Awards Programs Lead, Executive Engagement

Crain Communications; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Automotive News, part of Crain Communications, seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead global awards programs and executive gatherings. You will own strategy, growth and end-to-end execution across editorial, sales and events, building engagement and revenue while maintaining independent judging integrity.

You will manage timelines, platforms and workflows, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement with data-driven insights and AI-enabled efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in program management, awards or recognition programs, high-end events or executive engagement.
• Exceptional organization and project management skills with ability to manage multiple timelines and vendors.
• Executive presence and polish; comfortable with C-level executives, sponsors and judges.
• Experience administering program platforms, judging tools, RSVP or event platforms, CRM, and managing structured participant data with accuracy and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Own the strategy, growth and execution of global awards programs and executive gatherings.
• Develop annual roadmaps, timelines, growth priorities and cross-functional requirements while maintaining standards.
• Lead lifecycle from planning to post-program reporting, coordinating across editorial, sales, marketing, events and research teams.
• Manage award entry and judging platforms, categories, deadlines and data; ensure accurate participant records.
• Develop and safeguard credible, editorially independent judging processes; recruit judges and coordinate logistics.
• Partner with sales/marketing to grow entries, sponsorship revenue and participation; translate programs into market-ready opportunities.
• Own program management for private executive gatherings, manage invitation/RSVP workflows and sponsor relationships.
• Track participation, revenue, and sponsor fulfillment; create templates and workflows, leverage AI/automation to improve efficiency.

Skills

Program management

Organization & PM

Executive presence

Program platforms

Commercial instinct

AI tools usage

Strong written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

Tools

CRM

Awards platforms

RSVP/event platforms

Job description

Automotive News, part of Crain Communications, seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead global awards programs and executive gatherings. You will own strategy, growth and end-to-end execution across editorial, sales and events, building engagement and revenue while maintaining independent judging integrity.

You will manage timelines, platforms and workflows, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement with data-driven insights and AI-enabled efficiency.