Private Event Sales Specialist

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Sales and Events, the Event Sales Specialist will focus primarily on selling event spaces for events such as corporate and social events. This role involves proactive sales efforts, including outside sales and relationship building, to drive event bookings.

The duties and responsibilities of the position will consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively sell and promote event spaces for private events such as corporate and social events
• Conduct site visits and tours for prospective clients to showcase event spaces and discuss event requirements
• Collaborate with marketing to develop strategies to attract new business and enhance event visibility
• Track and report on sales metrics, providing regular updates to the Director of Sales and Events on sales performance and pipeline status
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and community partners to generate repeat business and referrals
• Maintain and ensure accurate and updated prospect and client records in Salesforce
• Create and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals to prospective clients
• Attend local events and networking opportunities to stay current with and expand professional networks
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the sales and events department

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Work Experience: Minimum 3 years of private event sales experience with proven success in planning, logistics, and execution of events

Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in hospitality, business, event planning, or related field

Computer Skills: Knowledge of Google WorkSpace, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, ability to manage files and records, and other office procedures

Organization Skills: Ability to develop specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work

Cross-functional Skills: Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintain them over time 

Communication Skills: Ability to think creatively and outside the box; Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

Physical, Mental, and Visual Skills: The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, squat, talk or hear, and use hands. Manual dexterity to manipulate keyboard, mouse, and other technology. The Event Sales Specialistwill possess excellent oral comprehension skills; the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences They may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds

Physical Environment: Team members will work in a typical office environment. They must be able to work autonomously outside of a formal office setting or a formal team environment. They often travel to meet customers face-to-face

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Work Experience: 5 years experience in hosting or assisting in project management, program coordination, and/or community building activities

Certifications: any of the following: CSEP - Certified Special Events Professional; CPCE - Certified Professional in Catering and Events; CMP - Certified Meeting Planner

Computer Skills: Salesforce experience, Mac OS proficiency

EEOC Statement: The Grand Rapids Downtown Market provides equal employment opportunity for all regardless of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, height, weight, color, gender expression, gender identity, genetic testing status, and any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. In addition, laws regarding veterans’ status are observed. This is reflected in all Grand Rapids Downtown Market practices and policies regarding hiring, training, promotions, transfers, rates of pay, layoff, and other forms of compensation. All matters relating to employment are based upon ability to perform the job, as well as dependability and reliability upon hire.

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market will take action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. Such employment practices include but are not limited to; hiring, promotion, transfer, recruitment, selection, layoff, furlough, leave of absence, disciplinary action, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and training and development opportunities. Any team member with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination in the workplace is encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of their immediate supervisor or Human Resources without fear of reprisal. Anyone found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including termination.