Senior Awards & Executive Engagement Lead

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Automotive News is seeking a Senior Program Manager to own the strategy, growth and execution of its global awards programs and executive gatherings. You will collaborate with editorial, sales, marketing, events and leadership to scale participation and revenue, while personally managing platforms, judging logistics and RSVP workflows.

The role blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution, including building community infrastructure and ensuring independent judging processes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading complex, deadline-driven programs end to end.
• Exceptional organization and project management across multiple timelines.
• Executive presence with C-level executives, sponsors and judges.
• Experience administering program platforms and participant data.

Responsibilities

• Own the performance, growth and evolution of global awards programs.
• Develop annual roadmaps with schedules, growth priorities and revenue opportunities.
• Lead lifecycle from planning through judging, recognition, events and reporting.
• Coordinate timelines and workflows across editorial, sales, marketing and events.
• Administer award entry and judging platform, deadlines and data.
• Manage sponsor relationships, invoices and budget risks.
• Drive private executive engagements and invitation-only events.

Skills

Program management

Awards programs

Executive engagement

Project management

CRM

AI tools

Sponsorship fulfillment

Event management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM

Awards platforms

Event platforms

Job description

Automotive News is seeking a Senior Program Manager to own the strategy, growth and execution of its global awards programs and executive gatherings. You will collaborate with editorial, sales, marketing, events and leadership to scale participation and revenue, while personally managing platforms, judging logistics and RSVP workflows.

The role blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution, including building community infrastructure and ensuring independent judging processes.