Business Development & Events Manager

Summary

The U.S. Naval Institute is an independent, nonpartisan educational nonprofit that has advanced professional discussion on sea power, national security, and global defense for more than 150 years. Located on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center is a state-of-the-art conference and meeting venue, hosting military, government, nonprofit, academic, and corporate organizations from across the country.

We are seeking an energetic, relationship-driven professional who is excited by the opportunity to help shape and grow a relatively new business within a respected nonprofit organization while creating exceptional client experiences. The position is hybrid with 3 days in the office and 2 days work-from-home.

As a key member of a small, high-performing team, the Business Development & Events Manager plays a central role in advancing the growth of the U.S. Naval Institute’s Jack C. Taylor Conference Center. This position exists to generate new business, cultivate lasting client relationships, increase venue utilization, and deliver exceptional event experiences that strengthen the Conference Center's reputation as a premier destination for meetings and events while supporting the overall mission of the U.S. Naval Institute.

This is not a traditional event planning position. Approximately 70% of this role focuses on business development, relationship management, client engagement, and revenue growth. The remaining 30% involves coordinating and executing outstanding events.

Business Development

• Proactively identify, research, and cultivate new business opportunities to increase Conference Center bookings.
• Build meaningful relationships with prospective clients, local organizations, nonprofits, corporations, government agencies, and industry.
• Represent the Conference Center at networking events, industry meetings, community events, and trade shows to increase visibility and generate qualified leads.
• Conduct engaging facility tours that showcase the Conference Center's capabilities and inspire prospective clients.
• Develop and manage a healthy sales pipeline through consistent outreach, follow-up, and relationship management.
• ·Analyze metrics and marketing data to identify trends and opportunities, prioritize outreach, and improve conversion rates.
• Utilize CRM and event management technology to document client interactions, monitor pipeline activity, and support accurate forecasting.

Event Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact to coordinate all logistical aspects of assigned events, including room configurations, audiovisual requirements, vendor coordination, and event timelines.
• Partner closely with internal staff, vendors, and clients to ensure every event is executed professionally and seamlessly.
• Provide on-site event management, proactively resolving issues while maintaining a calm, solutions-oriented approach.
• Conduct planning meetings, site visits, and final walkthroughs while anticipating client needs and identifying opportunities to enhance their event.
• Follow up after events to gather feedback, strengthen relationships, and identify opportunities for future business and referrals.
• Support early morning, evening, and weekend events as required.