Senior Sales and Events Manager

The application window for this position has an anticipated end date of 05/14/2025.

Company Overview

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest non-profit theatre organizations in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive experiences. Through these experiences and alongside our robust Education program, we engage hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The DCPA’s workforce includes more than 300 employed team members in non-union and union positions (in partnership with seven unions). In addition, we employ hundreds of artists and contractors annually. We have a strong volunteer program which includes more than 300 volunteers.

Our Mission: “We engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.”

Culture Statement

For more than 40 years, creativity and community have been the foundation of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ success. As a leading cultural organization in the Rocky Mountain West, we are actively participating in a cultural evolution of belonging and anti-racism. Our commitment to reflect the diversity and priorities of our community — in our workplace, audience and programming — has never been more present.

We believe that the theater can transform us — and be transformed by us. We invite you to be part of our Team.

Job Purpose

The Senior Sales & Event Manager reports to the Director of Event Sales & Operations and is responsible for all aspects of event sales and planning for at least 60, and up to 80 annual events including event conceptualization to supervising day-of floor captain staff. The Senior Sales & Event Manager participates in a variety of sales functions to pursue new prospects and event retention sales opportunities, while planning and organizing logistical and technical details for events.

Duties and Responsibilities

Sales / Administrative

• Develop and execute new and returning client retention strategies.

o Facilitate event proposals and contracts for new and returning clients.

o Check availability of venue(s) against current contracted events, other event holds and theatre schedule.

o Collaborate with the Sales Coordinator on date holds and ensures event statuses are maintained as returning clients move through the sales process.

o Facilitating on-site client visits as needed.

o Consulting and budgeting for internal events driven by DCPA Marketing, Development and Group Sales Departments. 

• Identify, foster and build client relationships to develop prospective business opportunities, seeking diverse new clients for future events.

o Generate new business opportunities and identifying new clients through research, outbound calling and networking.

o Create brand awareness and drive sales through networking, cold calling, social media outreach and email campaigns.

• Participate in content curation for social media channels including securing photography for assigned events.

• Maintain accurate client database in Momentus, DCPA’s event and space management software. 

o Ensuring event statuses are maintained as new or returning clients move through the sales process.

o Creating an Event Portal for each event booking that will include client branding, upcoming event tasks, event contacts and host event planning documents. Ensuring that clients have a username and password set-up to access the Event Portal.

o Confirming Event Payment Plans are in place, and links for payment are in working order. Follow-up with clients to collect signed contracts, initial deposit and receiving COI and tax exemption documents if applicable.

• Assist in managing and training event coordinators and interns, growing their knowledge of the event industry, vendor relations and logistical planning. 

• Additional Event Sales & Event Operations assistance as assigned. 

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Direct Supervisor of Event Captain, in addition to daily supervisory work, this will include training and scheduling to ensure a balance of event assignments.

o Promoting team building and engagement, and supporting equity, diversity and inclusion work.

Event Planning / Logistics

• Schedule and manage client event planning meetings that are inclusive of internal and external partners to review event design, expected timeline, logistics and client deadlines.

• Create, prioritize, and maintain Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) that include the event timeline, floorplans, scheduled labor, décor, lighting, and production/audiovisual needs.

o BEOs, timelines, event estimates and invoices are created through Momentus, event management software.

o Floorplans created through Vectorworks CAD program.

• Provide supportive information for staff and vendor scheduling in a timely and meaningful manner. 

o Collaborate with Logistics Manager on event set-up & strike timing, including load-in/load-out for vendors and staff scheduling requests for Coat Check, Security and Firefighter as needed. Ensure estimated labor hours align with scheduling requests.

o Collaborate with Technical Manager on technical staff needs for accurate cost estimates.

o Collaborate with Event Captain on final Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure that the day-of needs are met for event timeline, floorplans, scheduled labor, décor, lighting, and production/audiovisual.

• Conscientious of DCPA operational practices & procedures to protect DCPA facilities, assets, and equipment. 

o Identify all aspects of event risk assessment and crisis management planning strategies. 

o Plan in consideration of efficient event strike and cleaning in anticipation for future events. 

• Attend weekly event production meetings to review all event details for upcoming events and recap past week’s events.  

o Ensure the timely delivery of event media, scripts and show flow information – reviewing and testing all items to determine their accuracy & proper formatting in advance of event or rehearsal date.

• Post-event responsibilities:

o Provide event evaluation, budget recaps and client feedback.

o Execute all necessary follow-up with sub-contractors, vendor partners and clients. 

o Completion and distribution of post-event reports, photos and financial reports in a timely manner. 

Event Responsibilities

• Manager on duty during events as assigned.

o On-call supervisor of the Event Captain to oversee program, front of house and back of house operations.

o May act as Floor Captain as needed or assigned.

• Scheduling support & oversight for contracted vendors and staff. 

o Direct contact for event Vendors, Coat Check, Maintenance, Security, Engineering (HVAC & escalator) and Firefighter as needed. 

o Liaison to Theatre Co. House Management and AITSE labor as needed. 

o Manager on duty during events as assigned, on-call supervisor of the Event Captain to oversee program, front of house and back of house operations. May act as Floor Captain as needed or assigned.

o Lead contact for contracted vendors and staff throughout set-up, during event and strike. 

o Review and understand event program, helping to ensure a successful rehearsal as needed and oversee stage management as needed.

o Collaborate with Technical Manager and Technical Lead on technical staff needs and client requests. Direct contact from client to technical staff in booth.

o Ensure event technical staff has reviewed and tested all items to determine their accuracy, proper formatting and audio levels during event and/or rehearsal.

o Liaison to presenters, ensuring they are prepared for effective presentations, including sound systems check and full rehearsals when needed.

• Effectively manage issues in real time, prioritizing event needs while providing creative solutions.

o A thorough understanding and be prepared to assist with aspects of event risk assessment and crisis management. 

o In the event of a crisis, emergency or fire alarm, the Event Captain serves as Crisis Team Leader for any event space within the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex and may evacuate the event space as needed.

Skills

• As the direct supervisor of the Event Captain and the primary client contact and staff/vendor liaison – excellent listening and communication (verbal and written) skills are a must. The development of respectful, stable, and trusting relationships with clients, planners and inner-departmental teams is essential.

• Proven ability to collaborate in a team setting to develop effective and engaging events that achieve client goals within set budget.

• Ability to positively guide, influence and motivate event support teams. 

• Technical, audiovisual and stage management knowledge for both small and large scale events is preferred.

o Knowledge of production and audiovisual terminology as it applies to staging, sound needs, lighting, video, rigging, screen ratios and ADA requirements.

o Ability to stage manage the production portion of an event “show” by calling stage cues and ensuring all technical and production staff are directed from the same timeline and script.

• Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

• A resourceful, problem-solver with the ability to navigate competing priorities

• Strong computer skills, with knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. 

• Experience on Momentus and VectorWorks preferred

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of experience in event planning, event sales, event production or related field is required.

• We seek dynamic, motivated individuals with excellent communication (written, verbal and platform), efficient time management, and interpersonal skills.

• Professional appearance with a personable and hospitality driven demeanor are required.

• An emphasis on accuracy and thoroughness with business acumen; supported by skills in critical thinking and a proactive approach to problem solving.

• An ability to work a flexible schedule is needed, including nights and weekends. This position requires self-motivation, organization and strong project management skills. As the Sales & Event Manager you will be responsible for overall event operations, production logistics, staffing, vendor coordination and event-day management as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

2-4 – Event Captain(s)

Manager on Duty for events as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a professional office and events/ballroom environment during regular business hours in addition to nights and weekends.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets in addition to technology specific to this role.  The possibility of operating in a remote environment on certain days may be an option.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, and consistently communicate over the phone, email and in person throughout scheduled shift, in addition to spending long/extended periods in motion.  The employee frequently is required to move around the office and work environment, use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms, lift at least 50 pounds, and react quickly, specifically when directing attendees as mapped out in emergency plan.  

• Ability to spend long/extended periods of time on feet.

• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.

• Quick reactor and ability to direct attendees as mapped out in emergency plan.

• This position is a full-time position with excellent benefits.

Direct Reports/Supervisor Responsibility

2-4 – Event Captain(s)

Benefits

Full time positions include the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance and Pet Insurance

401k Plan with employer contributions

Time off benefits including personal days, sick days, vacation days and 10 paid holidays.

The DCPA is located in Denver, CO and all roles are based at our on-site location: 1101 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204. Some roles at the DCPA may be eligible for hybrid work options. More information is available through the interview process.

The DCPA does not require applicants to disclose age, date of birth or dates of attendance and/or graduation from an educational institution in their application for employment. Applicants may redact these and other applicable dates from their resume, transcript, and any other material that they submit as part of their application for employment.

In order to provide high quality, culturally competent care to our patrons, students, guests and team members, it is of highest importance that our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel welcome and valued.