Job Description Summary

The Director of Sales and Events is instrumental in ensuring consistent and effective internal processes and communications designed to strengthen the Grand Rapids Downtown Market's private and public events, sales, and beverage programs. This role focuses on leading and directing all event sales efforts, ensuring that sales goals are met, while also overseeing the execution of private and public event programs. The Director will oversee a team that includes the private events and beverage manager, and event sales. This position will report directly to the Integrator (COO)

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership 

• Contribute to the organization's overall vision, mission, values, beliefs, and strategic goals

• Participate in executive team decisions and critical conversations.

• Maintain an extensive network of community connections and strategic partnerships

• Develop organizational improvements designed to streamline internal systems / procedures

• Ensure alignment of high-level organizational priorities with strong day-to-day operations

Program Leadership, Execution, and Development 

• Oversee day-to-day operations and administration of the department

• Provide weekly and monthly sales activity reports 

• Develop and monitor departmental budgets including revenue and expenditures 

• Formulate and implement all plans that guide the direction of the department 

• Work with the marketing department to develop event marketing strategies

Private Event Sales

• Build, implement, and ensure both short-term and long-term sales strategies 

• Prospect new event sales opportunities and establish and manage client base

• Develop and maintain relationships with key clients to generate and grow business 

• Manage client correspondence and conduct follow-ups in a timely manner

• Organize and attend client meetings 

Administrative Oversight/Staff Development

• Lead, guide, direct, and evaluate the work of both direct and indirect reports, while developing staff to the next level. 

• Evaluate the success of direct reports through measurable goals, KPIs, and reporting. 

• Guide and mentor team members to ensure sales growth and goals are met. 

• Ensure event logistics teams and vendors provide flawless execution. 

• Ensure detailed, accurate, and timely departmental and interdepartmental communication as it relates to all aspects of event rentals. 

• Train sales and coordinator staff. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Work Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in leading and directing sales and events, with a proven track record of achieving goals and building effective relationships. Experience executing private events, public events and/or festivals.

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

Computer Skills: Proficiency in Google Workspace, and CRM software.

Organization Skills: Ability to develop and prioritize goals, organize, and accomplish work.

Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; excellent sales, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Leadership Skills: Strong and collaborative leadership skills; ability to mentor and motivate team members.

Physical, Mental and Visual Abilities: 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 sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. Manual dexterity to manipulate keyboard, mouse, and other technology. The Director of Sales and Events will 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: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an associate encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Typical office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Work Experience: Experience in beverage management.

Certification: Any of the following certifications: CMP - Certified Meeting Professional; PMP Project Management Professional

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.