What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Event Sales Manager position at Churchill Downs Race Track - Louisville, KY?
FUNCTION
The Special Events Sales Manager provides sales, marketing, and customer service for all aspects of events at Churchill Downs® Racetrack.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
- Develop a comprehensive strategy including action plans and schedules to identify specific sales prospects.
- Maintain daily call minimums and weekly appointments/site visits to generate new business.
- Prepare a variety of status reports, including activity, closings, follow-up, reports on special developments, information, or feedback gathered through field activity.
- Prepare custom design proposals and presentations to clients.
- Act as liaison between third party vendors in order to obtain additional nontraditional revenues for Churchill Downs® Racetrack.
- Represent Churchill Downs® Racetrack within the business community – participate in local civic and philanthropic organizations.
- Work with the Events Department to coordinate room breakdown and set-up and ensure that all is done to contract specifications.
- Prepare for and attend exhibits, conferences, meetings, and other local, regional, and national promotional opportunities.
- Prepare paperwork to activate and maintain contract services.
- Maintain involved & well versed in the competitive set both locally and regionally.
- Provide customer support to clients throughout the event including pre and post follow-up with the client.
- Maintain open communication between the Churchill Downs® Racetrack and contractors and clients.
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience in event sales, catering sales or hospitality industry
- Demonstrated passion for hospitality and/or the racing & entertainment industry
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Creative problem solver
- Ability to collaborate with a cross functional team
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Proficient in Microsoft Office & Excel
- Ability to learn new software, specific to ticketing and CRM systems
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; 2-4 years of professional experience in hospitality or a related field; Alternatively, equivalent combination of education and experience.
