Rental Events Sales Manager

THE OPPORTUNITY 
Located in the heart of San Francisco, the Asian Art Museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, boasting more than 20,000 inspiring artworks ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations. Dynamic special exhibitions, cultural celebrations, and public programs for all ages provide rich art experiences that unlock the past and spark questions about the future. 

Currently, we are leading a search for a Rental Events Sales Manager to join our team. This is an exceptional opportunity to join an organization that values creativity, teamwork, collaboration, and inclusion and where you will be surrounded by a diverse, talented, and enthusiastic group of colleagues.  

The Rental Events Sales Manager leads the strategic growth of the museum's external facility rental program, with a focus on revenue optimization and program expansion. This role oversees all rental event inquiries, driving the promotion and sale of private event spaces at the Asian Art Museum. This position is responsible for ensuring efficient management of contracts, reporting, and event execution, while providing management and direction for onsite event operations.

This position collaborates with key museum departments to ensure seamless communication and alignment with organizational objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Actively develops new business through outside sales calls, local tradeshows, networking, and industry events.
• Develops, maintains, and evolves the ongoing sales pipeline, revenues, and financial trackers.
• Manages and meets budgeted revenue goals, while driving revenue growth and creatively develops all market growth segments including corporate, social and wedding events.
• Proactively seeks out new clients and responds to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person, providing accurate venue information to potential and booked clients.
• Oversees administrative functions, including the preparation and organization of event documentation, monitoring account receivables, processing payments, and managing team calendars to ensure operational efficiency.
• Leads site tours and manages the sales process from initial contact to final booking.
• Manages the contracting process from preparation to negotiation to final signatures.
• Serves as the onsite department representative at private events.
• Schedules Rental Events staff to ensure proper staffing and informs them of event details and client requests.
• Coordinates with internal teams (security, A/V, custodial, etc.) to ensure smooth event operations.
• Communicates with clients and vendors to ensure compliance with museum guidelines in regard to use of the facilities, the protection of artworks, and the safety of event guests.
• Provides guidance and support to team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Assists with supporting improving team performance, offering coaching and feedback to help team members grow and succeed, ensuring these actions support both team members' growth and the organization's overall objectives.
• Offers general support to the Development team and performs additional duties and projects as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Business or a related field and five years of progressive event sales experience. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Proven ability to prospect, make sales calls, negotiate, and close deals.
• Strong marketing, communication (oral and written), and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of event operations, including timelines, staffing, and floor plans.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Understanding of best practices in hiring, promotions, and disciplinary actions, ensuring decisions align with organizational goals and support employee development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Professional and personable demeanor via phone, video, and email, with the ability to build rapport at all levels.
• Passionate about hospitality and delivering excellent customer service.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Collaborative team player, able to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thoughtfully assign tasks based on team members’ strengths and development areas to maximize productivity and foster individual growth.
• Ability to communicate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and maintain open channels of communication to promote trust and transparency within the team.
• Ability to learn, articulate and demonstrate working knowledge of public areas of the museum.
• Ability to move equipment and materials for events.
• Flexible availability, including nights and weekends as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Normal event, museum and office environment except during periods of event management.

• Computer, tablet, and phone use. 

COMPENSATION 

The Asian Art Museum is committed to practicing salary transparency. The hourly range for this position is $31.1989 - 37.4707/hr. This FLSA exempt opportunity includes a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:  

• Fully covered medical, dental and vision insurance for employee 
• 12 paid holidays (2025) 
• 15 days of vacation 
• 12 days of sick leave 
• Group retirement plan starting after one year of employment 

This position is represented by Local 1021, Service Employees International Union.    

New hires typically start at the beginning of the wage range.

OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENTS  

At the Asian Art Museum, we are dedicated to ideating, building, and holding ourselves accountable for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion in everything we do. We strive to foster a culture of respect, belonging and inclusivity for all employees.
Our mission is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences. We provide a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.  

Diversity of thought and experience is essential to our mission, and we are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.  

WHAT'S NEXT?  

Apply online at https://about.asianart.org/careers/. Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable candidate experience is critical for us. Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria described. Candidates deemed to be the most highly qualified will be invited to participate in the interview process. Our interview process tends to take about 4 weeks to complete but may fluctuate depending on the role. Appointment is subject to completion of a thorough background check process.  

The Asian Art Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories (arrest and criminal histories) consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.