Events Sales & Strategy Manager at Providence Public Library – Providence, Rhode Island

Events Sales & Strategy Manager

(FT - 35 hr/wk)

We are seeking a highly organized and relationship-driven professional to serve as Events Sales & Strategy Manager, overseeing the sales, booking, and strategic growth of Providence Public Library’s non-catered event rental program. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role is ideal for a candidate with a strong background in event sales, venue management, or hospitality who can balance revenue generation with the Library’s mission, values, and public service priorities. The successful candidate will bring excellent communication skills, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to inclusive, community-centered programming. This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful partnerships, lead pricing and sales strategies, and collaborate across departments to ensure library spaces are activated in ways that are welcoming, accessible, and aligned with PPL’s role as a cultural and civic hub.

Key Purpose/SummaryThe Events Sales & Strategy Manager oversees the sales, booking, and strategic development of PPL’s non-catered event rental program. This role is responsible for cultivating relationships with prospective clients, coordinating bookings, setting pricing strategies, and driving revenue growth while ensuring that event activities align with the Library’s mission and public service priorities.

Primary Duties & ResponsibilitiesServe as the first point of contact for all rental inquiries and prospective clients.

Manage all external communications related to event bookings, including tours, proposals, contracts, and related correspondence.

Develop and maintain an annual sales plan and revenue goals for event rentals in collaboration with the COO and Head of Communications.

Build and sustain strong relationships with community partners, vendors, and corporate clients to expand use of PPL event spaces.

Prepare and manage customized proposals, pricing quotes, invoices, and contracts in compliance with PPL policies and procedures.

Maintain consistent and transparent pricing structures for both internal and external clients.

In partnership with the Events Coordinator, maintain accurate and up-to-date internal and external event calendars, ensuring all information is complete and accessible.

Track and analyze sales activity, event bookings, and revenue projections, maintaining accurate records and data.

Collaborate with the Communications team to develop promotional materials, event photography, and digital content that support venue marketing and outreach.

Conduct site tours and consultations for prospective clients, providing a welcoming and professional experience.

Collaborate with Russell Morin Catering & Events, PPL’s exclusive catering partner, to optimize client experience and ensure seamless service delivery.

Work closely with PPL’s tenant, the Culinary Hub of Providence (CHOP), for cross-promotion and opportunities to bolster both PPL’s and CHOP’s business.

Oversee the administrative and partnership aspects of the Boghossian Exhibition Gallery, including:

Managing partner relationships with the City of Providence’s Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, AS220, and OPEN.

Coordinating exhibition scheduling, partner programming blocks, and proposal reviews in accordance with PPL’s Gallery Policy & Procedures.

Serving as primary liaison for contracts, insurance verification, and gallery waivers.

Ensuring compliance with PPL’s financial terms, including the collection and processing of commissions from art sales.

Collaborating with the Events Coordinator and Facilities/IT teams to ensure successful installation timelines and partner support.

Support brand-aligned use of library spaces, maintaining standards of accessibility, inclusivity, and community representation.

Identify, track, and communicate opportunities for Library partner- and sponsor-supported programs, coordinating with appropriate internal staff to support planning and execution.

Partner with the Events Coordinator (Day-of) to ensure a smooth handoff from booking through execution.

Provide periodic reports on event and gallery performance metrics, sales trends, and partnership outcomes to the Head of Communications and COO.

Functions as key liaison, service provider, and subject matter expert to various departments and customers.

Check email daily and respond to emails in a timely manner.

Support and practice PPL’s stated values and demonstrate and share PPL’s commitment to being an all-inclusive organization.

Collaborate with External Relations as feasible/needed to support outreach, donor stewardship, and other fundraising activities.

Other duties as agreed upon between the employee and their manager.

Direct Reports

Events Coordinator

Additional Skills & CompetenciesDemonstrated strength in sales, relationship management, and client service, with the ability to cultivate long-term partnerships that advance institutional goals.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information persuasively and professionally to diverse audiences.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Proactive and self-directed, with the ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, and problem-solve independently.

High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information or donor/client relationships.

Collaborative mindset and commitment to cross-departmental teamwork in support of PPL’s mission and values.

Proficiency with Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and comfort with digital tools for tracking sales, managing calendars, and coordinating communications.

Familiarity with CRM or event management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or comparable platforms).

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for client tours, events, and special projects.

Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of work.

Education & Experience RequiredBachelor’s degree in Communications, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be substituted.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in event sales, venue management, or hospitality coordination, preferably in a nonprofit, cultural, or educational setting.

Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales and revenue goals through relationship-based client development.

Demonstrated experience preparing and managing event contracts, proposals, and budgets.

Familiarity with event logistics and operational planning, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams (Facilities, IT, Marketing, and Finance).

Strong understanding of customer service principles and best practices in event coordination.

Availability to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.

Job Posting Requirements

This position is: Exempt and is not part of the Union

Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours based on Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Flexibility is expected for special events, etc. Primarily weekday daytime hours, with occasional evening or weekend commitments for tours or events.

Salary Range: $55,000–$75,000/year. Per our hiring policy at PPL, the starting salary is $55,000, with up to 5% negotiation flexibility.

Reporting to: COO

The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a group health, dental, and vision plans with an HRA that covers 95% of the health insurance deductible. If you don’t need insurance, you can opt for a monthly stipend instead. The package also includes fully paid life insurance (up to $50,000) and long-term disability coverage, as well as a generous amount of paid time off, starting with 22 days (4 weeks and 2 days) annually. Additionally, the Library provides a retirement plan with both Traditional and Roth options, offering a 5.5% company match and 100% vesting from the moment you're hired.

COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED

Please submit a cover letter and resume by March 3, 2026.

About the hiring process: Application will be open until the position is filled.

The interview process includes: application submission review, recruiter phone screen (only if qualified after application review), panel interview and reference checks (approximately a 2-4 week process).

Posting Date: February 3, 2026 – open until filled.

The Providence Public Library

Attn: HR

150 Empire Street

Providence, RI 02903

Fax: 401-455-8002

Equal Opportunity

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.