Sales Manager

The University of Michigan, a globally recognized public research university located in Ann Arbor, is home to a vibrant and dynamic Conference and Event Services (CES) department. This team excels in delivering expert conference and event management solutions for both University of Michigan internal groups and external clients. The department orchestrates more than 17,000 events annually, including over 230 summer conference groups and more than 100,000 summer bed nights, handling a variety of events such as in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences. Generating over 13 million dollars in revenue, CES is a significant contributor to the campus community’s engagement and hospitality efforts.

The Sales Manager role at CES is an instrumental position aimed at expanding the department’s portfolio and revenue streams. Reporting directly to the Associate Director for Sales, this full-time, exempt role involves managing a portfolio of summer programs, conferences, and event clients with an eye towards client retention and lead development. This position is pivotal in fostering and maintaining strong client relationships and is expected to perform sales activities including client solicitation, proposal preparation, and contract management. The Sales Manager will collaborate closely with Conference Managers and contribute to marketing initiatives directly aimed at promoting CES services and increasing market presence. This role also has responsibilities spanning site visits, trade show participation, and engaging University faculty and staff to unlock new sales opportunities.

The position is offered on a hybrid work mode basis, balancing remote and in-person responsibilities, with the incumbent expected to work at the Ann Arbor campus. The anticipated start date is on or after July 1, 2026, with an annual salary range of $48,200 to $55,400 depending on experience and qualifications. The role suits a motivated sales professional passionate about hospitality and conference management within a university setting. The ideal candidate will bring a strong customer service ethic, a proactive approach to sales, and the capability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

The Sales Manager is responsible for a varied workload with 60% of time dedicated to sales efforts, including prospecting, proposal preparation, client relations, and meeting sales targets. Another 25% of responsibilities focus on marketing duties, such as contributing to strategic marketing planning, maintaining the CES website, and supporting social media and newsletter initiatives. About 10% of the role involves administrative duties like contract preparation, payment authorizations, and client profile management in CRM systems. The remaining time is devoted to general operational support, including teamwork, event management support, and participation in professional development and various committees within the Division of Student Life.

This role demands excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, combined with a high level of integrity and a customer-first mentality. Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and CRM or event management software is essential. The University of Michigan values candidates who bring creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to independently manage projects while working effectively as part of a team. Opportunities to attend regional trade shows and community events add to the role’s dynamic nature, requiring some travel and occasional weekend or evening work.

Overall, the Sales Manager position at the University of Michigan’s Conference and Event Services offers a rewarding career path for a driven sales and marketing professional eager to make an impact in a prestigious academic environment. The department’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures a supportive workplace where fresh ideas are welcomed and growth is encouraged, aligning with the University’s mission to create transformative experiences through world-class events and conferences.