Sales & Events Manager, Kennedy Mountain Campus

University of Denver•Red Feather Lakes, CO

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC) is a transformative outdoor extension of the University of Denver, located in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. KMC offers immersive nature-based experiences that provide all DU students, faculty, staff, and alumni with opportunities to connect with nature, promote wellness, and reflect on DU’s Four-Dimensional (4D) Experience. It fosters personal growth, community, and lifelong values through outdoor engagement. The key priorities of the KMC are: Student Experience: Inclusive, accessible programming with immersive first-year retreats and co-curricular activities. Faculty & Staff: Supports teaching, research, and retreats in a natural setting. Alumni Engagement: Hosts reunions and events to deepen alumni ties and generate revenue. Sustainability: Operates with a conservation ethic, minimal development, and alignment with DU’s carbon neutrality goals. Financial Model: Funded through philanthropy, program revenue, and internal fees—aiming for self-sufficiency within eight years (FY2030). KMC is designed to be inclusive, sustainable, and central to the DU experience for generations to come. Position Summary The Sales and Events Manager at the Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC) is responsible for driving internal and external sales, managing event intake, and shaping the overall user experience for clients and guests. This role combines strategic sales with hands-on event management, ensuring the successful planning and execution of corporate, public, alumni, and DU-affiliated events. The Sales and Events Manager plays a key role in advancing KMC’s strategic goals by increasing revenue, expanding client engagement, and delivering mission-aligned, high-quality experiences. Working closely with the Associate Director, Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations and campus staff, this position ensures seamless coordination across all aspects of events—logistics, contracts, catering, lodging, and activities—while fostering strong client relationships and contributing to the financial sustainability and reputation of the Kennedy Mountain Campus. This position summary is not designed to capture all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time. This hybrid role reports to Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, while regularly meeting with prospective groups and partners along the Front Range and conducting work from home. The position includes traveling to the Red Feather Lakes venue to conduct tours, attend pertinent meetings, and support group bookings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, Event Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Minimum 2 years of experience in sales, client engagement, event planning, or hospitality management.
Demonstrated ability to manage all phases of the event cycle, from sales outreach to on-site execution.
Proven track record of achieving revenue, sales, or client engagement goals.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learning CRM and event management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Connect2, Momentus).
Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays based on event schedules.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree specifically in Hospitality, Event Management, or a related business field.
3+ years of experience in sales and event management, ideally in a higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven setting.
Experience with contract negotiation and budget management for events and client engagements.
Direct experience using Salesforce, Connect2, Momentus, or similar CRM/event management platforms.
Background in hospitality or outdoor program settings where lodging, catering, and experiential activities are integrated.
Demonstrated success in cultivating repeat clients and long-term partnerships.
Knowledge of higher education structures, alumni engagement, or corporate partnership development.
Familiarity with guest experience design, service standards, and post-event evaluation practices.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement sales strategies that grow internal and external event business, balancing mission alignment with revenue generation.
Identify and cultivate relationships with corporate, nonprofit, alumni, and community partners to expand engagement with KMC.
Collaborate with DU departments and units to maximize internal use of the campus.
Prepare and negotiate contracts, proposals, and pricing in line with campus policies and financial goals.
Conduct site tours and represent KMC at networking, outreach, and promotional events.
Monitor sales and business development progress using key performance indicators (KPIs), and drive continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making and assessment.
Serve as the primary intake contact for all prospective events and groups, guiding them through the planning and booking process.
Support event planning meetings and walkthroughs.
Coordinate event logistics including catering, lodging, meeting spaces, transportation, and outdoor/experiential programming.
Partner with KMC operations, facilities, dining, and program staff to ensure seamless execution of events.
Ensure accurate and timely use of Connect2, Momentus, and internal scheduling systems.
Develop detailed event orders and timelines, ensuring clarity across all departments.
Provide on-site support during events to oversee execution and address client needs.
Provide on-site presence for high-impact or complex events.
Support event execution as directed by the Associate Director, Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations.
Ensure client satisfaction and troubleshoot issues in real time.
Model a responsive, service-oriented approach across all guest interactions.
Contribute to the design and refinement of the KMC client and guest experience to align with DU’s mission and values.
Gather and analyze client feedback to inform continuous improvement.
Collaborate with marketing and operations teams to align messaging and service delivery.
Ensure events reflect the University’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and place based experiential learning.
Track and report on sales performance, client engagement, and event metrics.
Assist in evaluating sales strategies, event services, and guest experience initiatives.
Participate in quarterly planning and performance reviews with the KMC leadership team.
Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support evolving priorities of the Kennedy Mountain Campus and Division of Student Affairs.