Sales & Events Manager

Be a Part of Something Bigger Than a Job At Forest Theater , we’re not simply restoring a historic landmark. We’re helping shape the future of South Dallas. As a key initiative of Forest Forward , the reimagined Forest Theater will serve as a hub for arts, education, culture, and economic opportunity. Every role on our team contributes to a larger mission: creating pathways for individuals, families, and communities to thrive. As the Sales & Events Manager , you will help activate one of Dallas’ most iconic cultural destinations by driving event sales, cultivating community and corporate partnerships, and creating exceptional experiences for clients, guests, and stakeholders. Through your work, you’ll contribute to a venue that celebrates creativity, connection, culture, and opportunity while supporting the continued revitalization of South Dallas. Position Summary The Sales & Events Manager is a key leadership role responsible for driving venue rental revenue while ensuring the successful planning and execution of events across Forest Theater. Reporting to the Director of Special Events, this position serves at the intersection of sales, event management, client relations, and operational execution. Working closely with internal teams, clients, community partners, vendors, and stakeholders, the Sales & Events Manager builds and manages the event sales pipeline, leads venue tours and client engagement, coordinates event planning activities, and supports on-site event execution. This role plays a critical part in helping establish operational excellence as Forest Theater grows into a premier destination for arts, culture, education, entertainment, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, strategic thinker, and highly organized project manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about creating memorable experiences that generate revenue and advance community impact. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Venue Sales & Business Development Build, manage, and maintain a robust event sales pipeline from lead generation through contract execution. Respond to venue rental inquiries and proactively cultivate new business opportunities. Conduct venue tours, client meetings, consultations, and presentations. Develop proposals, pricing recommendations, and event packages that support revenue goals. Maintain accurate sales forecasts, pipeline reports, and performance tracking. Execute sales strategies and revenue goals set by Director; provide market input on pricing. Build relationships with corporate partners, nonprofit organizations, community groups, wedding planners, promoters, and event professionals. Event Planning & Client Management Lead the planning and coordination of events from initial inquiry through event completion. Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the planning process. Develop event timelines, logistics plans, production schedules, and event documentation. Ensure a seamless and high-touch client experience through proactive communication and responsiveness. Anticipate client needs, identify potential challenges, and implement solutions to support successful event execution. Support on-site event management and execution as needed. Food & Beverage and Event Operations Coordination Partner closely with Food & Beverage leadership to align catering sales and event execution plans. Develop, review, and manage Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure accuracy and operational readiness. Coordinate event details across venue operations, production, guest services, security, and catering teams. Support upselling opportunities that enhance both client experience and event revenue. Ensure all event information is communicated clearly and efficiently to internal stakeholders. Operations & Administrative Leadership Implement and maintain systems, templates, workflows, and standard operating procedures established by the Director to support event sales and execution. Manage contracts, permits, client documentation, and event records. Track deadlines, deliverables, and key milestones across multiple events simultaneously. Maintain accurate records, reporting, and documentation to support operational excellence. Serve as a central coordinator across departments to ensure alignment and accountability. Strategic Support & Organizational Impact Act as a trusted partner to the Director of Special Events by helping manage priorities, timelines, and strategic initiatives. Support major organizational initiatives, including grand opening activities, community events, and special programs. Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and client experiences. Contribute to a collaborative culture focused on innovation, accountability, and exceptional service. Contribute to Our Mission and Culture Serve as an ambassador for Forest Theater and Forest Forward through professional and community-centered interactions. Help create experiences that connect residents, artists, entrepreneurs, visitors, and organizations to opportunities for engagement and impact. Support Forest Forward’s mission of creating opportunity, removing barriers, and investing in the people of South Dallas. Uphold organizational values of innovation, community partnership, accountability, equity, and respect for history. Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational priorities. Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field preferred. Three to six or more years of experience in event sales, venue management, event planning, hospitality, or a related field. Experience managing event logistics, client relationships, and venue operations. Experience working with catering operations and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) required. Experience managing CRM systems, sales pipelines, reporting tools, and revenue tracking. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Passion for community impact and a commitment to the mission and values of Forest Theater and Forest Forward. Demonstrated success in business development, sales, and revenue generation. Exceptional customer service and relationship management skills. Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment. Ability to collaborate across departments, vendors, and community partners. Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative. Experience with event management software, CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace applications. Work Environment and Physical Requirements Forest Theater is a dynamic live entertainment and community venue. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This role regularly requires: Conducting client meetings, venue tours, networking events, and sales presentations. Working on a computer for extended periods to manage sales pipelines, contracts, proposals, reports, and event documentation. Communicating frequently with clients, vendors, partners, and internal teams. Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, event-driven environment. Walking throughout the venue to support tours, planning meetings, and event execution. Attending and supporting evening, weekend, and special event activities as business needs require. Occasionally lifting, carrying, or moving materials related to events, presentations, and venue operations. Why Forest Theater? At Forest Theater, your work supports more than venue rentals and special events. Every event hosted within our walls helps create opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, students, families, businesses, and community organizations. You’ll join a team committed to preserving the cultural legacy of South Dallas while helping build a thriving future through arts, education, economic opportunity, and community connection. Build Community. Preserve Culture. Create Opportunity. Join Forest Theater and help shape a thriving future for South Dallas. Equal Opportunity Employer Forest Forward is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and makeemployment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr