Director of Corporate Sales & Venue Management

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

54d • Onsite

About The Position

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees