Marketing And Business Development Manager

Role Overview

As Marketing & Business Development Manager, you will shape how the Inclusive Africa Conference (IAC) reaches audiences, attracts commercial support and builds lasting partnerships across Africa and internationally. Reporting to the Programs Director, you will lead the conference’s marketing and sales activity, bringing together accessible communications, audience growth and revenue development to support IAC’s long-term reach and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and deliver annual marketing plans to grow attendance and engagement among delegates, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, media and partner organisations.
• Strengthen IAC’s brand through coordinated campaigns across digital, email, social media, public relations, paid channels and partner networks.
• Lead and develop the marketing and business development team, while coordinating the work of external agencies, consultants and suppliers.
• Plan accessible promotional and event materials, and oversee communications before, during and after the conference, including media and partner visibility.
• Build the conference’s commercial strategy and revenue plan, identifying new audiences, markets and opportunities across corporate, government, development and philanthropic sectors.
• Develop sales materials and tailored sponsorship, exhibitor and partnership offers; present proposals, negotiate terms and secure agreements.
• Manage relationships throughout the full account lifecycle, from initial outreach and contracting to event delivery, results reporting, renewal and expanded support.
• Maintain reliable CRM records, sales forecasts and campaign analytics; use performance data to improve results and report on revenue, conversion and return on investment.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Eight to ten years of relevant experience in marketing, sponsorship sales, partnerships or event commercialisation, including at least three years in a leadership position.
• Evidence of building a qualified sales pipeline, achieving revenue goals and closing substantial sponsorship or partnership agreements.
• Experience opening new markets, developing commercial packages and cultivating long-term relationships with corporate or institutional clients.
• Strong prospecting, proposal development, presentation, negotiation and deal-closing skills, supported by sound commercial judgement.
• Ability to lead a team and manage overlapping campaigns, sales activity, partnerships, budgets, suppliers and deadlines.
• A master’s degree in business, marketing, communications or a related area is preferred. Candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree and significant relevant experience may also be considered.
• Commitment to disability inclusion and the use of accessible communication.
• Experience promoting large conferences, summits or expos, or growing a brand across African markets, is an advantage.
• Familiarity with CRM, analytics or digital marketing tools is beneficial; relevant professional training or certification is an additional advantage.

What Success Looks Like

• Agreed revenue goals for sponsorship, exhibition, delegate participation and partnerships are achieved or surpassed.
• A diverse, well-managed opportunity pipeline supports dependable sales forecasts and continued conversion.
• New markets and strategic accounts expand the conference’s reach and commercial resilience across Africa.
• Partners receive the visibility and value promised, creating opportunities for continued or increased support.
• Marketing and event activity strengthens registrations, engagement, reach and accessibility, helping IAC grow its profile and financial sustainability over time.