Operations Manager - Auctions

Job Description

Position: Operations Manager - Auctions

Hours: Mon – Fri, 8am – 5pm in office (remote work not available)

Location: San Antonio, TX; some travel required

Pay: starting at $60,000 annually

Department: Event Services - Auction

Who We Are

Hunting is an ancient tradition passed down from the earliest times of man to the present day. Hunters participate directly in the natural world and care enough to make sure that it continues in all of its awesome beauty and diversity.

Safari Club International is a U.S.-based organization of more than 50,000 hunters and nearly 200 chapters worldwide, dedicated to protecting the right to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation. Between SCI and its sister organization, the SCI Foundation, we have put more than $70 Million on the ground for conservation since 2000. In the U.S. and abroad, hunters are part of a system that keeps the rivers, forests and fields intact and maintains the wildlife.

Summary

This position is responsible for overseeing our live and silent auctions at our annual Convention and working with their team to manage inventory of approximately $15 million of tangible and non-tangible (hunts) items. This position is majority computer based. Our Annual Convention is our flagship event, showcasing the largest gathering of hunting outfitters from around the world and leading manufacturers in the outdoor industry. This four-day event includes a member-only trade show with over 900 outfitters, more than 70 seminars and keynote speeches, over 20 live and silent auctions, awards, nightly dinners, and entertainment. Incumbents must maintain professional decorum while resolving problems, working with deadlines, and manage conflicting priorities. The position interacts with employees at all levels of the organization, members, volunteers, and outside vendors, and service providers.

All applicants should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, hunting as an essential part of biologically sound and ethically responsible international wildlife management. The ideal candidate will have an existing knowledge of SCI’s current programs and mission and be passionate about hunter’s rights.

Responsibilities

Manage all facets of the Auction Program; oversee all donations from time of submission to completion of sale and post-sale follow-up; ensure quality of customer service and donor relationships

Responsible for oversight of the entire Auction Program administrative duties. This position conducts most work via computer.

Oversee research and development of Auction Program and of other opportunities for technical advancement; develop and improve auction practices and guidelines.

Track and report current donation information as needed; maintain knowledge of reporting software, write and maintain reports, and publish reports to network

Ensure accuracy of donation promotional copy from write up to sales; ensure proofing and correction of donation descriptions; oversee the production of auction publications, catalogs, and articles

Manage Auction Program at convention including all auction crew, auctioneers, auction ringmen and auction distribution center, which may include more than fifty on-site staff

Oversees Patrons Program to include qualification of members, promotions, benefits, and lounge activities.

Manage the tasks and functions to close the annual Auction Program; allocate expenses as needed

Manage release and processing of donor rebates

Oversee tracking of hunt donation quality through hunt evaluations

Oversee Guides & Outfitters and donor approvals to ensure donor accountability and lessen SCI risk

Act as staff liaison to Guides and Outfitters Committee and oversee process for SCI’s annual Professional Hunter of the Year awards

Contract and oversee work and reports of contractors for the Auction and Guides and Outfitters Programs

Manages support staff; interviews, makes hiring recommendations, orients/trains employees, plans, assigns, and directs work. In partnership with Human Resources, counsels employees on disciplinary and performance issues. Addresses employee development, recognition, complaints and concerns

Creates and supports an open communication culture. Conduct regular team meetings; continually update team on current goals and best practices, answer questions, and help team with new issues. Responsible for communicating departmental/procedural updates.

Monitor and evaluate team performance including quality of work and compliance; set clear expectations, goals and deadlines. Motivate team members by recognizing high performance and encourage creative thinking.

Perform other related duties as assigned. Attends meetings, other conventions and trade shows as appropriate to maintain professional contacts and/or represent SCI and SCIF.

Qualifications

Previous experience managing auctions is strongly preferred

The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of experience in marketing, sales, or event planning on a large scale.

Extensive knowledge of, and experience in, the outdoor industry.

Proficiency iMIS or similar database software, reporting software such as Tableau and e-Show registration/event sales software preferred

Proven problem solving skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software, to include OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams with an ability to become familiar with SCI-specific programs and software.

Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and customer service skills, organizational skills and attention to detail.

Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders; ability to respond to needs in a tactful and strategic manner.

Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience that fulfills the requirements of the position will be considered.