Director of Special Events - Sales

The University of Missouri Athletics Department is seeking a Director of Special Events to lead the Sales initiatives. This position provides strategic leadership for special events and non-gameday venue utilization with responsibility for developing revenue-generating event programs, external partnerships, and premium seating initiatives. The role directs event sales strategy, oversees event operations and guest services programs, and ensures alignment with departmental revenue, brand, and donor engagement objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership of Special Events Program (25%)

• Direct the Athletics special events program by establishing strategic goals, policies, and operational standards that maximize venue utilization and revenue generation.

• Lead efforts to market and sell athletics venues for external events with a focus on generating new revenue opportunities.

• Identify and develop new event concepts and partnerships that expand the use of athletics facilities throughout the year.

• Utilize the EMS scheduling software to book events.

• Serve as one of two on-site event day contacts.

Relationship Development and Revenue Growth (20%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations  and campus stakeholders to expand event programming and revenue opportunities.

• Cultivate partnerships to drive bookings for current venues and newly developed spaces, including the North Endzone event areas.

• Serve as a primary contact for external organizations interested in hosting events within athletics facilities.

• Work closely with the Director of Special Events – Operations to ensure clients receive a smooth event process.

Venue Marketing and Sales Strategy (20%)

• Actively market athletics venues for rental to individuals, organizations, and corporate clients.

• Develop marketing materials and promotional strategies to showcase venue capabilities and attract new clients.

• Create and manage a sales dashboard to set revenue goals, track sales activity, and monitor progress toward targets.

Event Sales, Planning, and Execution (15%)

• Lead the planning and execution of major events, including budgeting, staffing plans, logistics, and vendor coordination.

• Serve as the primary sales lead responsible for booking events, including conducting outreach and cold calls to solicit new business.

• Partner closely with athletics operations teams to ensure seamless event execution and a high-quality client experience.

Financial and Contract Management (10%)

• Manage event-related budgets, including monitoring revenue and expenses and providing financial reports and recommendations to senior leadership.

• Negotiate and oversee all event rental contracts.

• Ensure timely acquisition and tracking of all event rental payments.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Assist with athletic event game day operations as assigned by the Assistant Athletics Director of Event Management.

• Perform all duties in compliance with University, SEC, and NCAA rules and regulations.

• Maintain ethical standards, professionalism, and confidentiality in all interactions and operations.