Event Sales Assistant Manager

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium•Omaha, NE

2d•$23•Onsite

About The Position

The Event Sales Assistant Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operational execution of the event sales function, ensuring a strong, organized, and revenue-focused pipeline from initial inquiry through client handoff. This role supports the Event Sales and Experience Manager by executing established sales strategies, driving momentum, efficiency, and service quality to meet revenue goals, pricing strategy, and upsell opportunities across the events portfolio. The position directly leads the Event Sales team, overseeing daily workflows, client communications, and sales processes to ensure timely responses, accurate proposals, and disciplined sales execution. In partnership with the Event Experience Assistant Manager, this role ensures event details are clearly documented, strategically positioned, and seamlessly transitioned from sales into operational execution, preserving client vision and revenue intent. By proactively managing priorities, pipeline performance, and sales execution, this role ensures the smooth and consistent operation of the sales function.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience in event sales, hospitality sales, event planning, or related field.
Prior experience leading projects or teams; formal management experience preferred but not required.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
Customer-focused mindset with confidence communicating with clients and internal stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Calm, confident, and professional leader who thrives in live environments and leads by presence and example.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive management that fosters belonging, trust, and equitable collaboration across teams.
Comfortable working within established systems while also contributing feedback to improve processes.
Strong written communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event sales, CRM or event management systems preferred.
Valid driver’s license required.
Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check with a clean driving record and drug test.

Nice To Haves

Formal management experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of sales strategies for new event client acquisition and event bookings, including outbound lead generation, inbound inquiry follow-up, and early-stage relationship building.
Oversee the day-to-day execution of event sales activity for private events and support consistent event planning alongside internal events, ensuring inquiries are routed, assigned, and handled promptly, professionally, and consistently.
Own visibility into and oversight of the event sales pipeline, ensuring leads, follow-ups, booking conversions, and key milestones are accurately tracked, reported, and flowing correctly.
Ensure accurate and consistent reporting of sales activity, open opportunities, and pending revenue.
Configure and manage lead workflows, including assigning inquiries to Event Sales Coordinators and ensuring balanced workloads and timely follow-through.
Oversee the preparation and quality of proposals, contracts, and event documentation, ensuring alignment with established pricing, packaging, sales strategy, and operational capabilities.
Participate directly in sales execution as needed to support team capacity and momentum, including supporting high-profile, complex, or VIP clients.
Provide oversight to Sales Coordinators to ensure event-related invoicing and payment collection processes are completed accurately and on time.
Ensure consistent adherence to all sales processes, communication guidelines, and internal procedures.
Be responsible for the accuracy and quality of the sales-to-operations handoff, ensuring event details are clearly documented and communicated.
Partner closely with the Event Experience Assistant Manager to align expectations, timelines, and client priorities.
Ensure Sales Coordinators prepare and present accurate and specific event details in BEO and planning meetings.
Support high-touch or VIP clients as needed to ensure confidence, clarity and satisfaction throughout the planning process.
Track guest sentiment, feedback trends, and prepare reports for departmental visibility; partner with Events leaders to recommend improvements to sales practices, cross-departmental collaboration, and standard operating procedures.
Directly lead and support Event Sales Coordinators providing daily guidance, prioritization, and accountability.
Manage workloads, response times, and deadlines to uphold service standards and team efficiency.
Participate in recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, training, and coaching of sales team members.
Reinforce expectations for professional conduct and communications.
Act as the primary resource for sales process questions, troubleshooting, and execution support.
Confidently handle escalated client concerns in accordance with established protocols; escalate complex or high-impact issues to the Event Sales and Experience Manager.
Reinforce training; responsible for ensuring consistent adoption of sales processes, tools, and standard operating procedures across the sales team.
Identify operational gaps, inefficiencies or recurring challenges and proactively recommend and enact improvements.
Maintain detailed records, reporting and communication related to sales activity and performance.
Support special projects, new initiatives, and program launches as directed by the Director of Events and Event Sales and Experience Manager.
Maintain day-to-day coordination and working relationships with cross-departmental partners including Marketing, IT, Business Systems, Facilities, Education, and Animal Care, as well as cross-functional Guest Experience partners including Food and Beverage, Guest Services, and Retail, to support sales operations, reporting and client communications.
Partner closely with the Event Experience Assistant Manager to support detailed planning, and clear handoffs that translate sales commitments into successful event delivery.
Serve as a reliable bridge between sales execution and onsite experience, ensuring shared ownership of guest satisfaction through clear communication, coordination, and follow-through across all teams.
Direct supervision of the Event Sales Coordinators.
Responsible for workflow management, task delegation, and execution oversight within the sales team.
Provides input on performance feedback and development in partnership with the Event Sales and Experience Manager.
Foster connection, trust and transparency by leading with honesty, consistency, and inclusion.
Maintain two-way communication by regularly connecting with team members and encouraging dialogue.
Create space for feedback—both giving and receiving—and follow up meaningfully.
Model accountability and responsiveness by owning outcomes and addressing issues timely.
Promote psychological safety by supporting open expression without fear of retaliation or judgment.