What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Sales and Events position at The Grand Rapids Downtown Market?
Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, the Downtown Market is an innovative combination of Market Hall food merchants, world-class corporate and wedding venue spaces, year round free public events, and the entrepreneurial support of our rentable Incubator Kitchen that helps small food businesses turn their recipe into reality.
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 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
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. 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.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Work Experience: Experience in beverage management. Experience executing private events, public events and/or festivals
- Certification: Any of the following certifications: CMP - Certified Meeting Professional; PMP Project Management Professional
- Computer Skills: Salesforce experience, Mac OS proficiency
We offer a robust benefits package including all kinds of insurances like medical, dental, vision, along with life, long term and short term disability. We also provide a generous PTO and Holiday schedule that helps you achieve a work/life balance. Our 401k retirement savings plan includes a company match to help you prepare for your future with confidence.