The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland
Wisconsin
Remote or hybrid in Irving, Tx
Oak Brook, IL
Chicago (Nationwide)
Posted: 07-Jul-26
Location: Chicago
Type: Full Time
Salary: $90,000 - $110,000
Categories:
Preferred Education:
The Manager, Industry Relations is responsible for leading the execution of LUGPA’s corporate partnership, sponsorship, exhibit and advertising programs while achieving annual revenue objectives and delivering exceptional service to industry partners. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this position oversees the day-to-day management of sponsorship sales, partner engagement, meeting fulfillment and departmental operations, ensuring the successful execution of LUGPA’s corporate partnership strategy.
The Manager develops and manages the sponsorship sales pipeline, builds and maintains strong industry relationships, and ensures partner commitments are fulfilled to the highest standards. The role involves supervising the Industry Relations Coordinator and collaborating across departments to drive partner value and organizational success.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
-Find, pitch, sell and secure sponsorships, exhibit opportunities and marketing partnerships.
-Prospect, research and cultivate new corporate partners while maintaining and growing existing relationships.
-Research prospects and industries to identify new business opportunities.
-Develop prospect lists and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities.
-Generate and arrange meetings with prospective partners through networking, referrals, cold calling and other methods of canvassing.
-Develop sponsorship decks, activation ideas and concepts customized to partner objectives.
-Develop meeting prospectuses and partnership proposals that clearly communicate value and opportunities.
-Identify opportunities to expand partner engagement across meetings, education, digital platforms and advertising.
PARTNER RELATIONSHIP & ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
-Serve as the primary liaison to industry partners.
-Manage partner accounts from sale through activation and post meeting follow-up.
-Collaborate with internal departments to discover opportunities and advise how to maximize relationships and partner value.
-Coordinate sponsor attendance, branding, advertising, onsite activations and fulfillment of all contractual benefits.
-Ensure exceptional partner experiences and identify opportunities for renewal and account growth.
-Address and resolve partner inquiries and concerns professionally and promptly.
SPONSORSHIP & MEETING OPERATIONS
-Lead internal teams in preparation for meetings and partner engagement.
-Coordinate with internal departments to facilitate sponsor attendance at meetings and conferences.
-Oversee execution of sponsorship and exhibit deliverables across meetings, education programs and digital initiatives.
-Generate billing information, invoices and related financial documentation to support billing and accounts receivable.
-Ensure accuracy and timeliness of contracts, deliverables and financial records.
COMMITTEES & COLLABORATION
-Support the Industry Relations Committee and related activities.
-Work collaboratively across departments to ensure alignment of partner goals, deliverables and reporting.
-Contribute ideas and recommendations to improve sponsorship programs, processes and partner engagement.
DEPARTMENT & TEAM LEADERSHIP
-Supervise the Industry Relations Coordinator, including assigning work, coaching and conducting performance reviews.
-Maintain CRM records.
-Support and manage other special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
- 5+ years of experience in sponsorship sales, exhibit sales, business development, association management, healthcare, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success generating sponsorship, exhibit and advertising revenue through strategic sales and corporate partnerships.
- Proven ability to build, manage and grow client relationships while achieving revenue goals.
- Experience developing sponsorship proposals, sales presentations, prospect lists and sales pipelines.
- Strong background in sponsorship marketing, advertising and business development.
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
- Outstanding organizational, project management and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/database platforms.
- Ability to travel approximately 15–25% annually.
Preferred
- Experience working within a healthcare association, medical society or healthcare-related organization.
- Knowledge of the urology industry and healthcare marketplace.
- Experience managing exhibit sales, sponsorship fulfillment and corporate partnership programs.
- Outgoing, energetic, relationship-driven self-starter with a passion for building long-term partnerships.
- Experience working with physician leaders, volunteers and committees.
