Marketing and Business Development Manager

About the role

inABLE is looking for a commercially minded, results-driven Marketing and Business Development Manager to lead the growth of the Inclusive Africa Conference (IAC). Reporting to the Programs Director, you will own IAC's market presence, audiences, revenue and strategic partnerships across Africa and beyond, identifying and converting commercial opportunities, securing sponsors and exhibitors and building sustainable revenue streams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead IAC's annual marketing and audience-growth strategy for delegates, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, media and partners, and build, lead and mentor the marketing and business development team.
• Manage brand positioning, messaging and campaigns across web, email, social, paid media, PR and partner channels, and drive registrations across Africa.
• Oversee the production of accessible campaign, delegate, media, sponsorship and exhibitor materials, and coordinate pre-, on-site and post-event marketing and media relations.
• Use CRM and campaign analytics to track performance, manage audience data and improve return on investment.
• Develop and execute the business development strategy, revenue plan and annual sales targets, and build a pipeline across corporate, government, development and philanthropic sectors.
• Secure sponsorship, exhibitor, delegate, co-funding and in-kind revenue, develop commercial packages, proposals and pitch decks, and lead negotiations and deal closure.
• Manage accounts from prospecting through delivery, reporting, renewal and upselling, and represent IAC and inABLE at regional and global forums.

Required profile

• 8-10 years' experience in marketing, sponsorship sales, partnerships or event commercialisation, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success building pipelines, meeting revenue targets and closing high-value sponsorship or partnership deals.
• Experience developing new markets, commercial offers and long-term corporate or institutional accounts.
• Master's degree in business, marketing, communications or a related field; a strong bachelor's degree with substantial experience may be considered.
• Genuine commitment to disability inclusion and accessible communication.

Required skills

• Prospecting, proposal writing, presentation, negotiation and closing.
• Team leadership and managing concurrent sales, campaigns, partnerships, budgets, deadlines and suppliers.
• Familiarity with CRM and analytics platforms; experience with CRM or digital marketing tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot or Google Analytics is an added advantage.