Exhibits Manager

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Exhibits Manager

Employer NAFSA: Association of International Educators Location Washington D.C. Salary Minimum target salary $72,000 Closing date Sep 9, 2025

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Specialty Other Position Type Manager Hours Full-time Employment Type Permanent Organization Type Non-profit

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Job Details

With almost 10,000 members, NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the largest and most comprehensive association of professionals committed to advancing international higher education. Based in the United States, NAFSA provides programs, products, services, and a physical and virtual meeting space for the worldwide community of international educators. The association provides leadership to its varied constituencies through establishing principles of good practice and providing professional development opportunities. NAFSA encourages networking among professionals, convenes conferences and collaborative dialogues, and promotes research and knowledge creation to strengthen and serve the field. We lead the way in advocating for a better world through international education.

NAFSA believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters under-standing and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community. We believe that international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by peace, security, and well-being for all.

Position Summary

The Exhibits Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, management, and execution of the International Education Expo at the NAFSA Annual Conference, one of the largest international education events in the world. Working in close collaboration with colleagues in the Conferences, Marketing, and Technology teams, the Manager leads all aspects of exhibitor sales, customer service, logistics, and on-site operations. The role is both outward-facing and highly collaborative internally, supporting the development of innovative exhibit experiences and maintaining strong relationships with exhibitors, Global Partners, and external vendors.

This position plays a critical role in contributing to the association’s revenue goals and brand visibility, ensuring that the exhibit program is financially successful, professionally executed, and aligned with NAFSA’s mission.

Essential Functions

Exhibitor Management (50%)

• Manage year-round relationships with over 300 exhibiting organizations.
• Oversee exhibit booth reservations, priority point allocations, and the annual rebooking process.
• Develop and maintain the online interactive exhibit map and exhibitor service portal.
• Produce the Exhibitor Services Manual in partnership with the general services contractor.
• Deliver orientation materials and concierge services for new exhibitors.
• Lead exhibitor customer service, addressing inquiries, issues, and special accommodations.
• Serve as the point of contact and problem solver for on-site exhibitor issues during the Annual Conference.
  
  

Strategic Planning and Evaluation (20%)

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the expo experience and increase value for exhibitors.
• Establish and track key performance indicators related to exhibitor satisfaction, sales, and floor utilization.
• Stay current on exhibition industry trends and recommend innovative enhancements.
• Assist in the development of the annual expo budget and sales forecast.
  
  

Marketing, Sales, and Revenue Generation (15%)

• Collaborate with Marketing to develop compelling promotional materials and campaigns to drive booth sales.
• Support the Organizational Advancement team by packaging exhibit benefits for Global Partners.
• Cross-sell sponsorship opportunities to exhibitors to maximize revenue.
• Provide ongoing support for website content related to exhibiting engagement.
  
  

Operations and Vendor Oversight (10%)

• Manage contracts and relationships with general service contractors, lead retrieval vendors, insurance providers, and venue partners.
• Oversee the creation of customized expo hall floor plans based on venue layout and exhibitor seniority.
• Collaborate with vendors to ensure timely, accurate communication with exhibitors.
• Coordinate exhibitor registration processes
• Address and mitigate potential labor, space, or venue access challenges.
  
  

Performs other duties as assigned to support NAFSA’s strategic goals and objectives (5%)

Work Environment

The standard workday is generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. During the week after Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday. NAFSA employees are eligible to apply for regular teleworking two days a week (on Mondays and Fridays). Travel is required occasionally related to job responsibilities, especially for the annual conference or other leadership meetings. Participation in the NAFSA annual conference the week of Memorial Day, including the holiday itself, is a job requirement. The annual conference is held in varying cities. Tasks are performed in a typical office environment, involving sitting for extended periods of time. Sitting, standing, bending, and lifting 10lbs or less will occur intermittently throughout the workday. Position involves constant use of computer keyboard and monitor, with intermittent use of headset and microphone.

Total Compensation, Benefits

The target salary for this full-time, 35-hour per week Exhibits Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Development position is $72,000. Total compensation for employment at NAFSA entails a competitive employee benefits package including:

• Competitively priced medical and dental insurance plans with CareFirst
• 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for a 7% employer contribution
• Generous paid vacation, sick, personal, parental, and compassionate leave plans
• Seventeen paid days on and around federal holidays
• Fully paid group life and disability insurance coverage
• Health and dependent care flexible spending account plans
• Pre-tax parking and transportation plans
• Opportunities for professional development and $5,250 in tuition reimbursement
• Free onsite fitness center and secure bicycle parking
  
  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum three years’ successful experience managing tradeshows and events, including sales experience
• Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail, problem-solving mindset, and customer-service orientation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with CRM or expo management platforms.
• Willingness to travel and work extended hours during peak events.
• Passion for international education and alignment with NAFSA’s mission.
• High caliber performer with a strong commitment to customer service
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment as well as independently
• Creative problem solving, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility, ability to adapt to changing responsibilities
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Enthusiasm for NAFSA’s mission
• Nonprofit accounting procedures, experience living/working outside the US, etc.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS (Preferred)

• Experience in a membership association or nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with event tech systems like iMIS, CadmiumCD, and interactive expo maps.
• Exposure to international education, global partnerships, or university relations.
  
  

Company

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is an organization of people dedicated to building a global community and fostering a more peaceful world through advancing international higher education. With more than 10,000 members, NAFSA is the world’s largest professional development and advocacy organization committed to international learning and creating a more globally engaged, welcoming, and educated United States. We are an organization of individuals who believe that: international education advances learning and scholarship; strengthens America’s diplomatic ties with countries across the globe and is an integral part of national security; and is essential for developing globally competent individuals. We believe that international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by peace, security, and well-being for all. NAFSA is a workplace that not only appreciates diversity but believes it is our strength, and we strive to create an inclusive culture for all our team members. NAFSA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Company Info

Telephone 202-737-3699 Location 1425 K Street NW

Suite 1200

Washington

DC

20005

United States

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