SSA Group · 1 month ago
Director of Event Sales
Dallas Zoo, 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$75K/yr - $80K/yr
6+ years expSSA Group at Dallas Zoo is looking for a talented Director of Event Sales to join our team! The Director, Event Sales is responsible for driving sales and revenue growth by promoting and selling the venue, catering services, and other add-on experiences while ensuring exceptional client experiences.
HospitalityRetailTicketing
Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategies to sell the venue and catering services to new and returning clients
Analyze market to determine new and untapped revenue stream opportunities
Prospect and secure new business through cold calling, networking, and client outreach
Conduct site tours and menu tastings to showcase event capabilities
Solicit, negotiate, and secure signed agreements for events through a defined sales process
Plan and upsell functions with clients, including space requirements, times, equipment, menus, themes, and decorations
Respond to client requests promptly and ensure client satisfaction
Serve as primary point of contact for clients throughout the sales and planning process
Proactively and transparently communicate with clients throughout the sales and detailing process
Prepare and manage venue and catering contracts, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), diagrams, and other necessary documents
Develop and maintain strong relationship with venue departments and understanding of their policies and procedures
Maintain strong, positive relationships with clients to encourage repeat business
Conduct post-event follow-ups to engage clients and foster continued development
Work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions
Maintain communication with vendors, including pricing knowledge and negotiation
Uphold an active list of resources for client and internal operational use
Ensure all vendors comply with venue guidelines and event requirements
Develop detailed event plans, including timelines and floorplans
Walk event spaces before events to ensure everything is in working order and address any issues promptly
Manage last-minute changes and adjustments with a solution-focused approach
Communicate and collaborate effectively with the Catering Operations, Culinary Team, and other departments involved in events, developing and implementing new strategies and procedures where necessary to ensure events are executed flawlessly
Ensure all client contracts, BEOs (Banquet Event Orders), and event details are accurately documented
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
Maintain accurate records of event details and outcomes
Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures
Attendance at event start to ensure seamless execution of client’s vision and smooth transfer of authority to the operations team when appropriate
Collect and process payments, including deposits, in accordance with company policies and contractual payment schedules
Develop, meet, and exceed monthly and annual sales budgets and plans
Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities
Review all invoices, bills, and accounting-related documents for accuracy and communicate necessary changes to Accounts Receivable
Thorough understanding of menu and event offering cost structure to meet profitability guidelines
Report weekly and monthly sales through Tripleseat to appropriate stakeholders
Analyze sales trends and client feedback to identify opportunities for improvement
Use data to adjust sales strategies and increase conversion rate
Promote an inclusive and supportive approach within the unit
Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application
Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities of giving back
Perform other tasks as deemed necessary
Qualification
Required
Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of an organization
Expert leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships
Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized
Demonstrates financial management, analytical, and planning skills
Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment
Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above
Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
A minimum of 6 years of experience is required for this position; however, candidates with 8 or more years of experience will be given stronger consideration
All education backgrounds eligible, must be 18 or older
Preferred
Minimum 6 years catering and/or event sales, operations and/or event planning management in off-site catering, hotel or cultural attraction catering venue preferred
Working knowledge of Tripleseat is a plus
Benefits
Flexible Vacation or Time Away From Work (TAFW) plan: no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope.
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (eligible after one year of employment).
Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled-salary pay following submission and approval of leave.
Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event.
(4) Week fully paid Parental leave following birth, adoption or foster event, can be coupled with Birthing Parent Plan to extend above timeline.
Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave.
$75 monthly cell phone stipend.
Accrued paid sick leave provided in accordance with state law, state/location confirmed in job posting.
Company
SSA Group
SSA Group engages in ticketing, dining, and retail sales in between events and cultural destinations.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Travis Kight
Chief Operating Officer
Carrie Newton
Director of Partner Communication
Recent News
2025-09-09
Company data provided by crunchbase