Assistant Director, Event Sales & Operations

Department Summary

Conference & Event Services (CES) delivers exceptional service, resources, and support to events on the University of Denver (DU) campus. While upholding the University’s integrity, values, and inclusive engagement, CES cultivates strategic relationships with its internal DU partners to ensure the success of outreach to local, national, and global organizations. CES provides services to clients for the exploration, discussion, and enactment of issues and topics germane to a variety of important areas that include civic, political, non-profit, educational, and business.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Event Sales & Operations is responsible for ensuring both the growth and operational excellence of Conference & Event Services. This role blends sales, marketing, and event management responsibilities with operational leadership.

The position oversees lead generation, sales processes, and client relationship management while also directing event operations, supervising staff, and ensuring seamless execution of events ranging from small meetings to high-profile university functions. The Assistant Director will recruit, train, and manage event staff, assign responsibilities within the team, and provide guidance to ensure departmental goals are met.

This position requires exceptional organizational skills, the ability to think strategically while managing day-to-day details, and a strong customer service orientation. Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Events, the Assistant Director works closely with campus leadership, external partners, and clients to drive sales, deliver high-quality events, and strengthen the reputation of CES

Essential Functions

Event Sales

• Manage sales opportunities, develop proposals, conduct site visits, and lead negotiations with clients.
• Assist in lead generation, client outreach, and cultivating future business opportunities.
• Provide sales forecasts and reports, highlighting key performance metrics and areas for improvement.
• Prepare and organize promotional materials, campaigns, and proposals.

Event Operations

• Oversee event operations and logistics to ensure successful execution.
• Supervise high-profile and campus-wide events, including those for senior leadership.
• Generate and review contracts for external events; consult with clients to determine event objectives and requirements.
• Assign, monitor, and evaluate event assignments to ensure compliance with CES policies and procedures.
• Oversee accuracy of data collection, reporting, and pricing standardization across all events.
• Provide on-site support for events as needed, including nights and weekends. 

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise Event Managers and other professional staff providing coaching, mentoring, and conflict management support.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate event staff; create and update training materials to ensure team preparedness.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors, service contractors, campus partners, and VIP clients.
• Foster a collaborative team culture and encourage continuous improvement across sales and operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated success in sales, including strategy, negotiation, and lead cultivation.
• Strong understanding of event operations, logistics, and execution.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Proven ability to mentor, develop, and support professional staff.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
• Adept at adopting and integrating new technologies, software platforms, and digital systems to support sales and operations.
• Ability to problem solve, think strategically, and respond calmly in high-stress situations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related business technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in business, communications, events, hospitality management or related field.
• Four to five years of professional experience in event management or sales.
• At least two years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Five or more years of experience managing sales and events, preferably in an academic or non-profit environment.
• Experience with marketing automation (email), CRM platform