Director of Event Sales

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement a comprehensive event sales strategy to maximize space utilization and event revenue.
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities across internal university units, student organizations, and external clients.
• Conduct site visits, prepare customized proposals, negotiate terms, and secure executed agreements.
• Serve as the primary sales contact for key clients; maintain long-term relationships to encourage repeat bookings and referrals.
• Collaborate closely with the event services and operations team to ensure seamless event delivery, including staffing coordination, payment processing, inventory logistics, and client communication.
• Supervise and support internal sales and event services staff as appropriate.
• Monitor space performance and industry trends to inform pricing, packaging, and promotional strategies.
• Participate in trade shows, networking events, and campus activities to promote University Unions venues and services.
• Partner with the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications to produce venue material for promotional purposes.
• Maintain accurate records of leads, conversions, and sales data using CRM and event management systems.
• Prepare regular reports for leadership on sales goals, space usage, and client feedback.
• Ensure events align with UT Austin's standards of safety, accessibility, and hospitality excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in event sales, venue management, or hospitality leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed revenue goals in a complex event or venue environment.
• Experience supervising teams or leading cross-functional coordination.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software and event/space management platforms (e.g., EMS, Mazevo, Tripleseat).
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Commitment to client service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Nice to Have

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, hospitality management, or a related field.
• Seven (7) or more years of experience in event coordination, group sales, or venue marketing.
• Experience in a college or university setting, particularly within student unions or auxiliary services.
• Familiarity with university processes related to contracts, student organizations, and campus scheduling.
• Knowledge of best practices in hospitality services, including coordination of conferences, weddings, student celebrations, and donor/administrative functions.

Qualifications

• Educational background includes a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Experience in event sales, venue management, or hospitality leadership.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary range starting at $80,000 depending on qualifications.
• Full benefits package.
• Work in an office environment with frequent visits to event venues.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours based on event schedules.