ABOUT THE ROLE

WAI is hiring a Specialist, Sponsorship and Exhibitions to serve as a dynamic, revenue-generating force at the heart of WAI's mission-driven programs. This role plays a key part in expanding support for WAI by identifying and cultivating prospective sponsors who share a commitment to STEM education and professional development for young women and girls.

The ideal candidate brings a sales-minded approach, strong analytical capabilities, and the interpersonal skills to build lasting partnerships that advance WAI's mission. This individual serves as the relationship manager and sales contact for WAI's exhibitors, partnering in sponsorship commitments, selling exhibit floor space, and stewarding multi-year sponsor relationships to maximize retention and revenue.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Sponsorship Sales & Retention

• Serve as the primary outreach and sales contact for new sponsorships, focusing on prospective partners outside the traditional aviation industry — including technology, financial services, consumer brands, and healthcare — who share a commitment to STEM education for young women and girls.
• Craft tailored proposals and outreach materials that communicate WAI's impact and align each sponsorship with the partner's business objectives and mission.
• Oversee sponsor-related promotional content across web, email, and social channels; support leadership on benefit fulfillment, with expanded responsibility as the role matures.

Exhibitor Sales & Liaison

• Serve as primary contact for all Annual Conference exhibitors — selling packages and floor space, and managing relationships from initial outreach through post-event follow-up.
• Execute a year-round exhibitor engagement strategy; guide exhibitors through conference preparation (floor maps, logistics, deadlines); and coordinate with venues to ensure setup meets specifications.
• Maintain exhibitor database and Priority Points year over year; serve as on-site liaison during the annual conference.

Forecasting, Tracking & Agreement Management

• Maintain organized records of all sponsor and exhibitor agreements, tracking commitments, deliverables, and payment schedules throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Develop and manage revenue forecasts; report regularly to leadership on pipeline status, performance trends, and retention rates.
• Maintain organized digital files for all contracts, correspondence, and benefit documentation using WAI's established systems.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in sponsorship sales, business development, account management, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals and managing a portfolio of client accounts.
• Strong consultative selling skills with the ability to articulate value propositions and tailor pitches to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills with experience managing contracts, agreements, and payment tracking across multiple accounts simultaneously.
• Proficiency with CRM or database tools for tracking sales pipelines, contacts, and agreements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft professional proposals and correspondence independently.
• Ability to travel to the WAI Annual Conference & Exposition and other select events as required.

Preferred

• Experience selling conference sponsorships or exhibit space in an association, nonprofit, or trade show environment.
• Familiarity with corporate sponsorship structures, tiered benefits packages, and sponsor stewardship best practices.
• Experience developing partnerships with non-endemic sponsors (companies outside a specific industry supporting mission-aligned programs).
• Background in nonprofit development, fundraising, or corporate social responsibility partnership programs.
• Knowledge of or passion for aviation, aerospace, or STEM education and genuine enthusiasm for WAI's mission.
• Experience with exhibit management platforms or conference registration/event software.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Sales Acumen — Proactively identifies opportunities, advances relationships through a structured sales process, and closes agreements that deliver value for both WAI and its partners.
• Relationship Management — Builds genuine, long-term partnerships with sponsors and exhibitors, earning trust through consistent follow-through and excellent service.
• Analytical Thinking — Tracks data accurately, interprets revenue trends, and presents clear forecasts that support organizational decision-making.
• Attention to Detail — Manages complex agreement portfolios and payment schedules with precision, catching discrepancies before they become problems.
• Mission Alignment — Communicates WAI's mission and the impact of sponsorship with conviction, connecting partners to a cause larger than transactional business.
• Self-Motivation — Works independently to manage a full account portfolio, prioritizing outreach, follow-up, and administrative tasks without close supervision.