Overview

The Sales Manager, Private Events is responsible for booking both corporate and social private event revenue at the University of Kansas Social Club. The Private Event Sales Manager will solicit new, potential private event business with a high priority on establishing meaningful relationships resulting in multi-year event contracts. This position successfully manages the booking process from sale to service in cooperation with internal venue stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

This role pays an annual salary of $50,000-$60,000 and is commission eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until November 6, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Prospect new business via previous contacts, networking, trade publications, resource guides, database companies, and cold calls. Target the local hospitality industry, i.e., event planners, corporate planners, and direct corporate-level decision makers to sell private events.
• Collaborate with internal venue booking stakeholders to identify and secure available date inventory for outbound and inbound sales initiatives.
• Conduct market research on potential new leads and develop tie-in opportunities within Oak View Group (OVG) and venue business units to enhance the value of sales packages.
• Tour available spaces to prospective clients and actively sell venue locations.
• Develop client relationships and enhance existing relationships to maintain renewal business.
• Develop professional proposal and sales presentations collateral (research, data, photography, testimonials, etc.).
• Provide weekly reports on sales results to track individual and event performance.
• Manage and cultivate business relationships by attending relevant industry functions as a representative of OVG.
• Develop and implement new, creative ways to package social events for increased sales.
• Establish partnership opportunities with the premium sales staff to maximize event and revenue opportunities.
• Work cooperatively with sponsorship service representatives to provide event opportunities to existing clientele.
• Assist in the development of internal special event series initiatives.
• All other duties as assigned by the General Manager/Assistant General Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or a related field.
• 3-5 years' experience in a corporate sales or marketing environment with evidence of solid business acumen and an understanding of how to manage sales opportunities
• Experience working in a convention center, sports and entertainment venue, or hotel in a hospitality sales function is preferred.
• High level of integrity with a professional, business-oriented demeanor.
• Creativity and ingenuity in developing successful sales strategies and a working knowledge of the industry or community events along with a pulse of industry opportunities.
• Proven ability to initiate high-level contacts of prospective customers with strong persuasion and negotiation skills to close a sale.
• Evidence of ability to establish and maintain effective business relationships.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with the ability to communicate with various levels of business units and venues or prospective customers.
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects in a high-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, formulate solutions and alternatives, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and effectively across business units.
• Proven level of exceptional guest service.
• Self-motivated with excellent time management skills and business/sales acumen/CRM skills.
• Prior experience with customer relationship management databases.
• Must be available to work irregular and extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.