Director of Special Event Sales (Revised)

University of Oklahoma•Norman, OK

118d

About The Position

The Director of Special Event Sales provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for planning, promoting, contracting, and executing special events within the Athletics Department. The role is responsible for maximizing revenue generation and utilization of athletics facilities through proactive sales, relationship development, and policy leadership. The Director exercises independent judgment in developing event strategies, negotiating contracts, managing vendor relationships, and serving as the primary liaison to campus partners, community organizations, and external clients. The position ensures events meet institutional, conference, and NCAA standards while delivering high-quality experiences that reflect the department's mission and brand. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with frequent nights, evenings, and weekends based on event schedules. Travel may be required. A valid driver's license is required. Hiring is contingent upon a background check.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business, Event Management, Hospitality, or a related field; relevant experience or a combination of education and related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree at a one-to-one ratio.
At least 2 years of experience in event sales, venue operations, athletics, or large-scale event management.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to multitask across projects while maintaining high accessibility.
Excellent internal and external customer service skills.
Goal- and task-oriented approach.
Competent on-the-spot decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and some holidays frequently.
Highly organized.
Ability to communicate professionally.
Ability to negotiate and work with external entities.
Direct communication style and ability to give clear, specific directions in hectic settings.
Basic budgeting and accounting skills.
Good written and verbal reporting skills for project evaluations.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in hospitality, sales, marketing, sports management, or a related field.
Experience in conventions, banquets, entertainment, tradeshows, or meetings, including responsibility for scheduling, arranging, or promoting meetings, lectures, exhibits, conventions, concerts, or related events.
3–4 years of experience in multipurpose venues, arenas, stadiums, or convention centers.
Event management experience with large-scale collegiate athletic events.
Extensive experience with special events, concerts, and venue revenue generation.
Experience with contracts, third-party staffing, and operations.
Prior experience with event development and successful revenue generation.
Some experience planning and/or working public events.
Experience with facility or event scheduling programs.
Experience with staffing high-level events.
Experience with collegiate venue operations and facility operations.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the planning, promotion, contracting, and execution of special events within the Athletics Department.
Maximize revenue generation and utilization of athletics facilities through proactive sales, relationship development, and policy leadership.
Develop event strategies and negotiate contracts.
Manage vendor relationships.
Serve as the primary liaison to campus partners, community organizations, and external clients.
Ensure events meet institutional, conference, and NCAA standards and deliver high-quality experiences reflecting the department's mission and brand.