Position Summary

The Director will lead the strategy, cultivation, and management of advertising, sponsorships, partner programs, and affiliated relationships that support the mission and financial goals of NAIS.  This role is responsible for developing high-value, mission-aligned opportunities that drive non-dues revenue, strengthen member engagement, and expand the association’s network of aligned organizations and corporate supporters. This role requires a strategic thinker with exceptional relationship-building skills, a keen understanding of partnership value exchange, and experience working across departments to create and deliver compelling advertising, sponsor and partner programs.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develops and executes a comprehensive partner program strategy aligned with organizational goals and member needs. 
• Identifies and cultivates partner program opportunities that align with the mission and values of the association and independent school community. Prospects for new opportunities and strengthens relationships with existing clients.  
• Develops and manages strategic integrated packages across NAIS channels including advertising, events, and corporate sponsor programs

Event Sponsorships and Exhibit Sales

• Identifies and secures all sponsorships for NAIS events, working with organizations to match their interests with possible NAIS programs, products, and services. 
• In collaboration with program and events teams, executes sales and onsite management of sponsor/exhibitor relations in conference exhibit halls for NAIS’s major conferences including onsite renewals. 

Corporate Supporter Engagement

• In collaboration with the Membership team, recruits supporter members, managing all interactions with prospects, and responds to requests from any organizational and/or corporate entities regarding supporter opportunities. 

Advertising Sales

• Identifies, prospects, and cultivates new advertising clients across relevant markets and sectors.
• Sells advertising space across various platforms (e.g., print publications, websites, email newsletters, event programs, sponsorships).
• Develops customized advertising proposals and packages based on client goals and budget.

 Operational Responsibilities

• Maintains database information for corporate entities. 
• Coordinates with relevant NAIS staff members to develop enhancements to and policies about the NAIS exhibit halls, sponsorships, and other partner programs. 
• Collaborates with the NAIS Marketing Team to effectively promote partner programs. 
• Develops and manages budgets. 
• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on sponsorship and partnership performance and revenue targets. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in advertising, sponsorship sales, strategic partnerships, corporate relations, or business development—preferably in an education, nonprofit, or association setting.
• Deep understanding of the independent school or broader education landscape strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of consistent contributions to non-dues revenue growth for an organization 
• Ability to balance revenue goals with mission alignment and brand integrity.
• Experience with CRM and partner management systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• Ability to travel up to 20% during the year. 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; able to adapt and learn new software and web-based systems. 

Competencies

• Initiative and Self-Direction:  Proactively identifies opportunities and takes action without being prompted.  Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of outcomes
• Interpersonal Skills:  Has strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.  Strong bias for customer service and leads with openness and transparency.
• Collaboration Skills: Develops and manages relationships to carry out work assignments and achieve department goals. Works cooperatively with others toward common goals/objectives and utilizes tactfulness, diplomacy, and ethical behavior.
• Teamwork and Cultural Competence: Promotes cooperation and commitment within the team; seeks input from others, helps others achieve goals and deliverables, and shows consideration for and respect for individual differences. Actively listens, demonstrating an elevated level of empathy, and using effective engagement skills to help create a welcoming environment and establish the appreciation of similarities and differences among cultures.
• Problem-Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in team problem-solving situations. Approaches challenges with curiosity and an experimental mindset
• Adaptability: Responds well to change, ambiguity, and new information. Adjusts strategies quickly in response to feedback or shifting conditions. 
• Technical Capacity: Has a strong understanding of systems and tools and adapts to new technology when needed.

 The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Disclaimer: This document describes the position currently available. It is not an employment contract. NAIS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time, as determined by the needs of the organization.