Senior Partnerships & Events Manager

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minnesota is a respected nonprofit association with over 2,300 members including architects, designers, and industry partners. Dedicated to fostering design excellence and supporting the architecture community, AIA Minnesota serves a vital role in shaping the built environment in Minnesota and beyond. The organization is values-driven, emphasizing authenticity, equity, collaboration, and integrity in all that it does. With a small yet dynamic team of eight full-time employees and interns, AIA Minnesota operates in a cooperative, member-focused environment. The team works together closely with architects, designers, and allied industry professionals to promote sustainability, equity, and health and wellness in the built environment. This collaboration enriches the professional lives of members and helps cultivate long-term career success and innovation in architectural practice.

AIA Minnesota is currently hiring a Senior Partnerships & Events Manager, a full-time and exempt position reporting to the Executive Vice President. This key role is designed for a driven sales and events professional who can balance independent work with collaborative team efforts. The Senior Partnerships & Events Manager will steward well-established relationships with advertisers, sponsors, and program partners, ensuring the continued success of AIA Minnesota’s annual print and digital publications, major conferences, and signature events such as the Homes by Architects Tour, golf fundraisers, and exposition hall management. This position holds significant responsibility for generating revenue through advertising sales, event sponsorships, exhibit booth sales, membership sales, and support value creation, particularly for allied members. With a salary of $82,000 and comprehensive benefits, this opportunity offers a rewarding career path for a strategic thinker and accomplished sales manager with a passion for the architecture and construction industries.

The role involves developing and implementing sales strategies, maintaining relevant data related to sponsors and members, and meeting both dues and non-dues revenue goals. The Senior Partnerships & Events Manager also plays a pivotal role in planning and managing key organizational events, acting as a project leader for activities such as the annual conference, residential home tour, and golf events that support scholarships and grants. This position works closely with a small staff team and requires exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite is essential as the organization currently does not utilize a customer relationship management system. The successful candidate will be a proactive self-starter who embraces the mission of AIA Minnesota, adapts quickly to shifting priorities, and represents the association with professionalism and enthusiasm.

The work environment is hybrid with some opportunities for remote work, but regular in-person attendance at key events throughout the year is necessary. The new office space at Riverplace in Minneapolis will facilitate a hoteling workspace approach. Events are a key focus, including a three-day annual conference in November, a weekend home tour, golf outings, awards ceremonies, and partnered continuing education and social events. The position is an excellent fit for someone who values a mission-driven culture and enjoys working at the intersection of sales, event management, and industry partnership building. AIA Minnesota also offers a competitive benefits package with health, dental, and vision insurance, employer-matched retirement savings, vacation and sick leave starting from day one, supportive leave for family welcoming, and sabbatical opportunities after seven years of service.