The James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC) is a transformative outdoor extension of the University of Denver, located in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. KMC offers immersive nature-based experiences that provide all DU students, faculty, staff, and alumni with opportunities to connect with nature, promote wellness, and reflect on DU’s Four-Dimensional (4D) Experience. It fosters personal growth, community, and lifelong values through outdoor engagement.

The key priorities of the KMC are:

• Student Experience: Inclusive, accessible programming with immersive first-year retreats and co-curricular activities.
• Faculty & Staff: Supports teaching, research, and retreats in a natural setting.
• Alumni Engagement: Hosts reunions and events to deepen alumni ties and generate revenue.
• Sustainability: Operates with a conservation ethic, minimal development, and alignment with DU’s carbon neutrality goals.
• Financial Model: Funded through philanthropy, program revenue, and internal fees—aiming for self-sufficiency within eight years (FY2030).

KMC is designed to be inclusive, sustainable, and central to the DU experience for generations to come.

Position Summary

The Sales and Events Manager at the Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC) is responsible for driving internal and external sales, managing event intake, and shaping the overall user experience for clients and guests. This role combines strategic sales with hands-on event management, ensuring the successful planning and execution of corporate, public, alumni, and DU-affiliated events.

The Sales and Events Manager plays a key role in advancing KMC’s strategic goals by increasing revenue, expanding client engagement, and delivering mission-aligned, high-quality experiences. Working closely with the Associate Director, Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations and campus staff, this position ensures seamless coordination across all aspects of events—logistics, contracts, catering, lodging, and activities—while fostering strong client relationships and contributing to the financial sustainability and reputation of the Kennedy Mountain Campus.

This position summary is not designed to capture all activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time. 

Essential Functions

Sales & Business Development (40%)

• Develop and implement sales strategies that grow internal and external event business, balancing mission alignment with revenue generation.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with corporate, nonprofit, alumni, and community partners to expand engagement with KMC.
• Collaborate with DU departments and units to maximize internal use of the campus.
• Prepare and negotiate contracts, proposals, and pricing in line with campus policies and financial goals.
• Conduct site tours and represent KMC at networking, outreach, and promotional events.
• Monitor sales and business development progress using key performance indicators (KPIs), and drive continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making and assessment.

Event Planning & Coordination (25%)

• Serve as the primary intake contact for all prospective events and groups, guiding them through the planning and booking process.
• Support event planning meetings and walkthroughs.
• Coordinate event logistics including catering, lodging, meeting spaces, transportation, and outdoor/experiential programming.
• Partner with KMC operations, facilities, dining, and program staff to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Ensure accurate and timely use of Connect2, Momentus, and internal scheduling systems.
• Develop detailed event orders and timelines, ensuring clarity across all departments.
• Provide on-site support during events to oversee execution and address client needs.

On-Site and Event Support (15%)

• Provide on-site presence for high-impact or complex events.
• Support event execution as directed by the Associate Director, Kennedy Mountain Campus Operations.
• Ensure client satisfaction and troubleshoot issues in real time.
• Model a responsive, service-oriented approach across all guest interactions.

Client & Guest Experience (10%)

• Contribute to the design and refinement of the KMC client and guest experience to align with DU’s mission and values.
• Gather and analyze client feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with marketing and operations teams to align messaging and service delivery.
• Ensure events reflect the University’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and place based experiential learning.

Reporting (5%)

• Track and report on sales performance, client engagement, and event metrics.
• Assist in evaluating sales strategies, event services, and guest experience initiatives.
• Participate in quarterly planning and performance reviews with the KMC leadership team.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support evolving priorities of the Kennedy Mountain Campus and Division of Student Affairs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Event & Hospitality Management — Strong understanding of event planning processes, group logistics, catering, lodging, and guest services.
• Sales & Business Development — Knowledge of sales cycles, client prospecting, proposals, pricing, and contract negotiation.
• Higher Education & Mission-Driven Programming — Awareness of university structures, values, and the role of mission alignment in campus programming.
• Systems & Tools — Familiarity with CRM and event management platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Connect2, Momentus) and standard office applications.
• Customer Experience & Service Excellence — Understanding of guest satisfaction strategies, feedback systems, and service recovery methods.
• Budgeting & Financial Acumen — Knowledge of revenue tracking, expense management, and financial reporting in support of revenue goals.

Skills

• Sales & Relationship Building — Demonstrated ability to cultivate client relationships, secure repeat business, and achieve sales targets.
• Event Coordination & Project Management — Strong organizational skills to manage multiple events, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Communication — Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups including corporate leaders, alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
• Negotiation & Contracting — Skilled in developing mutually beneficial agreements while ensuring institutional compliance.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability — Ability to address issues in real-time, anticipate challenges, and adjust plans under pressure.
• Collaboration & Teamwork — Skilled at working across departments and with external partners to deliver seamless event experiences.

Abilities

• Client-Centered Service — Ability to consistently provide exceptional customer service and anticipate client needs.
• Mission Alignment — Ability to design and deliver events that reflect DU’s values of inclusivity, sustainability, and outdoor learning.
• Strategic Thinking — Ability to connect event sales and experiences to larger institutional and campus goals.
• Time & Priority Management — Ability to balance competing demands and deliver high-quality work on deadline.
• Flexibility & Availability — Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.
• Continuous Improvement — Ability to analyze feedback, assess performance data, and implement improvements for sales and event operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Marketing, Event Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in sales, client engagement, event planning, or hospitality management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage all phases of the event cycle, from sales outreach to on-site execution.
• Proven track record of achieving revenue, sales, or client engagement goals.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse clients, colleagues, and partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learning CRM and event management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Connect2, Momentus).
• Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays based on event schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree specifically in Hospitality, Event Management, or a related business field.
• 3+ years of experience in sales and event management, ideally in a higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven setting.
• Experience with contract negotiation and budget management for events and client engagements.
• Direct experience using Salesforce, Connect2, Momentus, or similar CRM/event management platforms.
• Background in hospitality or outdoor program settings where lodging, catering, and experiential activities are integrated.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating repeat clients and long-term partnerships.
• Knowledge of higher education structures, alumni engagement, or corporate partnership development.
• Familiarity with guest experience design, service standards, and post-event evaluation practices.

Working Environment

• Works in all weather conditions and varying facilities and environments.
• Works regularly on nights, overnights, weekends, and some holidays.
• The noise level is moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for an extended period.
• Ability to move outdoor equipment such as bicycles, group climbing gear, kayaks, rafts, etc.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 70 lbs. with assistance.

Work Schedule

• 37.5 hours/week
• Nontraditional, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays based on event schedules.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) November 17, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 9.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $58,000-$60,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.