibit sales process to drive revenue growth.  Our development professionals are responsible for understanding our clients' industries; identifying appropriate companies to exhibit and/or sponsor our conference; conduct outreach through telephone, e-mail and in-person to build relationships with vendors; create presentations; negotiate and close deals; and maintain and grow sponsor and exhibitor relationships. Annually, we sell exhibits and sponsorships with revenue goals that exceed $10 million; year-round partner programs; and other offerings, such as print/electronic advertising and regional events.  CPD works closely with partners to identify effective sales strategies that will ensure the organization maintains a continually growing, diversified revenue stream.

SUMMARY:
The Sponsorship & Exhibit Sales Manager is responsible for raising money through the sale of sponsorship packages for NBMBAA Annual conference and events, by targeting various companies, organizations and associations. The Manager creates sponsorship and exhibitor packages according to client specification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties may be assigned):

• Utilize telephone solicitation, electronic and written correspondence and face-to-face meetings as tools in order to reach and exceed the budgeted sponsorship target for each event & annual conference;
• Research and develop a list of potential sponsors for conference & events;
• Research and develop a list of potential exhibitors when required;
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential sponsorship clients and exhibitors;
• Keep precise records of conversations with all clients, sponsors and exhibitors;
• Work with A/R to invoice sponsors and exhibitors once agreements have been reached;
• Assist in preparing promotional material to advertise sales opportunities;
• Maintain knowledge of conference timelines and sponsorship deadlines;
• Meet with trade and professional organizations and other groups to organize, promote and discuss NBMBAA conference / exhibitor  show services; and professionally represent NBMBAA at all times.
• Evaluate current association offerings (exhibitor floor space, webinars, advertising, banners, etc) and develop new sponsorship programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of current and potential business partners;
• Build, maintain and grow (revenue) all current and prospective sponsor and exhibitor vendors accounts;
• Identify and Implement creative solutions to expanding revenue beyond annual conference;
• Maintaining a current, accurate client relationship database and remain accountable for timely and accurate reporting.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Successful candidate will demonstrate a history of  Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively build relationships based on trust and mutual partnerships.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to communicate customer needs and resolve issues independently;
• Ability to establish and master goals;
• Ability to identify and develop accounts;
• Ability to act independently with minimal or no supervision;
• Ability to Travel.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Business Administration or equivalent degree, with 4-6 years experience in corporate sales. A
reasonable combination of education and experience will also be considered.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business materials, professional journals, technical
procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals, proposals and grant submissions.  Ability to effectively present information both electronically and in person and respond to questions from clients, customers and the general public.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.  Ability to effectively plan sales strategy.  Ability to negotiate on behalf of the NBMBAA to achieve maximum benefit for both parties.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Excellent knowledge of a variety of sales and presentation software packages including CRM, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are a must.

NBMBAA offers a competitive industry compensation and benefits package.  For consideration please send your resume to:
National Black MBA Association Inc.
Attn: Human Resources Department
180 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400
Chicago, IL  60601
or
Email: hr@nbmbaa.org
Fax: (312) 580-8724