Overview

The Conference Sales Manager is responsible for booking corporate, private and internal Robert Morris University events through an aggressive marketing and sales program. The Conference Sales Manager will work on conference and meeting space booking opportunities, work with clients on rates and contract terms and convey this information to all departments. The candidate will be able to execute all aspects of the sale process, promote to potential clients, establish working relationships, initiate sales calls and ensure booking information is maintained and up to date.

This role will pay a salary of $60,000 to $65,000.

For FT roles: Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:    

• Assume management responsibility for all services and activities of the Conference Sales Department within the facility including sales tools and materials, proposals, sales calls and contracts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, local Chambers of Commerce, area hotels, UPMC Events Center staff, service providers, and facility users
• Represent the venue as its primary conference sales representative locally in the business community.
• Respond to booking inquiries with information regarding availability, venue services and pricing.
• Establish relationships with clients to ensure their needs are met for all aspects of events including food, beverage, room set-up and audio visual.
• Coordinate and conduct venue tours and site visits.
• Work with operations department on room setups, CADs, AV quotes and event staffing.
• Formulate event financial estimates.
• Prepare and issue contractual agreements and collect deposits.
• Communicate all event details for each event clearly to F&B and Event Department teams.
• Foster coordinated sales efforts with other members of the hospitality industry and maintain effective relations with representatives of local user groups.
• Meet with General Manager on a regular basis to discuss all matters pertaining to sales operations.
• Track and manage weekly and monthly sales reports. Forecast net revenue from future events.
• Assist the Marketing Manager with updating marketing literature as needed.
• Enter and maintain complete and accurate information into the booking calendar.
• Creates awareness and actively sells and solicits all goods and services through attendance at trade shows and other industry functions.
• Research, identify and establish the appropriateness of groups for the venue.
• Attend industry events and tradeshows as may be required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of  3-5 years of increasingly responsible sales experience for an arena, convention center, sports franchise, hotel or other similar public assembly or hospitality facility, including supervisory responsibility.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Marketing, Business Administration or a related field is preferred.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Has a strong track record of building relationships and generating new business
• Strong computer skills in Windows environment and MS Office applications.
• Excellent organizational and customer service skills; able to prioritize and handle multiple assignments.
• Team player who is enthusiastic, creative and a proactive problem solver.
• Ability to work event nights, weekends and holidays as required.