Director, Space Programs & Partnerships
About The Position
Informa Markets is seeking a strategic, commercially minded Director of Space Programs & Partnerships to drive the operational execution and growth of Aviation Week’s space portfolio. Based in the New York or DC office, the role manages Aviation Week’s position at Space Tech Expo, including the Space Tech Challenge Awards, STAR Pavilion, and commercial space content monetization initiatives. It combines commercial execution with content strategy, translating company strategy into delivered results while building partnerships and growing revenue. The role supports P&L management for space events and sponsorship programs, executes exhibitor and sponsorship sales strategies, identifies revenue opportunities across events and digital platforms, and manages sponsored content and distribution initiatives. It coordinates with marketing, editorial, production, and operations teams; oversees vendors and contractors; prepares quarterly business reviews; and represents Aviation Week at industry events. The Director reports to the VP of Marketing & Events Strategy. The position is based in a hybrid environment: colleagues work in person three days a week or more, with flexibility and support to work from home or remotely at other times.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of experience in event management, business development, or commercial operations within aerospace, defense, or B2B media.
- Demonstrated success managing complex programs and delivering against revenue targets.
- Strong understanding of the commercial space ecosystem, including suppliers, primes, government, and investors.
- Experience managing strategic partnerships and coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Ability to work effectively between editorial/content teams and commercial functions.
- Excellent project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and keep the VP informed of progress.
- Strong commercial acumen and experience executing sponsorship and exhibitor programs.
- Proven ability to build and scale teams, including hiring and onboarding sales and operational staff.
- Experience with multi-phase strategic launches and change management initiatives.
- Self-starter able to translate strategic direction into operational execution.
- Collaborative team player who can support senior leadership in matrixed environments.
- Detail-oriented, with strong follow-through and accountability.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving markets with shifting priorities.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to manage effectively.
- Proactive problem-solver who escalates issues appropriately.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with awards programs, pavilion concepts, or media theater models.
- Familiarity with the Aviation Week brand and the aerospace/defense media landscape.
- Existing relationships within the commercial space industry.
- Background in content marketing or sponsored content operations.
Responsibilities
- Execute strategic direction for Aviation Week’s position at Space Tech Expo US, including exhibitor sales operations, content programming coordination, and on-site delivery.
- Manage the Space Tech Challenge Awards freelancer and oversee sponsor acquisition, judging coordination, promotion, and awards ceremony execution.
- Implement and scale STAR Pavilion and Commercial Space Media Pavilion concepts, managing exhibitor packages, sponsorship fulfillment, and programming logistics.
- Manage strategic partnership relationships, including with the Commercial Space Federation, and ensure deliverables and value are achieved.
- Manage Aviation Week’s engagement and participation in other related space events.
- Support P&L management for space events and sponsorship programs and track performance against targets.
- Execute exhibitor and sponsorship sales strategies, including bundled membership models and content-driven packages.
- Identify and develop revenue opportunities across events, digital platforms, and content partnerships.
- Coordinate with sales teams on exhibitor acquisition, retention campaigns, and upsell execution.
- Manage advertorial and sponsored content program execution while maintaining editorial standards and delivering sponsor value.
- Implement content distribution plans to amplify event programming and extend post-event engagement.
- Support initiatives to monetize Aviation Week’s space publications and digital platforms.
- Coordinate marketing, editorial, production, and operations teams to deliver event experiences.
- Manage external vendors, contractors, and agency partners on behalf of the VP.
- Prepare quarterly business reviews and performance reports for the VP and key stakeholders.
- Represent Aviation Week at industry events and with commercial space stakeholders as directed.
Benefits
- Up to four days per year for volunteering, with charity match funding available.
- Bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms, and access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning; support for internal job moves.
- 15 days PTO, increasing to 20 days after three years and 25 days after six years; 10 national holidays; a birthday leave day; and the option to work from almost anywhere for up to four weeks per year.
- 401k match.
- Health insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Parental leave.
- Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount.
- EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, and free access to a wellness app.
- Community social events, colleague groups and networks, global awards, and recognition programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
