National Manager, Sponsor Relations

The incumbent in this position oversees the development, management, and strategic oversight of Alliant’s workplace benefits program, Alliant At Work. The National Manager leads and directs efforts to grow business with large and midsize companies by positioning Alliant Credit Union as a core benefit offering through the implementation of the Alliant At Work program. Incumbent will be responsible to ensure right-fit companies are identified within the national footprint and lead a team of Alliant At Work Account Executives in managing and developing comprehensive sponsor relationships that drive long term growth of new members, loans, and deposit balances. Resources to do the job require reliance on knowledge and experience with strategic business planning, product development, superior relationship management and communication abilities. Direction is received from the Vice President, National Sales & Service.

Sponsor & Sales Management: 

• Manage all sponsor-facing responsibilities for the Alliant At Work program and lead a team of Account Executives charged with deepening and enhancing relationships with existing sponsors while actively prospecting for new sponsors that are aligned with Alliant’s business interests.
• Maintain a robust prospect pipeline of national employers and oversee pipeline to ensure all new sponsor enrollment, unit, and balance goals are achieved within a defined time period.
• Participate in national networking groups, industry conferences, and tradeshows to bring visibility to benefit and recruit prospective sponsors and new business partners.
• Lead and coach Account Executives to grow business through on-site, face to face networking with key decision makers and influencers, at existing and prospective companies, to ensure successful achievement of challenging sales activity and benefit penetration goals.
• Collaborate with internal business partners to effectively support and promote a positive product and service experience for sponsors and their employees.
• Develop annual business plan for accounts under management and set performance targets, negotiate on-site access, and collaborate with sponsor on overall benefit marketing plan.
• Ensure all direct reports maintain a client-centric focus in all business activities and customize strategies and tactics that drive a high level of engagement within the sponsor.
• Conduct regular outreach to key sponsors to ensure satisfaction with benefit, schedules mid-year and annual relationship reviews, and calibrates strategy as required to ensure overall success of the sponsor relationship.

Product Development & Program Marketing:

• Develop strategic vision for sponsors under management and maintain expert level understanding of market trends, industry best practices, and legislative developments required to ensure best in class product experience and delivery within individual sales lens.
• Participate in national networking groups, industry conferences, and tradeshows to bring visibility to benefit and recruit prospective sponsors and new business partners.
• Work with Market Research to manage product satisfaction survey and calibrate strategies and tactics to maintain high member/sponsor engagement with overall benefit.

Performance Management Responsibilities:

• Apply great management practices in leading an engaged workforce as defined by Q12 Gallup process to effectively deliver the value of this function. Provide a structural and consistent approach to ensure that individual development plans are in place, performance management is consistent, performance management process is respected and followed, and coaching and feedback are provided on a regular and dynamic basis.

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Sales or a related field and 10+ years experience in product development, business-to-business sales (preferably employee benefits sales) and executive relationship management; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Must have previous experience establishing and maintaining relationships with large corporate accounts.  Experience in establishing relationships in the Human Resources field and/or financial services preferred.  Excellent communication, relationship building, and presentation skills required.  Up to 30% travel, some evenings and weekends required.  Must be proficient in the Microsoft Suite of Products - PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Project, and Excel.