Director, Sponsorships

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is the world’s largest advocacy association representing member companies, state biotechnology groups, academic and research institutions, and related organizations across the United States and in 30+ countries. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

The Director of Sponsorship is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive revenue generation strategies through event sponsorships, exhibit space sales, and innovative partnership opportunities across BIO’s portfolio of events. This role requires close collaboration with other departments to align sponsorship initiatives with overall organizational goals and to maximize the value proposition for our partners. The Director will leverage market insights and analytics to inform sponsorship strategies and pricing models. As a key leader on the Sales and Sponsorship team, the Director will build and mentor a high-performing team, driving a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. They will serve as an industry thought leader, representing BIO at relevant forums, and contributing to the organization’s strategic positioning in the biotechnology sector.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Stakeholder Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with executives and decision makers at key partner organizations, serving as the primary point of contact for high-value accounts, to meet or exceed revenue goals annually.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership teams to ensure seamless integration of sponsorship initiatives with other organizational priorities.
• Represent BIO at industry events and forums, contributing to thought leadership initiatives that enhance the organization's reputation and influence.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year sponsorship and revenue generation strategy aligned with BIO's overall business objectives.
• Lead the creation of innovative sponsorship packages and revenue streams that anticipate market trends and address evolving partner needs.

Market Intelligence and Innovation:

• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities to inform sponsorship strategies and product offerings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders to stay informed of sector developments and potential partnership opportunities.
• Lead the development and implementation of data-driven insights to optimize sponsorship performance and partner satisfaction.

Financial Management:

• Manage the sponsorship department's budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation and ROI.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement robust tracking mechanisms to measure and report on departmental success.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing sponsorship team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Ensure all sponsorship activities comply with relevant legal and ethical standards.
• Develop and maintain sponsorship policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that align with industry best practices.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND, EDUCATION, and SKILLS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; MBA or advanced degree in business/healthcare a plus.
• Experience: 8+ years in sales, sponsorship, or business development, with experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare industries preferred.
• Sales & Sponsorship Skills: Proven track record in sponsor development, business development, or trade show sales.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the drug development industry and biotech/pharmaceutical markets is advantageous.
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with experience presenting to senior management.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems preferred.
• Travel: Willingness to travel as needed for client meetings and events.
• Customer Service: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.

BIO is an equal opportunity employer. BIO does not discriminate in employment with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.