Director of Corporate Sales & Venue Management

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, UT

30d • Onsite

About The Position

What starts here changes the world. The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, ranks among the best universities in the world. With 76 programs ranked in the top 10, UT Austin is the #1 public university in Texas and the #7 public university in the nation. Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader supporting more than 55,000 students, 4,750 faculty, 15,000 staff and top national programs across 18 colleges and schools. Amid the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the University provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers. Learn more about UT’s mission and values and leadership . Why Join Texas Development? The University of Texas at Austin is a thriving hub of learning and discovery that anchors our city and enables excellence and innovation on the highest level. And it’s only possible because generous supporters believe in the power and promise of our state’s flagship university to change the world. With more than $6 billion raised in the What Starts Here campaign, Texas Development is quickly becoming one of the best fundraising programs in public higher education. Texas Development is a dynamic community of 500+ fundraising professionals across the Forty Acres. We strive to reach the highest levels of achievement and success in all that we do by creating meaningful and powerful experiences for our donors. Follow your passion, grow your career and help us change the world . Benefits The University provides a competitive benefits package that includes insurance and retirement benefits in addition to other programs and services. Texas Development supports growth by offering professional development opportunities that help every team member accomplish their goals, enrich their skillset and deepen their engagement with UT. Purpose We are seeking an experienced and dynamic director of sales and venue management to oversee the day-to-day operations of a premier event venue specializing in high-end corporate functions, executive retreats, product launches, conferences, and brand activations. The ideal candidate combines hospitality expertise with a keen understanding of the technology and innovation sector – staying informed about emerging innovative solutions to elevate the guest experience. This individual brings exceptional attention to detail, a client-first mindset, and a track record of leading teams to deliver seamless, elevated experiences for discerning clientele at the intersection of hospitality and cutting-edge industry.

Requirements

• Extensive (8+ years) of experience in venue management; applicants without this background will not be considered.
• Deep understanding of the Austin event and venue market segment, including client expectations and competitive landscape.
• Proven track record managing high-end venues in corporate or social event environments.
• Minimum of three years managing direct reports.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing effective pricing strategies for events or hospitality services.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to run reports, analyze revenue streams, and recommend strategies to increase profitability.
• Proven track record managing high-profile, corporate, or VIP events.
• Exceptional communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
• Proficiency with event management software and CRM systems.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed by event calendar.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within higher education or on a college/university campus.
• Knowledge of and passion for the technology and innovation sector.
• Thrives in a start-up culture or background launching a new venue.
• Experience in luxury or boutique hospitality.
• Familiarity with brand activations, experiential marketing, or corporate environments.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Sales Support & Strategic Planning Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to position the venue as a premier choice for corporate clients within the technology and innovation sector.
• Develop and implement competitive pricing strategies tailored to market demand, seasonality, and target demographics, ensuring the property remains attractive while maximizing revenue.
• Create comprehensive sales kit – including digital and print collateral, rate cards, floor plans, and case studies – to equip the sales team with effective tools for showcasing the venue’s unique value to prospective clients.
• Identify and integrate other essential components of hospitality and event management sales, such as tailored proposal templates, partnership programs, and ROI-focused presentations for corporate stakeholders.
• Provide insights into operational capacities, pricing structures, and potential upgrades.
• Track KPIs and client feedback to drive continuous improvement and profitability.
• Venue Operations and Oversight Create and continually refine SOPs tailored to space management protocols – covering scheduling, usage guidelines, room turnover, and capacity optimization.
• Develop and enforce SOPs related to venue cleanliness, safety, space usage, and operational excellence.
• Manage all aspects of venue readiness, presentation, and functionality to ensure a flawless guest experience.
• Maintain and update comprehensive required vendor lists to streamline event operations and ensure access to trusted partners.
• Coordinate with facilities, A/V, catering, and technical teams to deliver high-level, white-glove service.
• Client Management & Event Execution Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate clients during the planning and execution phases.
• Oversee site visits, walkthroughs, and pre-event coordination to align on expectations and logistics.
• Ensure every event meets the brand’s standard of sophistication, discretion, and professionalism.
• Conduct thorough post-event follow-ups to gather feedback, address any outstanding concerns, and reinforce client satisfaction.
• Develop strategies to nurture long-term relationships, encouraging repeat business and cultivating a loyal clientele base through personalized communications and tailored service offerings.
• Team Leadership & Management Recruit, train, and lead a small team of operations staff, event coordinators, and contracted vendors.
• Set clear performance expectations and cultivate a service-oriented, high-performance culture.
• Manage scheduling and staffing based on event calendar and client needs.
• Vendor & Partner Relations Build and maintain relationships with UT Austin colleges, schools, and units.
• Manage strong relationships with preferred vendors, including caterers, A/V providers, security, and décor.
• Negotiate contracts on behalf of the venue and ensure vendor compliance with venue standards and policies.

Benefits

• The University provides a competitive benefits package that includes insurance and retirement benefits in addition to other programs and services.
• Texas Development supports growth by offering professional development opportunities that help every team member accomplish their goals, enrich their skillset and deepen their engagement with UT.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees