Event Manager Sail Newport Inc Newport, RI Job Details Full-time $55,000 - $65,000 a year 2 days ago Qualifications Customer communication Operations management Heavy lifting Filing Bachelor's degree Attention to detail Event customer service Full Job Description Reports to:
Executive Director Employment Status:
Full-Time, Exempt Department:
Events About Sail Newport Founded in 1983, Sail Newport is Rhode Island's public sailing center. Our nonprofit mission is to provide public access to sailing, marine recreation, and educational opportunities in and around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Sail Newport also supports and manages local, regional, national, and international sailing and marine events that contribute to Newport's vibrant waterfront community. Position Summary The Events and Sales Manager is responsible for selling, planning, coordinating, and executing Sail Newport's special events, facility rentals, and event-related programs. This position manages events from initial inquiry and booking through planning, execution, and follow-up and serves as a primary contact for clients, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and event partners. The position works collaboratively across Sail Newport departments and requires a combination of event sales, hospitality, project management, customer service, and hands-on event operations. Duties and ResponsibilitiesEvent Sales & Management Manage inquiries, sales, bookings, contracts, and client communications for facility rentals, meetings, and special events. Maintain the event calendar and coordinate scheduling with Sail Newport programs, regattas, dockage, and other organizational activities. Plan and manage fundraising events, donor functions, organizational gatherings, regatta social events, yacht rendezvous, corporate and team-building programs, meetings, receptions, and other special events. Develop event plans, timelines, layouts, budgets, and logistical requirements. Coordinate caterers, rentals, entertainment, equipment, supplies, insurance requirements, permits, and other vendors and services. Oversee event setup, operation, breakdown, and cleanup and serve as the primary on-site event contact when required. Identify opportunities to grow event and facility rental revenue while ensuring activities are consistent with Sail Newport's mission and operational needs. Staff, Volunteers & Facilities Coordinate staff, temporary personnel, volunteers, and event committees for event preparation and execution. Work closely with Facilities and Operations staff regarding venue preparation, equipment, access, parking, utilities, cleaning, waste removal, and other event needs. Manage the facilities, including the Sail Newport Main Office, Jason Titunik Racing Center, and other storage areas around the campus. Secure required permits and approvals from the State of Rhode Island, City of Newport, and other agencies as applicable. Ensure events are conducted safely, professionally, and in accordance with Sail Newport policies and applicable requirements. Development, Sponsorship & Marketing Work with the Development Department on fundraising events, donor functions, auctions, raffles, and related initiatives. Coordinate sponsor needs and ensure event-related sponsorship commitments are fulfilled. Work with the Marketing Department on event promotion, invitations, registration, signage, guest communications, and post-event follow-up. Manage guest lists, ticketing, registrations, and event communications as appropriate. Financial & Administrative Develop and manage event budgets and track event revenue and expenses. Maintain event contracts, permits, insurance documentation, vendor records, client information, and other event files. Monitor event and facility rental performance and provide reports as requested. Maintain positive relationships with clients, sponsors, donors, vendors, volunteers, public agencies, and community partners. Participate in staff and organizational planning and perform other duties as assigned in support of Sail Newport's mission. Qualifications & Skills Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. Five or more years of experience in event management, event sales, hospitality, venue management, or a related field preferred. Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple events, priorities, and deadlines. Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer-service skills. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and professional judgment. Experience developing and managing event budgets. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn scheduling, registration, and event-management systems. Experience with nonprofit organizations, sailing, boating, hospitality, or the Newport community is preferred but not required. Working Conditions This position combines office-based work with active event and waterfront responsibilities. Regular evening, weekend, and extended-hour work is required based on Sail Newport's event schedule. Work may occur indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may require long periods of standing, walking, and movement throughout the facility. The work may also include heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Sail Newport is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
