Event Sales Manager

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.

We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.

Position Description

The National Building Museum seeks an experienced Events Sales Manager to join our events department and continue the tradition of being the ideal location for a wide variety of successful events. Since 1885, the National Building Museum has been the stage for Washington D.C.’s most elegant events, from nonprofit fundraisers to Presidential Inaugural celebrations! The unrestricted revenue generated allows the Museum to continue our work to inspire curiosity about the world we design and build.

The Events Sales Manager will work within a team that consists of an Event Operations Manager, Events Coordinator, and part-time event staff. This role will be the first contact for new inquiries, work with existing clients to rebook and search for new opportunities that help build the Museum’s mission. The ideal candidate will bring to the Museum experience in leading event venue sales and contract negotiations with the goal of maximizing revenue and minimizing impact on Museum programming. The Event Sales Manager is a public-facing position within our organization and will be instrumental in designing creative use our event and meeting spaces that highlight the NBM’s exhibitions and long-term strategic goals.

This full-time exempt position will initially report to the Vice President of Operations and Strategy and embodies the values of the Museum and is a leader in building an inclusive and equitable environment for colleagues, clients and visitors.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Positively and professionally represent the National Building Museum to outside entities at all times.
• Along with the Vice President, Operations and Strategy, and the Event Operations Manager, lead the Events department by creating and managing exceptional client and vendor relationships.
• Identify new revenue streams and create new upsell opportunities to connect clients to the Museum’s mission and content.
• Own the event sales pipeline—respond to leads, convert inquiries to bookings as well as group sales from museum visitors.
• Drive event revenue and new business through effective, positive, timely, and professional written and oral communication.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients to encourage repeat and referral business.
• Lead site tours and client meetings.
• Prepare event pricing quotes and execute space use agreements.
• Oversee contract development, negotiation and execution.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with vendors and in-house departments.
• Manage the event calendar with support from the Event Operations Manager.
• Maintaining a working knowledge of the complex needs of a wide variety of events.
• In conjunction with the Event Operations Manager, oversee budgets, tracking revenue, managing invoices, and maximizing revenue through efficient bookings and operations.
• Serve as a direct contact for in-house events when requested, maintaining a professional and courteous relationship with all internal and external personnel.
• Promoting the venue to attract new clients and maintain a full event calendar.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates, ensure timely collection of deposits, completed contracts, and manage financial reporting in coordination.
• Other tasks as assigned based on the needs of the Events Department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher or commensurate work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years experience with event venue sales.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding event revenue goals.
• Comfort and ease in managing high-touch, high-profile events, often with public figures and celebrities.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to manage conflict and conduct oneself in a professional manner in all situations.
• Skilled in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, SharePoint and One Drive.
• Experience with Tripleseat (or similar CRM software) required; knowledge of NetSuite software a plus.
• Excellent leadership, client relations, and negotiations skills required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy of sensitive information.
• Demonstrated attention to detail with an ability to meet deadlines, manage projects and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Flexible, self- motivated with the ability to work both alone and in groups.
• Maintain customer service standards by responding to reviews and client feedback promptly.
• Commitment to the mission of the National Building Museum by working collaboratively with all departments on our three-year strategic plan.
• Monday to Friday position, with the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support the department during the busy event months.
• Other duties as assigned.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Employer paid life and disability insurance.
• Paid vacation, sick and holiday (11) pay.
• 403 (b) plan with match.
• Museum Shop discounts.
• Free on-site parking.