Special Event & Sales Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Pablo Center at the Confluence is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Special Event & Sales Manager to lead and grow our special events program. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with a passion for elevating event experiences increasing event revenue and building long-term relationships with clients and partners.

As Special Event & Sales Manager you will play a pivotal role in driving the financial success of Pablo Center by leading event sales generating new business retaining and growing existing client relationships and developing innovative programming. You will be responsible for the full sales cyclefrom client acquisition and contract negotiation to event execution and post-event stewardship.

This position calls for a creative goal-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced mission-driven environment and is motivated by exceeding revenue targets while delivering extraordinary client experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales Growth & Strategy

Proactively identify and secure new business opportunities in event sales including weddings corporate events conferences galas and private rentals.

Develop and implement strategies to increase event revenue maximize space utilization and improve client retention.

Collaborate with marketing to generate leads promote offerings and enhance brand awareness across sectors.

Client Management & Event Execution

Serve as the main point of contact for all event clients from inquiry to post-event follow-up.

Cultivate and maintain relationships with clients vendors sponsors and community partners to ensure repeat business and referrals.

Manage detailed event planning and timelines; oversee execution in partnership with internal departments.

Innovation & Program Development

Create fresh trend-informed event concepts that reflect Pablo Centers mission and elevate its reputation as a premier event destination.

Implement planning tools best practices and systems to ensure scalable high-quality event delivery.

Communication & Coordination

Collaborate cross-departmentally (production front-of-house finance operations) to ensure a seamless client experience.

Ensure timely communication regarding event briefings staffing needs rental contracts invoices and post-event analysis.

Financial Accountability

Develop and manage event budgets and provide projections to leadership.

Support Controller in forecasting departmental revenue and tracking progress toward annual financial goals.

WHY JOIN US

This is your opportunity to join a passionate forward-thinking team at one of the Midwests most vibrant cultural institutions. If youre ready to take our special events program to the next level and be part of something meaningfulwe want to hear from you.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

Bachelors degree in hospitality business arts administration or related fieldor equivalent experience.

Minimum 2 years of event sales and coordination experience (venue-based preferred).

Proven success in growing event revenue and client bases.

Familiarity with CRM systems budgeting and event reporting tools.

Skills & Attributes

Strong sales acumen with a customer-focused mindset.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders.

Highly organized detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Creative thinker with the ability to adapt quickly and problem-solve under pressure.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Comfortable with irregular hours including evenings and weekends as event schedules require.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This role involves a balance of desk work and active event management. The position requires frequent walking throughout the building for client tours and event oversight as well as occasional lifting of items up to 25 pounds. Must be able to communicate effectively in person over email and by phone.