Job Title: Convention Center Sales Manager
OVG Facilities – Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, West Virginia

Full-time - Experienced

Ideal Candidate:

Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications or related field, and one to five years previous relevant experience in position with similar responsibilities.
Work experience in a related job may be considered as a substitute for educational requirements.

Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center campus includes the newly redesigned complex boasts a 100,000 net sq. ft. Convention Center, a 13,500 seat Coliseum, 3,400 seat Auditorium and a 760 seat Theater. The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center is the state's premier entertainment destination hosting conventions, corporate events, exhibitions, tradeshows, concerts, family shows, sporting events, and much more.

Summary:

The Convention Center Sales Manager is responsible for booking corporate, association, social, public and private events through an aggressive marketing and sales program, working with clients on rates, contract terms and conveying this information to all departments. The candidate will execute all aspects of the sale process, promote to potential clients, establish working relationships, represent at tradeshows, initiate sales calls, and ensure booking information is maintained. Focus of events includes but is not limited to Conventions, Meetings, Trade and Consumer Shows, Banquets, Galas, Weddings and other social business.

OVG Facilities, a division of the Oak View Group, is a full-service venue management and event programming company that operates and books arenas, theaters, convention centers, and amphitheaters throughout the U.S. delivering customized management plans for each of their venues. OVG Facilities specializes in event programming, booking services, and creating unique experiences that focus on providing premium content to enhance the guest’s experience.

Responsibilities of this Position:

Represents the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center as its sales representative locally, regionally, and nationally for a variety of events
Researches, identifies, and establishes the appropriateness of groups for the facility and community through daily cold calling and solicitations
Assist in developing and implementing the sales/marketing activities, including collaboration on annual sales and marketing plan as well as budget submissions and follow-through systems and procedures
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Convention & Visitors Bureau, area hotels, facilities staff and co-workers, service providers, vendors, and facility users
Responds in a timely manner to inquiries by prospective and confirmed facility users regarding rental rates and space availability of the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
Conducts facility tours and make formal presentations to meeting planners and other facility users regarding facility booking policies, rental rates, services, and optional policies
Prepares written facility use proposals and cost estimates for potential facility users: reevaluates potential business value of various events and facility users; initiates booking discussions; finalizes all booking arrangements
Demonstrates continuous efforts to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service
Creates awareness and actively sells and solicits all goods and services through attendance at trade shows and other industry functions
Maintains thorough knowledge of competitor’s products and pricing
Help in creation and development of sales presentation materials
Completing and updating reporting and tracking systems
Mentor staff in the department to assist in their development
Travels as required by Director of Sales and Marketing
Meets specified goals and objectives for facility usage
Adhere to all company and City of Charleston policies, procedures and business ethics codes and ensures that they are communicated and implemented as part of all day-to-day activity
Other duties as assigned

The ideal candidate will have:

Minimum 3-5 years of responsible sales/event experience in a convention center, conference center, hotel or other similar facility
Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experiences
Proficiency with data processing and MS Office applications
Ability to work nights, all events, weekends, events and holidays as required

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.