Director of Event Sales| University of Kansas Athletics - Oak View Group

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 Director of Event Sales reports to the General Manager and is tasked with continually generating new business and revenue streams to benefit the overall operation of the Gateway Stadium and Conference Center operation. 

This position ensures the sales department meets all individual and departmental sales goals and is responsible for overseeing and training department staff, as well as actively taking a leading role in the sales process.  Additionally, this position will work closely with all other department staff (operations, finance, box office, marketing, events, and food & beverage) to ensure a seamless experience for all clients and guests.

 

This role will pay a salary of $70,000 to $85,000 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.

About the Venue:

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.

Responsibilities:

• Assume management responsibility for all sales efforts at the facility, including on-going training of staff, motivation, goal setting, forecasting and sales tracking
• Prospect and sell all available assets to include: Stadium event space, Conference Center event space and other potential assets as defined
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate all sales personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of the departments current contractual agreements including drafting and preparing agreements through final execution with client
• Prepare and forecast revenue for the sales department and make suggestions on how to increase revenue
• Conduct tours of facility for potential clients; answer questions and provide information regarding facility capabilities
• Coordinate with other University departments on their efforts, needs and uses of the facility
• Develop all related collateral necessary to equip the sales team
• Develop and implement all aspects of the sales plan
• Select, train, motivate, evaluate and manage sales department personnel
• Track and manage daily, weekly, monthly sales reports
• Participate in the development and administration of the annual budget
• Travel to regional planning events throughout the year in search of new business
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or better from an accredited college or university, preferably in Marketing, Business or a related field
• Minimum of five-seven (5-7) years of prior sales experience, preferably in Sports & Entertainment and/or Conference Centers, with an emphasis in event space, food and beverage and conference/event services
• 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 all customer service and administrative procedures established by the venue.
• Skill in public relations, oral and written communications, public speaking, contract negotiations
• Experience with modern and complex principles and practices of sales and marketing
• Experience with supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Ability to demonstrate supervisory and leadership skills and a thorough knowledge of convention planning and related activities
• Advanced computer proficiency and Microsoft products knowledge, to include Excel, Word, Outlook and CRM systems
• Ability to identify potential problems and make plans for corrective action.
• Some travel as needed

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.