Sales and Event Manager - The Lod Cook Hotel & Conference Center

POSITION SUMMARY 

Are you the kind of person who brings positive energy wherever you go? We're looking for an enthusiastic, upbeat team member who loves working with people, enjoys being part of a supportive team, and is ready to make a difference every day. The Sales & Event Manager is primarily responsible for generating sales for the Cook Hotel and Conference Center targeting corporate, social, and business-related markets. Secondary duties include oversight of the event coordinators that creates a professional atmosphere according to the highest principles of hospitality and event management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Seeking out and directing new customers and sales opportunities, initiating action plan to advance and procuring new business for the company.
• Marketing to local businesses, university and departments, and social groups to generate new and future business. 
• Develop new sales strategies to attract new clients, weddings, and other potential clients.  
• Generating and servicing Group Lodging Blocks through contracts, billing follow through, and room reservations. 
• Ensuring payment is collected on all events prior to events.
• Generating and servicing Event rental space sales and negotiated rates with corporate entities, social organizations, area schools, and business groups.
• Managing AV equipment rental and space inventory to maximize revenue.
• Hosting site visits of our property to new business and clients.
• Communicating with Director of Revenue Management to assist with client special needs.
• Coordinating customer data back to Director of Sales and Director of Revenue Management for promotions and special events.
• Coordinates with Facilities Manager and staff to ensure event layouts are set up per contract.
• Schedules Event Managers.
• Interacting on behalf of the Hotel with the main hospitality and tourism associations (LTPA, BRLA, VisitBR) and taking advantage of resources to best enhance placement in the community.
• Arranging and giving tours of rental space and hotel assisting with VIP booking. 
• Keeping the Director/Administration informed about the status of work being performed.
• Help clients coordinate the layout of event space, while working with catering company. 
• Inform the Supervisor/Manager about problems and potential problems as early as possible.
• Demonstrating good judgment in investigating problems.
• Respecting the confidentiality of Company, customer and personnel information.
• Maintaining cooperative working relationships with Supervisors and other staff members.
• Demonstrating ability to tactfully handle difficult situations.
• Recognizing and performing duties, which need to be performed, although not directly assigned, and assisting others as needed.
• Maintaining a well-groomed, professional appearance, appropriate for the position and situation.
• Performing other duties and tasks as may be assigned from time to time by the Supervisor.

BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with an employer match

• Bachelor’s degree required. 3-5 years applicable experience in management, operations, event management, communications, hospitality, marketing, sales, or business may be considered for substitution.
• 1+ years working in inside/outside sales or an office environment within the hospitality, events management, communications, or related University experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with clients.
• Flexible, creative, and able to work in a non-structured developing work environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Excellent oral/written communication skills, including well-developed presentation skills.
• Excellent customer relationship skills.