Event Sales Manager| University of Kansas Athletics

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

The Event Sales Manager will report to the Director of Event Sales and support the growth and development of the sales team at the facility and drive individual and departmental sales goals. This position is responsible for championing the overall tasks related to Sales for the facility and will also lead sales personnel in establishing goals, procedures and daily duties. The Event Sales Manager will coordinate the activities and operations of the Event Sales Department in coordination with the department director, schedule and book facility events, market the facility at conferences and travel-planner programs and provide highly responsible staff assistance to higher-level management staff.

This role will pay a salary of $45,000 to $60,000 and is bonus eligible.

For FT roles Benefits Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 12 holidays)

This position will remain open until Dec 31, 2024.

Oak View Group (OVG), a leader in global sports and entertainment, will be the stadium operator for the Gateway District and reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. In its new partnership with KU, Oak View Group will oversee the day-to-day operations of both the football stadium and conference center when Phase I of the Gateway District opens in August 2025. The group will lead the bookings of conference events, special events and concerts, while operating a membership-only dining club in one of the club levels of the stadium.

The Gateway District will transform the north entrance to campus in a profound way to drive student enrollment and economic benefit to Kansas. The project will develop a new campus gateway, multi-use space and upgraded football facilities, all of which will enhance KU’s ability to recruit and retain students.

The most innovative component of this project is the development of multi-use facilities to be used throughout the year to generate revenue for academic programming and student success. In addition to the conference center, and as suggested by the project consultant, the project will potentially include a mix of arts and entertainment, dining, retail, office space, lodging and other uses that support economic development and the university’s academic mission.

• Assume responsibility for all services and activities of the Event Sales department including the scheduling and booking of facility events
• Prospect and sell all available assets to include Stadium event space, Conference Center event space and other potential assets as defined
• Create vendor packages, sales materials, proposals, sales calls and contracts
• Coordinate and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities of all sales programs and activities
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan for providing tours, materials, contracts, and sales services
• Prepare written proposals; reevaluate potential business value of various events and clients; initiate contractual arrangements
• Conduct tours of facility for potential clients; answer questions and provide information regarding facility capabilities
• Meet with Director of Event Sales and/or General Manager on a regular basis to discuss all matters pertaining to sales operations
• Work with Marketing Department on creating, selling and tracking sales campaigns
• Coordinate with other University departments on their efforts, needs and uses of the facility
• Update sales content on third party websites
• Attract new business by cold calling, lead generation, etc.
• Achieve individual and team sales goals and help others reach their goal.
• Travel to regional planning events throughout the year in search of new business
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Minimum of (3-5) years of increasingly responsible sales experience for an arena, convention center, sports franchise, hotel or other similar public assembly or hospitality facility
• Bachelor’s degree or better from an accredited college or university with major course works in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field
• Ability to work event nights, weekends and holidays as required
• Has a strong track record of building relationships and generating new business
• Excellent organizational skills, leadership skills, customer service skills
• Enthusiastic and positive thinker
• Skilled in customer service and administrative procedures
• Skill in public relations, oral and written communications, public speaking, contract negotiations
• Experience with modern and complex principles and practices of sales and marketing
• Advanced computer proficiency and Microsoft products knowledge, to include Excel, Word and Outlook
• Ability to identify potential problems and make plans for corrective action.
• Some travel as needed
  
  
  

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.