Event Sales and Service Manager

The USS Midway Museum, located in San Diego, California, is a renowned museum and event venue situated on the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway. This museum is a premier destination for visitors interested in naval history and maritime heritage. As a unique event venue, the Midway offers an unparalleled setting with its prime downtown location, proximity to the San Diego Convention Center, and stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbor. It hosts more than 700 private and active-duty Navy events annually, accommodating groups from small gatherings to large-scale events with up to 3,500 guests. Recognized for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance, the USS Midway Museum is a popular choice for weddings, corporate gatherings, military ceremonies, and special celebrations. The museum emphasizes a collaborative and customer-focused environment where employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work and make a tangible impact.

The role of Event Sales and Service Manager at the USS Midway Museum is a full-time position offering an hourly wage range between $28.00 and $32.00, which is determined by the candidate's experience, education, and relevant knowledge. This position provides an excellent opportunity for an individual passionate about event management, sales, and client service to thrive in a dynamic, engaging workplace. The Event Sales and Service Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of assigned event leads and repeat event functions, specifically servicing groups ranging from 250 to 800 attendees. This includes selling, planning, coordinating, and ensuring the successful execution of events. The position requires a strong ability to convert leads into confirmed bookings, up-sell event services, and maintain close communication with clients to deliver exceptional experiences.

In this role, the manager will produce detailed and accurate contracts, sales orders, and event documentation that reflect client requirements and ensure high standards of event delivery. Collaborating effectively with various internal departments and stakeholders, the manager will resolve challenges and manage event logistics in a proactive and customer-oriented manner. The Midway boasts a culture that emphasizes safety, fun, teamwork, ownership, and a healthy work-life balance, making it an engaging and rewarding place to work. Compensation includes not only competitive pay but also a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, optional vision and legal plans, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, paid vacation, sick days, holidays, parking, and discounts at the museum's café and gift shop, as well as free admission to other participating San Diego museums.

The ideal candidate for the Event Sales and Service Manager position will have a minimum of two years of event sales and operations experience, a thorough understanding of the hospitality industry, and preferably a college degree. Key skills include strong verbal and written communication, persuasive sales ability, effective negotiation, critical thinking, and exceptional organization and time management. This position demands a high level of professionalism, composure under pressure, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, volunteer-supported team. The working environment aboard the aircraft carrier includes exposure to all weather conditions and requires physical activity such as climbing stairs and carrying equipment. The USS Midway Museum is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity and inclusion.