The Event and Group Sales Associate generates revenue through the rental of special event spaces throughout Cleveland Metroparks and special event/group experiences throughout Cleveland Metroparks.

Essential Functions:

1. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.

2. Generates revenue in the following areas: Special event venues throughout all of Cleveland Metroparks; Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo shelters; Cleveland Metroparks nature centers; and any and all special event sites.

3. Identifies new business targets and generates sales opportunities, including: Targeting customers, including individuals (e.g., brides and grooms), companies and organizations; qualifies new leads and tracks opportunities; identifies retention opportunities and upsell opportunities; presents on-site and off-site to corporations, organizations, service clubs, etc., for the purpose of generating revenue.

4. Plans, coordinates, and executes events: Books events in booking programs system; manages clients’ needs while aligning with facility guidelines; coordinates all aspects of event execution, often coordinating several events per day; on-site presence during events to support event logistics; supports all vendor relationships while aligning with facility guidelines; works with Group Sales Manager and General Manager to support all client’s needs.

5. Effectively manages client accounts by monitoring payments and collection of all rental fees.

6. Supports marketing efforts across Cleveland Metroparks for all special event venues: Develops and enhances promotional tools supporting all trade show goals and initiatives; creates sales presentations that will effectively convey information about group sales and rental facilities; uses social media to promote events.

7. Provide training, when necessary, for appropriate Cleveland Metroparks personnel.

8. Prepares financial, statistical, and informational reports as requested.

9. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.

10. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.

11. Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs)

12. Provide training, when necessary, for appropriate Guest Services personnel.

13. Prepares financial, statistical and informational reports as requested.

14. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications:

· Associate’s degree in marketing, sales, business administration, hospitality, or a related field, along with relevant experience in sales, customer service, hospitality, or events. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

· Strong sales skills, including prospecting and qualifying potential leads.

· Ability to assess client needs and quickly provide entertainment solutions.

· Experience with event booking programs systems.

· Multi-tasking skills with the ability to coordinate all aspects of event execution to often times include more than one event per day.

· Ability to provide on-site presence to support all event logistics including peak weekend and evenings.

· Knowledge of social media and ability to use social media to promote events.

· Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.

· Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.

· Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.

· Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.

· Ability to work cooperatively with others.

· Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.

· Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.

· Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.

Wage: $44,476 – $55,595 annually (Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed/considered before making a final offer)

Work Schedule: Typically Monday – Friday; must be available to work a variable work schedule

Filing Deadline: Open until filled