Event Sales Manager

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization. 

Job Description:

Position Title: Event Sales Manager

Position Type: Full-Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Division: Business Services / Operations

Department: Hospitality

Reports to: Director of Food & Beverage Operations

Compensation Range: $70,600 – $106,000

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.

The Momentary is a new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art’s role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action.

Position Summary:

The Sales Manager, 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