Global Awards & Executive Engagement Leader

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

Job summary

Automotive News is seeking a Senior Program Manager to own strategy, growth and execution of global awards programs and executive engagements. You will lead end-to-end development, judging, and post-program reporting, partnering with editorial, sales, marketing, events, and leadership.

Support revenue growth through sponsorships, attendee experiences and executive gatherings, while building scalable processes and governance for credibility and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years in program management, awards, events or executive engagement.
• Experience with program platforms and managing structured participant data.

Responsibilities

• Own awards strategy, roadmaps and growth in partnership with senior leadership.
• Lead end-to-end management of each awards program from planning to reporting.
• Coordinate timelines, workflows, judging, content and data across teams.
• Manage entry, judging, and winner processes with credible, independent judging.
• Drive sponsorship and revenue opportunities and integrate awards with events.

Skills

Organization

Project management

Executive presence

Program platforms

Commercial instincts

AI tools

Writing & communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Awards or submission systems

RSVP or event platforms

CRM

Job description

Automotive News is seeking a Senior Program Manager to own strategy, growth and execution of global awards programs and executive engagements. You will lead end-to-end development, judging, and post-program reporting, partnering with editorial, sales, marketing, events, and leadership.

Support revenue growth through sponsorships, attendee experiences and executive gatherings, while building scalable processes and governance for credibility and impact.