Operations Manager - Auctions

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Operations Manager - Auctions

Hours:  Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm in office (remote work not available)

Location: San Antonio, TX; in-office required; some travel required

Department:  Event Services - Auction

Commit to protect hunting for future generations.

Safari Club International (SCI) is the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting sustainable-use wildlife conservation worldwide for over 50 years. As the only hunting rights organization with a Washington D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all species focus, SCI mobilizes nearly 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.

Our staff, partner organizations, and chapter networks internationally are involved in advocacy on local and global hunting issues, such as opposing international hunting import bans, opposing firearms restrictions, supporting rural areas and community leadership, and more.

Our Core Values — You are a HUNTER
At SCI, our values guide everything we do. We seek candidates who embody our HUNTER mindset:

• H – Hunting Matters : We champion the importance and ethics of hunting and conservation.
• U – Uncompromising Integrity : We do the right thing, always.
• N – Never-Ending Growth : We are committed to continuous improvement and learning.
• T – Teamwork : We collaborate, support, and celebrate one another.
• E – Excellence : We hold ourselves to high standards in all we do.
• R – Respect : We treat everyone with dignity, fairness, and professionalism.

This position is responsible for overseeing our live and silent auctions at our annual Convention and working with their team to manage inventory of approximately $15 million of tangible and non-tangible (hunts) items. This position is majority computer based. Our Annual Convention is our flagship event, showcasing the largest gathering of hunting outfitters from around the world and leading manufacturers in the outdoor industry. This four-day event includes a member-only trade show with over 900 outfitters, more than 70 seminars and keynote speeches, over 20 live and silent auctions, awards, nightly dinners, and entertainment. Incumbents must maintain professional decorum while resolving problems, working with deadlines, and manage conflicting priorities. The position interacts with employees at all levels of the organization, members, volunteers, and outside vendors, and service providers.

All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunter’s rights.

• Manage all facets of the Auction Program; oversee all donations from time of submission to completion of sale and post-sale follow-up; ensure quality of customer service and donor relationships
• Responsible for oversight of the entire Auction Program administrative duties. This position conducts most work via computer.
• Oversee research and development of Auction Program and of other opportunities for technical advancement; develop and improve auction practices and guidelines.
• Track and report current donation information as needed; maintain knowledge of reporting software, write and maintain reports, and publish reports to network
• Ensure accuracy of donation promotional copy from write up to sales; ensure proofing and correction of donation descriptions; oversee the production of auction publications, catalogs, and articles
• Manage Auction Program at convention including all auction crew, auctioneers, auction ringmen and auction distribution center, which may include more than fifty on-site staff
• Oversees Patrons Program to include qualification of members, promotions, benefits, and lounge activities. 
• Manage the tasks and functions to close the annual Auction Program; allocate expenses as needed
• Manage release and processing of donor rebates
• Oversee tracking of hunt donation quality through hunt evaluations
• Oversee Guides & Outfitters and donor approvals to ensure donor accountability and lessen SCI risk
• Act as staff liaison to Guides and Outfitters Committee and oversee process for SCI’s annual Professional Hunter of the Year awards
• Contract and oversee work and reports of contractors for the Auction and Guides and Outfitters Programs
• Manages support staff; interviews, makes hiring recommendations, orients/trains employees, plans, assigns, and directs work. In partnership with Human Resources, counsels employees on disciplinary and performance issues. Addresses employee development, recognition, complaints and concerns
• Creates and supports an open communication culture. Conduct regular team meetings; continually update team on current goals and best practices, answer questions, and help team with new issues. Responsible for communicating departmental/procedural updates.  
• Monitor and evaluate team performance including quality of work and compliance; set clear expectations, goals and deadlines.  Motivate team members by recognizing high performance and encourage creative thinking.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.  Attends meetings, other conventions and trade shows as appropriate to maintain professional contacts and/or represent SCI and SCIF.

• Previous experience managing auctions is strongly preferred
• The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of experience in marketing, sales, or event planning on a large scale.  
• Extensive knowledge of, and experience in, the outdoor industry.
• Proficiency iMIS or similar database software, reporting software such as Tableau and e-Show registration/event sales software preferred
• Proven problem solving skills
• Proficient with  Microsoft Office Suite software, to include OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams with an ability to become familiar with SCI-specific programs and software. 
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and customer service skills, organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders; ability to respond to needs in a tactful and strategic manner. 

Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that fulfills the requirements of the position will be considered.

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