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Special Event Sales Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

American Golf

Event Sales Coordinator - FT

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Manage administrative tasks including drafting, revising, and distributing event agreements and banquet event orders (BEOs), as well as processing deposits and payments. * Support marketing and sales ...

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All JobsSpecial Event Sales JobsSpecial Event Sales Manager JobsSpecial Event Sales Manager Jobs in Riverside, CA

Special Event Sales Manager information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$34.4K

$67.2K

$94.9K

How much do special event sales manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for special event sales manager in Riverside, CA is $67,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $78,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a special event sales manager do?

A Special Event Sales Manager is responsible for selling and coordinating special events such as weddings, corporate meetings, banquets, and other gatherings at venues like hotels, resorts, or event spaces. They work closely with clients to understand their needs, prepare proposals, negotiate contracts, and ensure that all event details are executed smoothly. Their role often includes collaborating with catering, operations, and marketing teams to deliver exceptional client experiences. Additionally, they may be involved in prospecting new business and building long-term client relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special event sales manager?

To thrive as a Special Event Sales Manager, you need expertise in sales strategies, event planning, and client relationship management, often supported by a degree in hospitality, marketing, or business. Familiarity with CRM software, event management platforms, and budgeting tools is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills help you excel in building client trust and coordinating successful events. These abilities ensure effective event execution, client satisfaction, and consistent achievement of sales targets in a competitive industry.

How does a special event sales manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure successful event execution?

A Special Event Sales Manager works closely with departments such as catering, operations, marketing, and guest services to coordinate the details of each event. This involves regular meetings and communication to align on client expectations, logistics, and any special requirements. Effective collaboration ensures that all aspects of the event—from menu planning to audiovisual needs—are addressed and executed seamlessly. Building strong interdepartmental relationships is key to overcoming challenges and delivering outstanding events that meet both client and organizational goals.

What is the difference between Special Event Sales Manager vs Event Coordinator?

AspectSpecial Event Sales ManagerEvent Coordinator
Primary FocusSales, client acquisition, revenue generationEvent planning, logistics, execution
Required SkillsSales techniques, negotiation, customer serviceOrganization, communication, multitasking
Work EnvironmentSales offices, client meetings, event venuesEvent sites, venues, client coordination
Common CertificationsSales certifications, hospitality experienceEvent planning certifications, hospitality background

While both roles are involved in events, the Special Event Sales Manager primarily focuses on selling event services and securing clients, whereas the Event Coordinator handles the planning and execution of events. The Sales Manager's role is more sales-driven, requiring negotiation skills, while the Coordinator ensures smooth event operations. Both roles often collaborate to deliver successful events, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Special Event Sales Manager jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Special Event Sales Manager jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Special Event Sales Manager jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Special Event Sales Manager jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Special Event Sales Manager jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Special Event Sales Manager job openings:

Special Event Sales Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Event Sales Manager job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,223 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Director, Event Management, Special Events

OC Sports and Entertainment

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

A great experience starts with you!
Join our team to help create and develop the future of live entertainment and sports in Orange County!
Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel best suit you, as an applicant, you can always see your application status in your profile.
Mission: To enrich the lives in our community through shared experiences, welcoming spaces, and responsible actions.
Vision: We will be the social and entertainment center of Orange County - a place where the cultural kaleidoscope of the region converges and connects. Our vibrant, rich collection of experiences will celebrate the diversity of our community.
Values: Be Safe | Do the Right Thing | Be Generous | Include Everyone | Make it Easy | Be Bold
Job Title:
Director, Event Management, Special Events
Pay Details:
The annual base salary range for this position in California is $130,000 to $160,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate's geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education/training, internal value, peer equity, external market demands, and organizational considerations.
The Director of Event Management, Special Events provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the planning and execution of revenue-generating private events across the OCVIBE campus. This role is responsible for leading a team of full-time and part-time event professionals who deliver exceptional, hospitality-driven experiences for corporate, social, and premium clients.
This position partners closely with Sales, Culinary, Operations, and Finance to translate client vision into flawlessly executed events that maximize revenue opportunities, drive repeat business, and elevate the OCVIBE brand. Events include corporate meetings and conferences, galas, buyouts, premium activations, and social celebrations across a diverse portfolio of venues and unique spaces.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in special event operations, team leadership, and premium guest service within large-scale entertainment, hospitality, or destination event environments.
Responsibilities
Event Management & Execution Strategy
  • Lead the end-to-end execution strategy for all private and special events, ensuring consistency, quality, and excellence across all venues and experiences
  • Establish and manage operational frameworks, timelines, and workflows that support high-volume, high-touch event execution
  • Partner with the Special Events Sales team to support client acquisition, seamless handoffs, and execution against contracted deliverables
  • Ensure events are delivered in alignment with client expectations, brand standards, and revenue objectives
  • Lead full lifecycle management of district-wide event equipment inventory, including tracking systems, preventative maintenance, repairs, parts procurement, and annual capital expenditure (CapEx) planning and acquisitions to ensure operational readiness and fiscal discipline

Team Leadership & Workforce Management
  • Directly manage and develop a team of full-time Event Managers and a flexible part-time event execution staff
  • Build staffing models and labor strategies that balance service excellence, efficiency, and profitability
  • Create a culture of accountability, hospitality, and continuous improvement through training, coaching, and performance management
  • Serve as an on-site leader during major events, providing real-time decision-making and escalation support
  • Develop and implement team operating plans, performance incentives, and accountability frameworks that elevate financial acumen across the Event Management team, driving strategic upselling behaviors and revenue optimization at the event level

Financial & Business Performance
  • Apply rigorous financial analysis to event performance in collaboration with Finance and Sales, leveraging P&L insights with a focus on labor and operational expenses, to identify cost efficiencies, margin improvement opportunities, and scalable growth strategies across the event portfolio
  • Support event forecasting, staffing cost controls, and post-event financial reviews
  • Champion upsell opportunities and operational efficiencies that enhance revenue and client value

Operational Excellence & Compliance
  • Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for private event execution across all venues
  • Ensure compliance with safety, permitting, accessibility, and regulatory standards
  • Partner with Operations, Security, Facilities, and Culinary to align resources and venue readiness for each event
  • Establish and enforce service and presentation standards across all events, including elevated VIP experiences, ensuring Event Managers consistently deliver best-in-class hospitality, brand alignment, and visual excellence

Client Experience & Brand Stewardship
  • Serve as a steward of the OCVIBE brand, ensuring every client and guest experience reflects a premium level of hospitality and professionalism
  • Address and resolve client concerns with urgency and care, turning challenges into opportunities for loyalty and advocacy
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Brand teams to align private event execution with broader brand positioning and experience standards

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related field
  • Master's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in event management or hospitality operations, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role overseeing teams and complex events
  • Demonstrated experience leading venue event management operations across multiple properties simultaneously, ensuring consistency in service standards, operational execution, and client experience across diverse venues
  • Proven success executing revenue-generating private events, including corporate, social, or premium hospitality experiences
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate both full-time and part-time teams in fast-paced, guest-facing environments
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing labor budgets, forecasting, and operational efficiencies
  • Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across Sales, Operations, Culinary, and Finance
  • A passion for hospitality, client service, and delivering memorable, best-in-class event experiences aligned with company values

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Education - Bachelor's Degree
Experience Required - 8+ Year
This position is on-site.
Company:
OC Sports & Entertainment, LLC
Our Commitment:
We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. We are firm believers that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
Thanks for your interest in becoming part of OCVIBE!

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