The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the national nonprofit association established in 1863 representing 108,000+ veterinarians working in private & corporate practice, government, industry, academia, & uniformed services, is seeking an Assistant Director, Convention Sponsorships & Exhibits to join our Convention & Meeting Planning team, located at our Headquarters office in Schaumburg, Illinois – a northwest suburb of Chicago. AVMA’s mission is to lead the profession by advocating for its members & advancing the science & practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal & human health.

Reporting to the Division Director of Convention & Meeting Planning with 1 direct report, the Assistant Director, Convention Sponsorships & Exhibits is responsible for managing AVMA’s Convention sponsorship program; as well as all aspects of the AVMA Exhibit Hall including all exhibit hall related AVMA Convention activities on-site, virtually &/or hybrid. They are also responsible for managing the exhibit sales & creating convention sponsorship packages; identifying, fostering, & developing leads & prospects; & providing account management to sponsors. They will work collaboratively with staff throughout the AVMA including Marketing & Communications staff & the Director of Partnerships to accomplish goals while interacting with staff & volunteer leadership as well as other stakeholders. Up to 15% travel.

Deadline for application is 12/10/25.  Submit cover letter, resume, & salary requirements to: apply@avma.org .

The AVMA offers a supportive & flexible hybrid work environment & excellent benefits including heath, dental, vision, life, AD&D, short-term disability, & long-term disability insurance; FSA & HSA plans; 401(k) Plan; generous vacation & sick time; 11 Paid Holidays; Floating Holiday, Paid Parental Leave, an Employee Assistance Program, tuition & professional certification reimbursement, Compensatory Time Off, casual dress, 37.5 hour workweek, Association Forum/ASAE membership, & veterinary pet insurance. 

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $95,000 - $119,000. Compensation decisions take into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, business needs, & organizational policies. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity & consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.

About the AVMA:

Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an office in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members, & acts as a collective voice for its membership & for the profession. The AVMA provides many benefits to its members, including information resources, state & federal advocacy, opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession & practice of veterinary medicine, continuing education opportunities, quality publications, & discounts on personal & professional products, programs & services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors & has a $50M+ annual operating budget. Visit www.avma.org/AVMAcareers!

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To be successful in this role you must be highly collaborative & passionate about AVMA’s mission. Additional qualifications include:

• BS/BA Degree in business, marketing, sales, advertisement, or a related field or equivalent experience; CMP &/or CEM designation preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience in sponsorship, exhibit management & sales, in positions of progressive responsibility with supervisory experience, preferably in a nonprofit or association setting.
• Ability to develop strategic, proactive relationships with potential convention sponsors, exhibitors, & vendors.
• Strong leader with excellent relationship management skills.
• Extensive contract knowledge & strong contract negotiation skills.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to prioritize, complete multiple tasks & a high volume of work within timelines, & in an organized and detailed manner.
• Must be creative with strong, proactive project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal) & strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with volunteer leadership, members, & all levels of AVMA staff with tact and diplomacy.
• Strong computer skills are required including Microsoft Office Products, & knowledge/experience with CRM’s, as well as meeting & exhibit management tools.
• Familiarity with all continuing education & meeting service activities and responsibilities.
• Professional attitude and appearance.

About AVMA

Located in Schaumburg, Illinois, with a Government Relations Division in Washington, D.C., the AVMA is structured to work for its members and acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the veterinary profession. The AVMA provides many benefits to its members, including information resources; state and federal advocacy; opportunities to address issues affecting policies that govern the profession and practice of veterinary medicine; continuing education opportunities; quality publications; and discounts on personal and professional products, programs and services. The work of the AVMA is carried out by a dedicated staff of over 170. The organization is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors and has a $47M+ annual operating budget. Throughout the organization, we take pride in knowing that we make a difference. The AVMA provides excellent employee benefits, including generous health insurance, retirement and paid time-off plans. We enjoy a supportive, friendly and comfortable work environment where work/life balance is evident at every level. We work hard, grow and have fun! For more information, please visit www.avma.org.

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