Director, Industry Relations & Events

Position Title:

Director, Industry Relations & Events

Time Type:

Full time

Position Summary and Qualifications:

The Director of Industry Relations & Events plays a pivotal leadership role in managing and executing high-impact events that support fundraising initiatives aligned with the goals of the Academy of Food Marketing (AFM) and the University. This role demands strategic thinking, creativity, and the ability to develop innovative programs that drive revenue growth and elevate industry engagement.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, execution, and strategic oversight of AFM’s signature fundraising events (Future Food Industry Leaders Program, Food Marketing Hall of Honor), generating between $500K and $1M+ annually.

• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with industry executives to drive sponsorships, keynote engagements, and strategic collaborations.

• Develop innovative event concepts that expand brand awareness and meet financial goals.

• Serve as a key liaison with the AFM Board of Governors regarding fundraising and events.

• Oversee all event logistics, including hotel negotiations, budgets, P&L management, attendee communication, vendor coordination, and speaker arrangements.

• Manage AFM’s digital presence related to events and fundraising, including website content and LinkedIn/social media engagement.

• Collaborate with University departments such as Advancement, MarComm, and SJU Print Services for event promotion and collateral development.

• Create and manage all industry training programs, including agenda, syllabus, keynote speakers, and digital badging.

• Engage AFM alumni and lead outreach initiatives to support awareness, engagement and financial support.

• Assist Executive Director with Board management, including standards of performance and joint business reviews.

• Support student development events and serve as a chaperone for select conferences, immersions, and summits.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in sales, marketing, fundraising, or event planning.

• Proven success managing large-scale events and fundraising campaigns.

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L statements.

• Exceptional selling, communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to multitask while maintaining excellent attention to detail.

• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel occasionally within the U.S.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Business or a related field.

• Professional background in retail, foodservice, or CPG industries.

• Existing network of industry contacts and executive leaders.

Saint Joseph’s University is a private, Catholic, Jesuit institution and we expect members of our community to be knowledgeable about – and to make a positive contribution to – our mission. Saint Joseph’s University is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to recruit, develop and retain a talented and diverse workforce. The University is committed to the diversity of its faculty and staff so that our students, our disciplines and our community as a whole can benefit from the multiple perspectives it offers. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. EOE

Saint Joseph’s University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its programs and activities, including admission and employment, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. To contact the Title IX Coordinator, e-mail titleix@sju.edu, visit Campion Student Center suite 243, or call 610-660-1145. To learn more about the University’s Title IX policies, the process for filing a report or formal complaint of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or other form of sexual misconduct, and the University’s response to reports and/or formal complaints, please visit www.sju.edu/titleix. Inquiries may also be directed to the Federal agency responsible for enforcing Title IX, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.