Events & Venue Booking Manager

The Events & Venue Booking Manager serves as the primary point of contact for external clients, artists, promoters, and organizations seeking to utilize Bowie State University’s venues. This individual will work closely with campus partners to ensure events align with the university’s mission and deliver a high-quality experience for audiences and guests.

REPORTS TO: Director of Conference & Event Services

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Events & Venue Booking Manager is responsible for developing and managing strategies to maximize the use of Bowie State University’s performance and event spaces for revenue-generating opportunities. This role will focus on booking shows, performances, and events in the university’s premier venues, including the two theaters in the Fine & Performing Arts Center and the 1,500-seat Martin Luther King, Jr. Center auditorium, while also supporting bookings in other campus facilities.

The Events & Venue Booking Manager serves as the primary point of contact for external clients, artists, promoters, and organizations seeking to utilize Bowie State University’s venues. This individual will work closely with campus partners to ensure events align with the university’s mission and deliver a high-quality experience for audiences and guests.

This position is a full-time, in-person role with the expectation that additional hours, including nights and weekends, may be necessary to meet deadlines and support events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute a revenue generation strategy to increase utilization and maximize income from campus venues, with a focus on theaters and large-scale event spaces.
• Serve as the lead contact for booking shows, performances, conferences, and other external events.
• Negotiate contracts and rental agreements with artists, promoters, organizations, and event partners.
• Coordinate closely with the Conference & Event Services team, Facilities, Public Safety, and other campus partners to ensure successful event execution.
• Maintain an annual booking calendar and track revenue goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with talent agents, promoters, community organizations, and other stakeholders to expand event opportunities.
• Research market trends and identify new opportunities for revenue-generating events.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, protocols and branding standards for all booked events.
• Provide excellent client service to external renters and partners, serving as an ambassador for the university.
• Support the promotion of events in partnership with the Office of Marketing & Communications, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in arts management, business, hospitality, marketing, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in venue booking and event management.
• Proven success in generating revenue through event bookings or space rentals.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including artists, promoters, clients, and university partners.
• Knowledge of performing arts, entertainment, or live event industries preferred.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter.

Additional Job Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave, annual leave, and personal leave; 12 paid holidays per year, tuition remission; employer-funded pension and supplemental retirement accounts.