Sponsorship Manager
World Dairy Expo is seeking a Sponsorship Manager
Purpose: The World Dairy Expo Sponsorship Manager is responsible for sponsor relations, development, and fulfillment at World Dairy Expo, known globally as the world’s largest dairy-exclusive trade and cattle show. This position works with more than 250 corporate, hotel, farm and individual sponsors year-round. Additionally, the Sponsorship Manager works closely with the Commercial Exhibitor Committee and its chairperson to achieve objectives.
World Dairy Expo, having hosted its 58th event in October 2025, is an iconic annual event that draws 55,000 attendees from nearly 90 countries to Madison, Wisconsin for dairy cattle competition, a dairy-focused trade show, and educational programing designed for dairy producers. As a 501(c)3 non-profit, Expo is focused on being a year-round resource to an evolving global dairy industry – a mission the Sponsorship Manager plays a key role in executing.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Identify and cultivate new sponsor relationships
- Oversee the sponsor contract process, including distribution, collection of sponsorships and renewals
- Brainstorm, develop and execute on all sponsorship deliverable plans
- Work closely with team members to identify and fulfill all event sponsorships
- Maintain sponsorship records in accounting software
- Track sponsorship deliverables, cataloging when received and sending follow ups as necessary
- Perform cost/benefit analysis on all sponsorship items on an annual basis
- Oversee sponsor signage inventory and placement before, during and after Expo
- Coordinate star sponsor banner distribution during Expo
- Measure and improve sponsor satisfaction through feedback and post-event surveys
- Manage all event meeting space sales, including pre-show meeting space requirements, ensuring correct room sets and all post-event follow up
- Explore other company-wide, sponsorship specific vendor opportunities
- Create and manage budget compliance
- Provide post-event sponsor thank yous and record of sponsorship deliverable fulfillment at Expo
- Provide industry-leading customer service to current and potential event sponsors
- Work closely with the Commercial Exhibitor Committee and other World Dairy Expo staff
Occasional Duties:
- Post-event evaluation to identify and recommend enhancements
- Other duties as assigned
Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in dairy, agriculture, communications, marketing, or related field required. Minimum three years of relevant experience in business/corporate sponsorship management desired.
Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, use a keyboard, and view a computer monitor for extended periods, lift and carry up to 50 pounds, walk significant distances, climb stairs, and work extended hours to meet business needs.
Position Requirements:
- Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills
- Hard working with the ability to multitask and re-prioritize as needed
- Demonstrates initiative with good organization, planning, project management, and coordination skills
- Creative, out-of-the box thinking
- High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Willingness to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions as needed
- Capable of working independently and as part of a team depending on the task
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suites and various other digital platforms. Sage Accounting Software experience helpful but not required.
- Understanding of dairy and agriculture preferred
Reports To: General Manager
Position Status: Exempt full-time position with robust benefits package
Flexible Hybrid Schedule: Work from our World Dairy Expo Madison, WI office 3 days/week and up to 2 days/week remote. Must be in the office 5 days/week from September 1 – October 15 for show preparations.