Director of Sales

Join our team, sharing the latest scientific advances in light-based technologies from around the world, including biomedical optics, astronomy, lasers, solar, nanotechnology, and more!  Make a difference by doing important work with a successful, international not-for-profit organization.

SPIE is seeking a strategic, collaborative Director of Sales to lead global sales strategy, operations, and team development. This role will build and continuously improve the sales infrastructure needed to achieve revenue goals, strengthen customer relationships, expand the customer base, and keep SPIE responsive to changing global market dynamics.

The Director will oversee sales across exhibitions, sponsorships, advertising, corporate membership, online events, and conferences, while coordinating sales activity for publication products. The position partners closely with product owners and other business units in the United States and Europe to deliver effective, customized sales programs across SPIE’s portfolio.

Description of duties

• Provide strategic oversight and direction for sales activities across SPIE’s global product and service portfolio.
• Lead, mentor, train, and coordinate an international sales team and worldwide sales contractors.
• Develop sales infrastructure, including administrative procedures, compensation programs, sales-cycle tracking, reporting, and effective CRM practices.
• Direct sales for exhibition space; exhibition advertising and sponsorships, including onsite and event extensions; corporate membership; online event sponsorships; and conference sponsorships.
• Support prospecting for exhibitions and conferences and travel to appropriate SPIE and competitive events.
• Coordinate sales for Digital Library organizational subscriptions and individual products, SPIE Press products, Photonics FOCUS advertisements, and Optics.org managed products.
• Partner with stakeholders to evaluate, develop, price, and launch products and services that create revenue opportunities and expand the customer base.
• Build and manage customer relationships and coordinate customer support with other SPIE business units.
• Develop strategies to expand the customer base by geography and market segment.
• Collaborate with product owners, marketing, and management on contracts, sales collateral, budgets, forecasts, and portfolio strategy.
• Implement AI-enabled processes to improve sales efficiency and outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement using current best practices, process enhancements, and organizational changes.
• Serve on SPIE’s Directors team and contribute to organizational policy, resource planning, staff development, and planning related to the function.
• Travel domestically and internationally approximately 10–12 times per year to develop customer and prospect relationships.

 Core Competencies

• Strategic sales leadership and the ability to translate plans into measurable action.
• Proven ability to set challenging, realistic goals; motivate staff; delegate effectively; and manage resources.
• Strong budgeting, revenue and expense forecasting, pricing, and contract-development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, priorities, and deadlines from conception through completion.
• Sound judgment and change leadership, including helping teams adapt to new priorities and ways of working.
• Consultative selling, customer relationship management, and customer-service expertise.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to collaborate effectively across functions, regions, and organizational levels.
• Initiative, political adeptness, and clear written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, CRM systems, and emerging sales technologies.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least five years of direct supervisory experience.
• At least seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated success building, leading, and managing a cohesive domestic and international sales team.
• Experience developing sales strategy and working collaboratively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated experience in consultative sales, new-product development, and customer development.
• Hands-on product sales experience in the photonics industry, including media, publications, exhibitions, sponsorships, or advertising.
• Knowledge of the photonics industry and competitive landscape; experience with science-based media or advertising is strongly preferred.

 Compensation and Benefits package include:

• Competitive wages, annual discretionary bonus. Pay range depending on experience is $150,436 – $210,589/ yr. This is an exempt, full time position.
• Medical, dental & vision benefits provided (100% employer paid premium for the employee, 75% employer paid premium for the dependents).
• Defined retirement contribution: SPIE provides an automatic 5% contribution PLUS SPIE offers UP to 5% matching contributions and 25% vesting each year, 100% vested after 4 years.
• Paid Time Off plan begins at 31 days per year.
• Health savings accounts are partially funded by SPIE.
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and dental/vision expenses available.
• Employee life & disability insurance provided, dependent life insurance & Long-Term Care insurance available through payroll deduction.
• Many learning & development opportunities including tuition reimbursement & leadership development.

Location: This position is located in the Continental US.  Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.  The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Working Conditions: This position primarily involves sedentary office work and use of standard office equipment. It also requires domestic and international travel approximately 10–12 times per year, including navigating airports and event venues, carrying personal luggage and work materials, and remaining mobile for extended periods. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions.

Culture: At SPIE, we believe innovation thrives when people feel valued, supported, and empowered. We cultivate a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous growth—where diverse perspectives are embraced, bold ideas are encouraged, and every voice matters.

Please apply online below with a resume & cover letter, indicating how your experience & qualifications match the requirements & why you will be successful in this position.

All materials must be received by 5 p.m. 11/6/2026

SPIE is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  SPIE provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.