Event Sales Director | Full-Time |Vanderbilt University Athletics

Oak View Group

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.

Position Summary

The Event Sales Director has a primary duty of making sales and obtaining orders or contracts for our venue.  This position is responsible for generating, managing and coordinating outside event sales, as well as initiating, directing and implementing marketing functions in the Event Department.  The Event Sales Director will independently manage and oversee all aspects of full group operations from reservation, through contract negotiation and finalization, to group reception and event catering.   

The Event Sales Director maintains a consistently positive and professional relationship with internal and external clients. The Sales Manager will handle sales and customer service issues including providing outstanding customer service; researching, resolving and clarifying invoice questions; and providing knowledgeable and appropriate suggestions regarding menu selections.  The Sales Manager will facilitate the flow of information internally, as well as communicate with all guests and vendors. Must be available to assist with general event operations as needed.    

This role will pay an annual salary of $70,000 - $75,000. 

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Benefits: 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 August 8, 2025. 

Responsibilities

• Build relationships by networking and prospecting with key decision markers, establish and develop strong and effective relationships with influencers through the use of professional, courteous and ethical interpersonal interaction. 

• Coordinate and deliver effective sales presentations. 

• Independently sources, identifies, and pursues outside networking opportunities through professional industry resources and community events, or special events attended by prospects. 

• Responsible for negotiating, authoring, and submitting finalized contracts and BEOs to Client and Internal Staff.   

• Address or coordinate all event requirements and requests in a timely and helpful manner. 

• Maintain accurate records for all event sales activities in conjunction. 

• Communicate daily with Food & Beverage Manager, culinary staff, event staff, and Operations Staff about the needs of our guests and their expectations. 

• Maintain an extensive client database for follow-up sales calls and contact (in person, phone, email, mail, etc.) 

• Responsible for follow-up of guests’ experience at the venue, ensuring that all issues have been addressed. 

• Responsible for the planning and coordination of catered events as directed. 

• Serves as primary group and convention contact once the contract is signed; approves any inventory or other changes, responds to questions or concerns in a timely manner.  

• Assists with oversight of accounts receivable in conjunction with assigned events. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business administration, marketing, or a related field required. 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in event sales, catering, or hospitality management, with at least 2 years in a leadership 

• Proven experience leading, developing, and mentoring a sales team; strong leadership and people management skills 

• Demonstrated proficiency and successful experience in event sales generation, contract negotiation and pricing, event scheduling, training, event, banquets and menu development. 

• Ability to work independently both on and off venue property with little supervision or oversight. 

• Proficiency with CRM systems, event booking software (e.g., Delphi, Tripleseat, Caterease), and Microsoft Office Suite 

• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications (Microsoft Office programs with an emphasis on creating word documents, Excel spreadsheets, email); working knowledge of POS systems. 

• Ability to adhere to high standard of business etiquette, professional verbal and written communication. 

• Ability to consistently represent the Company in a professional, positive and knowledgeable manner. 

• Ability to adhere to highest standard of confidentiality and discretion. 

• Demonstrated ability to produce detail-oriented, accurate work. 

• Ability to work a varied schedule, which may include weekends and evenings, as required to ensure outcome. 

• Ability to travel to outside sales calls and/or events. 

• Proven ability to make solid, appropriate and independent decisions. 

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.