For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Careers at Drexel

About Drexel University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world‐class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.

Committed to becoming the nation’s most civically engaged university, Drexel supports engagement along three dimensions: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities, business practices that support equitable local and regional economic development, and public service by students, faculty, and staff. Our engagement is long‐term, multigenerational, and fundamental to the University’s mission, heritage, and future.

At Drexel, we are devoted to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and is based on integrity, trust, and respect. We center equity, inclusion and belonging, and incorporate an anti‐racism approach to our strategic plan, organizational systems, policies and structures.

Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world‐class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award‐winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non‐certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.

Suspension of Drexel University's Contribution into 403(b) Retirement Plan

As communicated on Oct. 10, Drexel University is suspending its contributions to employee retirement plans for calendar year 2025 as part of its multi-year plan to build financial resilience. Drexel is continuing to monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available for calendar year 2026.

Sr. Director Sales and Operations

Apply now Job no: 505346
Work type: Full-Time
Location: Center City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, Institutional Advancement

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Sales and Operations is responsible for driving revenue growth, optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing the visitor experience for the public-facing museum. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and supervises the Event Sales and Operations Manager. This position oversees facility rentals, special event sales, and supports group sales.

The Senior Director of Sales and Operations also works cross-departmentally to produce and manage the Academy wide logistics calendar and oversees processes such as weekly operations planning meetings to ensure proper deployment of the Academy’s resources, coordinated planning across departments, and fulfillment of client expectations. They are a strategic leader at the Academy.

This position requires availability to work at least one weekend day per week as part of the regular schedule. The role also requires flexibility to work evenings and special events as needed.

Essential Functions

  • Oversee facility rentals, birthday party programs, ticket and membership upgrading strategies. 
  • Develop marketing plan and sales strategy for all revenue driving programs and events in collaboration with the marketing and communications and programming team.
  • Develop and execute a detailed sales plan to achieve established annual revenue goals. 
  • Establish and maintain customer service standards, training materials and policies for event hosts and event support staff.
  • Support and plan operational aspects of signature events and special projects with event sales and operations team.
  • Manage key contracted partnerships including Cleantech, Canteen, and 12th Street Catering.
  • In collaboration with Event Sales & Operations Manager, review the organizational Events Calendar, outlining arrangements for meeting room/public space use, program coordination and special events, catering services, AV needs, and directives for security and facilities staff. 
  • Meet regularly with the programming, exhibitions, security, and facilities teams to outline strategies to create and manage high-profile events and ensure proper coverage of all planned activities and events.
  • Maintains weekly and monthly revenue reports to share performance with the Chief Financial Officer and Academy leadership.
  • Prepares departmental annual revenue goals and budget, monitor monthly status of budget, identify areas for growth and improvement, assist in planning long and short-term purchases for the Academy as they relate to sales and operations.
  • Optimizes operational processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity.
  • Ensures compliance with health, safety, and security regulations. 
  • Participates in the negotiation and administration of service and vendor contracts.
  • Represents the museum at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities. 
  • Build partnerships with local businesses, tourism boards, and industry professionals to increase exposure.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Museum Studies, or a related field. or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
  • Minimum of 7-10 years of direct experience in sales, operations, events or business management, preferably in a cultural institution, museum, or visitor attraction.
  • Proven track record of driving revenue growth and optimizing operational efficiency.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
  • Leadership skills/experience. 
  • Outstanding organizational skills to effectively manage multiple projects. 
  • Must be adept in problem anticipation, resolution, and negotiation.
  • Must have ability to interact effectively with both museum staff, visitors and various vendors in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of Altru or comparable database software preferred.

Physical Demands

  • Typically sitting at a desk/table
  • Typically standing, walking
  • Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs

Location

  • Center City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade M. Compensation for this grade ranges from $75,0000 - $112,790.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Additional Required Documents

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

 

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that welcomes individuals from diverse and neurodiverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic. Please visit our Policies page to view all University policies related to Human Resources and News and Announcements for workplace postings.

Background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made.

Drexel University, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) publishes the Drexel University Security & Fire Safety Annual Report for current and prospective students and employees. This report contains important safety information and crime statistics for the previous three years. These statistics pertain to reported crimes that have occurred on campus, in certain non-campus buildings or properties that are owned or controlled by Drexel University, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Printed copies of this report are also available by calling the Public Safety Administrative Office, 215.895.1550.

Additional information about the services provided by the Drexel University Department of Public Safety can be obtained by visiting their website.

Position Type

Work type

Locations

Philadelphia

Categories

Division / College
Organization