Manager, Dealer Communication & Events

Job Purpose

The Honda/Acura Dealer Communication and Events Manager plays a pivotal role in supporting auto sales by acting as the central communication hub and event strategist for dealers and field personnel. This manager is responsible for ensuring that dealer events are executed flawlessly, adhering to the brand’s quality standards, and that all logistics, including travel and on-site management, are handled efficiently.

In alignment with the overall company strategy, the manager’s key function is to maintain a clear line of communication with Honda and Acura dealers, keeping them informed and in sync with American Honda’s sales and marketing strategies. This involves leading the Dealer & Field Communications Department to develop consistent messaging that enhances understanding of business strategies among dealership management and sales associates. Additionally, the manager is tasked with sourcing meeting destinations, managing meeting logistics, and overseeing the creative aspects of dealer incentive contests. By doing so, the manager ensures that dealers are motivated and well-informed, which is crucial for driving sales and reinforcing the company’s market position.

Key Accountabilities

• Strategic Promotion of Brand Products: Champion the enhancement of dealer awareness and consideration for Honda/Acura products through meticulously curated events.
• Leadership in Event Management: Direct the comprehensive planning and execution of Honda/Acura’s annual dealer meetings and semi-annual town hall meetings, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Incentive Program Oversight: Supervise dealer challenge programs, including the administration of international and domestic incentive travel awards, to foster competitive excellence and brand loyalty.
• Fiscal Stewardship: Govern the budget with a focus on optimizing resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Communication Excellence: Lead the Dealer & Field Communications Department in crafting strategic communication plans that bolster AHM to dealer interactions, thereby enhancing business strategy comprehension.
• Innovation in Communication Channels: Proactively establish new communication channels to adapt to evolving business market conditions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with all internal stakeholders to synchronize communication and event strategies, promoting a culture of collaboration and unified vision.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• A 4-year degree from an accredited university in marketing, business, communication or other related field is required 
• 10+ years of experience in marketing and communications with progressively increasing level of responsibility and leadership
• A minimum of 5 years specifically working in event management, meeting planning and event logistics
• Automotive marketing and/or hospitality industry experience is a plus
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities with little supervision 
• Must be flexible and comfortable working in an environment with regular changes in direction and scope
• Strategic thinking to maximize program effectiveness and budgets
• Able to create event plans, to problem solve and to drive results
• Comprehensive understanding of current industry trends and technologies, and how to effectively incorporate those trends/tools into events
• Clear understanding of brand reputation management and the ability to mitigate event risks with thoughtful decision-making skills
• Ability to manage a team and coordinate projects across various AHM sales and marketing functions, including national advertising, regional marketing, zone/field, public relations and event service providers
• Ability to oversee projects with agency partners; provide constructive feedback and drive work forward with them to deliver a high-quality product/program
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• Able to negotiate with vendors and partners on program inclusions and pricing
• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Strong understanding of luxury global travel market preferred