Elmhurst University · 7 hours ago
Conference and Event Sales Manager
Elmhurst, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$65K/yr - $70K/yr
3+ years expElmhurst University is seeking a Conference and Event Sales Manager to enhance their revenue through external conferences and events. The role involves generating business, managing client relationships, and overseeing the full lifecycle of events from proposal to financial reconciliation.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Develops and executes a sales and marketing strategy to attract external clients for conferences, camps, weddings, retreats, meetings, and special events
Creates and maintains professional marketing materials showcasing campus facilities, accommodations, dining, and support services
Conducts client outreach, responds to inquiries, provides tours, prepares customized proposals, and converts leads into bookings
Builds and nurtures long-term client relationships to encourage repeat business and referrals
Analyzes competitor offerings and pricing models to ensure the University remains competitive while maximizing revenue
Serves as the primary point of contact for external clients and manages relationships from initial inquiry through post-event evaluation
Clearly communicates policies, service levels, timelines, and expectations to prevent misunderstandings and scope creep
Coordinates logistics with campus service providers (Facilities Management, IT, Dining Services, Residence Life, Public Safety, etc.) to ensure events are properly supported
Balances a high-touch hospitality approach with adherence to University policies, contractual terms, and operational limitations
Supports internal campus events and Presidential functions as needed, modeling professionalism and teamwork
Prepares, negotiates, and manages all facility use agreements, conference contracts, and housing agreements with approval from leadership
Ensures that all pricing, services, staffing, technology, security, catering, and housing arrangements are fully documented and approved prior to event execution
Partners closely with the finance team to establish billing schedules and payment terms, ensure timely generation and delivery of invoices, track deposits and balances, monitor accounts receivable, follow up on overdue payments, reconcile final charges, and confirm full payment
Ensures that all contracts, pricing, services, and financial terms are executed in compliance with University policies, with documented agreements, approved changes, and completed financial close-out for every event
Maintains and optimizes event management and scheduling systems, ensuring accuracy of space reservations, client data, contracts, and financial information
Produces regular reports on sales activity, revenue, receivables, and forecasting
Supports the University's mission, vision and values
Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement
Performs other duties and completes special projects as needed and assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in sales, hospitality, event management, conference services, or a related client-facing revenue role
Demonstrated success in contract management, client relationship development, and revenue generation
Experience with invoicing, budgeting, reconciliation, and accounts receivable processes
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
High level of organizational skill and attention to detail, with proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event management or CRM systems
Ability to work some evenings and weekends as required by event schedules
Preferred
Master's degree
Experience in university conference services, hotel sales, convention centers, or multi-venue event operations
Familiarity with auxiliary services revenue models and higher education financial processes
Proven track record of collaborative teamwork and exceptional service to campus partners
Company
Elmhurst University
Founded in 1871, Elmhurst is a comprehensive university offering more than 70 undergraduate majors, 17 graduate programs, and several evening and online programs for adults.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Alexander L. Blumenberg, MBA
Senior Director for Community Partnerships and First-Year Admission
Kristina Black Rodriguez, MBA
Director of Academic Partnerships and Transfer Admission
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