Senior Partnerships & Events Manager

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minnesota is a well-established, mission-driven nonprofit association that serves over 2,300 architects, designers, and allied industry partners throughout Minnesota. Known for its dedication to promoting design excellence, sustainability, equity, and health and wellness in the built environment, AIA Minnesota plays a significant role in shaping the architecture and design landscape not only statewide but also nationally. Through its varied programs, events, and publications, the organization fosters a collaborative community among professionals who are problem solvers, combining idealism with practicality to advance the profession and support members over their career journeys, which often span decades.

AIA Minnesota's culture emphasizes values such as authenticity, equity, collaboration, and integrity. With a small but effective team of eight full-time employees and up to two interns, each member holds diverse responsibilities and works closely with architects, designers, and industry professionals to co-create impactful programs and service offerings. This collaborative approach enhances the association’s capacity to support its members’ professional growth and promote broader societal benefits through thoughtful, innovative design. The organization encourages strategic thinking and hands-on implementation across both state and local chapters and its affiliated foundation.

We are currently seeking to hire a Senior Partnerships & Events Manager, a key leadership role that reports directly to the Executive Vice President. This full-time exempt position offers a salary of $82,000 with no commission. The ideal candidate will have the unique opportunity to carry forward well-established relationships with advertisers, sponsors, and program partners, as they transition into this restructured role. Support in transitioning these relationships will be available from the retiring Sales Director, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of relationships.

In this role, you will cultivate and maintain strong, mutually rewarding partnerships with companies and individuals involved in architecture and the broader AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry. Your expertise will contribute to securing and managing advertising, sponsorships, and exhibit booths for AIA Minnesota’s portfolio of print and digital publications, annual conference, golf fundraisers, and residential home tours. You will play key leadership roles in the management of major events such as the Homes by Architects Tour, the conference expo hall, and scholarship-supporting golf outings.

As Senior Partnerships & Events Manager, you will develop innovative sales strategies, implement these effectively, and manage data related to current and prospective sponsors, advertisers, and members. Achieving dues and non-dues revenue goals will be central to your responsibilities. The position requires a collaborative spirit to work closely with fellow staff and association members, while also being a self-motivated team player capable of working independently.

The work environment is flexible and hybrid, with most duties performed remotely, but several key events throughout the year will require in-person participation, including a three-day annual conference, a two-day weekend home tour, and various social and continuing education events. Staff will eventually transition to a hoteling workspace setup in the new office location at Riverplace in Minneapolis.

The compensation package includes a competitive benefits offering with health, dental, and vision insurance, employer-matched retirement savings, separate vacation and sick leave available from day one, and strong leave benefits related to family growth. Furthermore, after seven years with the organization, staff are eligible for a restorative or work-related sabbatical to support long-term well-being and career sustainability. This role represents an exceptional opportunity for a sales, business development, or event management professional passionate about the architecture and design industry and looking to make meaningful contributions to a respected nonprofit that values both its people and its mission.