Director of Special Event Sales (Revised)

University of Oklahoma; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department seeks a Director of Special Event Sales to provide strategic leadership and oversee planning, promotion, contracting, and execution of large-scale events. You will drive revenue, manage venues, and serve as the primary liaison to campus partners and external clients.

Responsibilities include contract negotiations, vendor management, and ensuring events meet NCAA standards while reflecting the department's mission and brand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business, Event Management, Hospitality, or related field.
• 2 years of experience in event sales, venue operations, athletics, or large-scale event management.
• Experience or combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, promotion, contracting and execution of special events for Athletics.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships ensuring compliance with policies.
• Maximize revenue generation and facility utilization through proactive sales.
• Coordinate with campus partners, community organizations and external clients.
• Ensure events meet institutional, conference and NCAA standards.

Skills

Budgeting

Negotiation

Communication

Multi-tasking

Organized

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Pay Range:

Commensurate with education and experience

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Frequent nights, evenings, and weekends based on event schedules

Travel:

May be required

Position Introduction

The Director of Special Event Sales provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the planning, promotion, contracting, and execution of special events within the Athletics Department. This 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 all events meet institutional, conference, and NCAA standards while delivering high-quality experiences that reflect the department's mission and brand.

View Full Job Description.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business, Event Management, Hospitality, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience in event sales, venue operations, athletics, or large-scale event management.

Equivalency/Substitution

Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.

Required Certifications And Licenses

• Valid Drivers License

Department Preferences

• Master's degree in hospitality, sales, marketing, sports management, or related field.
• Experience in conventions, banquets, entertainment, tradeshow/meetings with responsibility for scheduling, arranging, promoting meetings, lectures, exhibits, conventions, concerts or other related events.
• 3-4 years' 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, 3rd party staffing and operations.
• Prior experience with event development and successful revenue generation
• Some experience planning and/or working public events
• Experience with facility/event scheduling programs
• Experience with staffing for high level events
• Experience with collegiate venue operations and facility operations

Skills

• Able to multi-task with various projects while maintaining high accessibility
• Excellent internal and external customer service skills to ensure that events are in line with the goals of the department
• Goal and task oriented
• Competent on the spot decision making and problem solving
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and some holidays on a frequent basis
• Highly organized
• Ability to communication professionally
• Negotiating/working with external entities
• Direct communication style; able to give clear specific directions in hectic settings
• Basic budgeting and accounting skills
• Good written and verbal reporting skills for project evaluations

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check:

Yes