Rentals & Events Sales Manager

Rentals & Events Sales Manager   

The Lawrence Hall of Science is UC Berkeley’s public science center. Our mission is to inspire and engage through science discovery and learning in ways that advance equity and opportunity. We do this by working with audiences that include learners, who experience our programs and products; educators, who work both in and out of school settings; and partners, who conduct research, build capacity for learning, and transform education systems. Research underlies everything we do, and we design all of our programs and products to have high impact beyond the walls of The Lawrence. 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Facilities Manager, the Rentals & Events Sales Manager is responsible for developing, launching, and managing a comprehensive facility rentals and events revenue program for the Lawrence Hall of Science. Operating at an advanced professional level, this position independently develops and implements sales strategies, establishes pricing models, negotiates complex agreements, and is accountable for achieving significant revenue targets. The incumbent exercises substantial judgment in market positioning, contract negotiation, revenue forecasting, and business development, while ensuring alignment with operational capacity, safety standards, and UC Berkeley policies. This role combines entrepreneurial program development, advanced consultative sales expertise, client relations, and close coordination with Facilities to ensure operational feasibility and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

Strategic Sales & Revenue Development

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to establish and grow the Hall’s rentals and events business line.
  • Conduct market analysis and competitive benchmarking to inform pricing structures and service packages.
  • Establish annual revenue targets and multi-year growth projections.
  • Independently manage the full sales lifecycle: prospecting, qualification, proposal development, negotiation, contract execution, and post-event follow-up.
  • Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline and forecasting system

Business Development & Client Relationship Management

  • Identify and cultivate corporate, nonprofit, community, and private clients.
  • Develop strategic partnerships to generate repeat and referral business.
  • Negotiate contracts within delegated authority, ensuring compliance with UC policies and risk management requirements.
  • Develop and manage approved vendor relationships.
  • Resolve complex client issues requiring sound judgment and discretion.

Program Development & Infrastructure

  • Design and implement policies, procedures, contracts, pricing models, and service standards for a newly established rentals program.
  • Partner with Facilities to determine space capacity, infrastructure limitations, custodial and security needs, and operational guidelines.
  • Collaborate with Marketing to develop promotional materials and outreach strategies.
  • Implement systems for scheduling, CRM tracking, invoicing coordination, and performance reporting.

Financial Accountability

  • Responsible for meeting or exceeding established annual revenue targets.
  • Develop and monitor program budget in collaboration with Facilities Manager.
  • Track revenue performance, analyze trends, and adjust sales strategy accordingly.
  • Provide regular financial forecasts and performance reports.

Event Oversight & Operational Coordination

  • Serve as primary client and vendor contact through planning and execution phases.
  • Coordinate closely with Facilities staff to ensure event logistics align with safety, custodial, and operational requirements, and meet or exceed client expectations.
  • Balance revenue generation with preservation of facility assets and mission-driven programming.
  • Provide functional direction to the Assistant Rentals Associate.

Required Qualifications

  • Advanced knowledge of sales and marketing principles, concepts, techniques and applications relevant to the field of promotion and advertising.
  • Advanced skills in developing, designing and implementing creative promotional and advertising strategies.
  • Advanced written, visual, interpersonal communication and political acumen skills.
  • Advanced analytical and research skills.
  • Demonstrated success meeting significant revenue targets.
  • Skill in mentoring less experienced staff.
  • Advanced knowledge of applicable campus policies, or ability to learn, and state and federal laws pertaining to marketing and advertising issues and concerns, and other related policies or laws.
  • Experience negotiating complex contracts.
  • Advanced knowledge of consultative sales practices and pipeline management.
  • Strong financial forecasting and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Demonstrated professional sales experience, preferably in venue, hospitality, or event-based environments.
  • Experience launching or scaling a revenue-generating program.
  • Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in higher education, museums, or public institutions.
  • Exposure to event planning.

Salary & Benefits

  • For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California’s Compensation & Benefits website.
  • Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. 
  • The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $101,600.00 – $115,000.00.
  • This is an exempt monthly-paid position.
  • This is a 1-year, full-time (40 hours/week) contract position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.