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Position Summary
The Sales Manager is responsible for assisting in the overall execution of the Grand River Center’s sales initiatives for both the local and regional markets. The Sales Manager may be in charge of all aspects of select self-promoted events while also assisting the Director of Sales as needed with special events and other tasks as assigned. The Sales Manager should have strong verbal and written communications skills, the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously, be self-governed and self-motivated, possess a basic understanding of banquet and catering sales, public relations, advertising and special event planning and execution. The Sales Manager is an intricate part of the event team and is expected to recognize the value and benefits of teamwork. Open lines of communication within the team are vital to its success and that of the company.
About the Venue
The Grand River Conference Center is a full-service meeting and event facility located in the heart of downtown Dubuque, Iowa sitting next to the Mississippi River. Newly renovated in 2020, featuring over 86,000+ square feet of meeting and exhibition space for events up to 2,000.
Responsibilities
- Performs related work as assigned by Director of Sales & Marketing and GM.
- Meets specified goals and objectives for venue usage by promoting the convention center to all potential clients; conducts venue tours; answers questions and provides information regarding venue services, policies and procedures; and assists clients in finalizing booking arrangements.
- Primary sales contact for all groups within assigned market(s).
- Set appointments and make outside calls to potential clients.
- Make solicitation calls, assist with promotions and direct mail activities.
- Researches, identifies and establishes the appropriateness of groups for the venue.
- Attend industry events and tradeshows as may be required.
- Prepare event contracts, sales folders, sales kits and correspondence to clients.
- Enter and maintain complete and accurate information into booking system.
- Participates in the development of newsletters and other marketing materials.
- Prepare reports, correspondence, memoranda, agreements and forecast projections.
- Serve as a liaison with industry representatives, the general public and other convention center departments and divisions.
- Prepare and deliver verbal presentations to groups of various sizes.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Working as a Manager on Duty (MOD) as required.
- Analyzing competitors and target markets.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in sales, marketing
- Related field and/or minimum 3-5 years of increasingly responsible experience in business-to-business sales required, preferentially with a sports facility, convention center, performing arts facility, or other multi-purpose public assembly facility
- Prefer experience in conventions, banquets, entertainment, tradeshows, or meetings with responsibility for scheduling, arranging, and promoting meetings, lectures, exhibits, conventions, concerts, or other related events
- High school diploma or equivalent GED required
- Strong computer skills in the Windows environment and MS Office applications. Training on industry software will be provided
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and select holidays as required, in addition to normal business hours if needed
