Industry Relations Associate

Overview

The Industry Relations Associate is responsible for driving revenue through the sale of sponsor ships and advertising while strengthening relationships with NACUFS corporate partners. This role focuses on consistent outreach, responsive service, and proactive engagement to ensure partners see clear value in their relationship with NACUFS.

The successful candidate will spend at least 50% of their time on calls (telephone or Zoom) with current and prospective partners, listening to needs, presenting opportunities, and closing sales. While strategy is directed by the Director of Membership & Marketing, the Associate is expected to execute outreach plans and deliver on assigned revenue goals.

• Sales & Revenue
  • Execute outreach campaigns (calls, emails, virtual meetings) to secure sponsor ships and advertising sales.
  • Manage a pipeline of prospects and move opportunities from initial contact to signed contract.
  • Consistently meet or exceed assigned revenue goals.
  • Provide input from partner conversations to help refine sales strategies.
• Member Engagement & Support
  • Serve as a day-to-day contact for industry members, answering questions and providing excellent customer service.
  • Ensure sponsorship and advertising deliverables are fulfilled in coordination with internal teams.
  • Track interactions and maintain accurate records in NACUFS’ systems.
  • Conduct follow-up after calls and meetings to ensure commitments are met.
• Program & Relationship Building
  • Support recruitment, retention, and recognition of industry members.
  • Provide regular updates and check-ins with partners to demonstrate value.
  • Identify opportunities for partners to engage beyond financial support (e.g., sharing expertise, content contributions, other volunteer opportunities).
  • All other duties as assigned.
• Budgetary Responsibilities
  • Support the development of annual revenue goals and ensure delivery against sponsorship and advertising budgets.
• Supervisory/Reporting and Working Relationships
  • Collaborates across departments to ensure industry member opportunities are integrated with meetings, exhibits, advertising, membership, and learning initiatives.

Education/

Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, sales and marketing or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in customer engagement, account management, membership, or relationship-driven sales.
• Demonstrable sales experience showing year over year increases.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a professional and engaging presence on phone and video calls.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and association management systems.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Preferred:

• Experience in association management, higher education, or food service industries.
• Previous customer success, membership, or partner engagement role experience.

Key Attributes, Skills, and Competencies

• Sales-Driven:
  Comfortable prospecting, presenting, and closing sales opportunities.
• Engaging Communicator:
  Builds rapport quickly and maintains positive relationships.
• Organized & Detail-Oriented:
  Manages multiple sales opportunities and deliverables simultaneously.
• Resilient:
  Comfortable with rejection and persistent in following up with new prospects.
• Service-Oriented:
  Focuses on creating value for members in every interaction.