Job Description:

Position Title: Sales Manager, Events

Position Type: Full-Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Division: Business Services / Operations

Department: Culinary Services

Reports to: Director, Culinary Services

About Crystal Bridges:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

Position Summary:

The Sales Manager of Events will lead and manage event sales with a focus on developing and executing strategies that drive revenue growth. This role requires an experienced sales professional with strong leadership skills, excellent client management, and a proven track record of exceeding sales targets in the events or hospitality industry. The Sales Manager will work closely with the events, marketing, and operations teams to ensure seamless event execution and a high level of client satisfaction.

Principal Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Sales Strategy & Business Development:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy to drive event bookings and revenue for the organization.
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities through prospecting, networking, and relationship-building with key stakeholders.
  • Manage and grow existing client relationships while ensuring repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Revenue Management & Forecasting:
  • Achieve and exceed revenue targets by developing creative sales campaigns and initiatives.
  • Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to adjust sales strategies accordingly.
  • Provide accurate sales forecasts, reports, and pipeline updates to senior leadership.
• Client Management:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients and key accounts.
  • Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
  • Lead contract negotiations, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements for both clients and the organization.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership:
  • Partner with marketing, operations, and event production teams to deliver seamless events and exceptional customer experiences.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to optimize pricing, packages, and offerings to maximize sales potential.
  • Mentor and guide junior sales team members to achieve team objectives and foster a high-performance culture.
• Event Execution & Customer Satisfaction:
  • Ensure all event details are executed at the highest level, maintaining the organization’s reputation for quality and excellence.
  • Manage post-event follow-ups to measure client satisfaction, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement.

 General Responsibilities

The Manager of Events and Sales is responsible for driving event bookings and revenue through a comprehensive sales strategy. This includes identifying new business opportunities, managing client relationships, and exceeding revenue targets with creative sales initiatives. The role involves tracking market trends, providing accurate sales forecasts, and leading contract negotiations with key clients. Collaboration with internal teams ensures seamless event execution and optimized sales offerings. Additionally, the manager mentors’ junior staff and oversees post-event follow-ups to ensure customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Traits:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience managing large-scale events and high-profile clients within a complex organizational structure.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a sales team.
• Exceptional negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing business needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with event management software and CRM tools.
• Knowledge of market trends and industry best practices.
• Experience working in a corporate or high-end event venue setting.

Regarding education and experience, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.

Work Experience:

4-7+ years of experience in event sales, hospitality, or related field, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands:  In the work environment described below, position requires working in a high functioning kitchen for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for prepping, and physical stamina to lift a minimum of 25 pounds. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job. Additionally, this position requires meeting the public and the organization in a professional and courteous manner. Occasionally, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to independently travel in the local area. 

Work environment:  Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, and in communities served. The physical arrangement of the office may require the position to work in an open environment within proximity to other colleagues. Workspace must be organized and reflect efficiency. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate.  Frequent evening and weekend work hours and some travel is required.

This position is eligible to participate in the Mobile Device Stipend Program. Your manager will explain the departmental expectations of returning calls, responding to texts and responding to emails. The expectations may vary depending on the needs of Crystal Bridges and the responsibilities of the position. A signed agreement must be submitted to HR prior to participating in the program.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.