Director, Space Programs & Partnerships

Informa Group .•New York, NY

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

Aviation Week, part of Informa Markets, is seeking a strategic, commercially minded Director of Space Programs & Partnerships to drive the operational execution and growth of its space portfolio. The position is based in the New York or DC office and reports to the VP of Marketing & Events Strategy. The role focuses on Aviation Week’s presence at Space Tech Expo, including the Space Tech Challenge Awards, STAR Pavilion, and commercial space content monetization initiatives. It combines commercial execution and content strategy to deliver results, build strategic partnerships, and grow revenue. The Director will manage event programs and partnerships, support commercial performance and revenue growth, coordinate sponsored content and other monetization activities, and work across marketing, editorial, production, and operations. The position also manages vendors and external partners, prepares business reviews and performance reports, and represents Aviation Week at relevant industry events as directed. The role is based in a hybrid working environment: colleagues work in person three days a week or more and may work from home or remotely at other times, with flexibility to work from almost anywhere for up to four weeks per year.

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.
Strong project management skills, with 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.
Comfort operating 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 Aviation Week’s strategic 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 the STAR Pavilion and Commercial Space Media Pavilion concepts, including exhibitor packages, sponsorship fulfillment, and programming logistics.
Manage relationships with strategic partners, such as the Commercial Space Federation, and ensure partnership deliverables and value are realized.
Manage Aviation Week’s strategic engagement and participation in other relevant space events.
Support P&L management for space events and sponsorship programs, tracking 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 upselling.
Manage execution of advertorial and sponsored content programs, maintaining editorial standards while delivering sponsor value.
Implement content distribution plans to amplify event programming and extend post-event engagement.
Support monetization initiatives for 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 to volunteer, with charity match funding available.
Training and learning opportunities, mentoring platforms, and access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning.
15 days of PTO, increasing to 20 days after three years and 25 days after six years.
10 national holidays and a birthday leave day.
Opportunity to work from almost anywhere for up to four weeks per year.
401(k) match.
Health insurance.
Vision insurance.
Dental insurance.
Parental leave.
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount.
Employee assistance program (EAP) support.
Mental health first aiders and free access to a wellness app.
Up to four weeks of remote work from almost anywhere per year.
Welcoming, supportive, and collaborative community with in-person and online social events and colleague groups and networks.
Global awards and kudos programs recognizing great work.
Opportunity to collaborate with teams around the world.