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Convention Center Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Sales

Columbia, SC · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Director of Sales is responsible for the management and leadership of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Sales Department ensuring achievement of ...

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How much do convention center director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for convention center director in the United States is $107,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $119,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Convention Center Director do?

A Convention Center Director oversees the operations, management, and strategic planning of a convention center. Their responsibilities include coordinating events, supervising staff, managing budgets, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining the facility. They also work closely with event organizers, vendors, and local businesses to attract conventions and exhibitions, helping boost local tourism and economic development. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Convention Center Director?

To thrive as a Convention Center Director, you need extensive experience in facility management, event planning, budgeting, and a relevant degree in hospitality, business administration, or a related field. Familiarity with event management software, facility scheduling systems, and safety regulations is crucial. Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills help in managing large teams and building relationships with clients and stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient operations, successful events, and positive client experiences, which are critical to the center's reputation and profitability.

What are some common challenges a Convention Center Director faces when coordinating large-scale events with multiple stakeholders?

Convention Center Directors often manage complex logistics, including scheduling, vendor coordination, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Balancing the needs of event organizers, exhibitors, staff, and local authorities can be challenging, especially when events overlap or have unique requirements. Effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are crucial to handle last-minute changes and ensure a seamless experience for all parties involved.

What is the difference between Convention Center Director vs Event Manager?

AspectConvention Center DirectorEvent Manager
Primary ResponsibilitiesOversees the entire convention center operations, strategic planning, and facility managementPlans, coordinates, and executes individual events or conferences
Work EnvironmentManagement of large facilities, administrative offices, and staffOn-site event coordination, client interaction, and logistics
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in hospitality, management, or related field; experience in facility or event managementOften a bachelor's degree in hospitality, event planning, or related field; experience in event coordination

The Convention Center Director focuses on managing the entire facility and long-term operations, while the Event Manager handles specific events and client needs. Both roles require strong organizational skills and industry knowledge, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Convention Center Director jobs?

Cities with the most Convention Center Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Convention Center jobs?

The most popular types of Convention Center jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Convention Center Director jobs?

For Convention Center Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Director of Sales

Columbia, SC • On-site

Experience Columbia SC
Marketing • 51 - 200 employees

$65K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

I Position Summary:
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Director of Sales is responsible for the management and leadership of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center Sales Department ensuring achievement of goals and objectives through the generation of contracted convention business.
II. Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
• Responsible for leading the sales team strategy that promotes the facility to meeting planners resulting in increased booking and revenues.
• Manages the hobby, religious and multicultural markets, as well as other key accounts.
• Oversee and effectively manage all administration areas related to sales including but not limited to lead distribution, prospecting, database maintenance, Convention Center proposals and contract generation, lead flow between CVB.
• Be actively engaged and aware of progress of additional key accounts assigned to Sales Managers. This will include presence at site visits, sales calls, and sales presentations of key accounts.
• Update facility information and pricing.
• Gather data to provide monthly quota/data reports.
• Provide recommendations to VP/ GM Convention Center and oversee budget items and assess goals for the sales department.
• Maintain strong working relationships with CMCC providers and partners.
• Maintain detailed and current knowledge of the Columbia regional product and competitors.
• Demonstrate competency with booking and other software systems.
• Advocates policies and procedures set by Experience Columbia SC and ensure that the Sales Department follows them appropriately.
• Responsible for planning tradeshow schedule and overseeing planning, sponsorships, pre and post event communication, and all booth arrangements
• Perform other duties as assigned
III. Skills:
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
IV. Education/Qualifications Required:
• Bachelor's degree preferably in Hospitality or Tourism Management, Marketing, Business, Communications, Journalism or a related field.
• 5-7 years sales experience in progressively responsible hospitality/travel sales position, preferably with a convention and visitors bureau, convention center or convention hotel.
• Industry Specific Certification(s) are a plus, such as CVP or CMP.
• Demonstrated written and oral sales presentation skills.
• Working knowledge of hospitality industry computer systems and related software applications strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel and availability to work some evenings and weekends is required.
• Established contacts and demonstrated past success in developing regional meetings preferred.
• Self-directed and self-motivated team player with a positive outlook.
DISCLAIMER
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required and the responsibilities of the position may change.
Compensation: $65,000.00 - $78,822.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center (MACST)
We want the whole world to know what makes Columbia SC so great. Think of us as the biggest cheerleader for the heart of South Carolina. We educate potential visitors about the region year-round with paid and earned media. We help strengthen the region's economy by bringing millions of visitors annually. Our unified vision and strong identity stokes our shared sense of possibility and fosters pride among locals.
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism was organized as the Midlands Regional Convention Center Authority, a South Carolina nonprofit corporation as of July 5, 2001. To better define the overall purpose and mission of the Authority the official name was changed effective September 12, 2003.
The mission of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism includes:
  • Directing and managing the activities and mission of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau.
  • Overseeing the development and operation of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center under a long-term management agreement for the benefit of the Governmental Entities: City of Columbia, Lexington County and Richland County.
  • Directing and managing the activities and mission of the Columbia Regional Sports Council (also known as Experience Columbia SC Sports).
  • Directing and managing the operation of the Columbia Regional Visitors Center.

On August 24, 2001, the Authority became the Supervising Member for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (also known as Experience Columbia SC) and on May 14, 2002, the Columbia Regional Sports Council became a partner in the regional marketing efforts.
The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism Board consists of nine members; five representing the City of Columbia, two representing Lexington County and two representing Richland County.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism will oversee the operation and management of all responsibilities delegated to the Authority by the Board. The current President & CEO is Bill Ellen.
Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is committed to the principles of equal employment. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regards to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
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