About this role
The ideal candidate is an energetic sales professional with experience in hospitality, attractions, event venues, hotels, convention centers, or destination marketing who thrives on prospecting, relationship building, and exceeding sales goals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Sales & Business Development
• Prospect and generate new business through cold calling, networking, referrals, trade shows, and community involvement
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified leads
• Conduct site tours showcasing the event center, downtown entertainment district, and amusement park amenities
• Prepare customized proposals, contracts, and pricing packages
• Negotiate contracts while maintaining profitability and established pricing guidelines
• Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue goals
Client Relationship Management
• Build long-term relationships with businesses, schools, churches, military organizations, civic groups, nonprofit organizations, alumni associations, family reunion planners, youth organizations, and social clubs
• Serve as the primary contact throughout the sales process
• Conduct follow-up communications to encourage repeat business
• Solicit client feedback and identify opportunities for improvement
Event Coordination
• Collaborate with Operations, Food & Beverage, Catering, Entertainment, Marketing, Security, and Park Operations to ensure successful event execution
• Participate in event planning meetings and communicate client expectations
• Assist with on-site event management when necessary
• Ensure exceptional guest experiences from inquiry through event completion
Marketing & Community Engagement
• Represent the organization at networking events, chamber functions, trade shows, and community events
• Partner with the Marketing Department on promotional campaigns targeting the SMERF market
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and competitor offerings
Administrative Responsibilities
• Maintain accurate client records within the CRM system
• Prepare weekly sales activity reports and monthly forecasting
• Track sales metrics, conversion rates, and revenue performance
• Maintain organized contract files and event documentation
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred; equivalent sales experience may be considered
• 3–5 years of successful sales experience in hospitality, attractions, hotels, event venues, convention centers, destination marketing, or entertainment
• Experience selling meetings, events, or group business preferred
• Proven record of meeting or exceeding sales goals
• Strong consultative selling skills
• Excellent presentation and public speaking abilities
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation and closing techniques
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• CRM proficiency
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work required
• Ability to travel locally for sales calls and networking events
Preferred Characteristics
• Self-motivated and goal-oriented
• Relationship-focused
• Energetic and enthusiastic
• Professional and customer-service driven
• Creative in developing group event opportunities
• Comfortable networking within the local community
• Passionate about creating memorable guest experiences
Compensation
• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based commission and incentive opportunities
• Benefits package
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
Position Goal: Increase Event Center utilization and overall revenue by developing long-term relationships within the business and SMERF markets while positioning the downtown entertainment district and amusement park as the premier destination for meetings, celebrations, reunions, banquets, educational events, and group gatherings.
Interested applicants can apply directly to www.visitowa.com/employment. To maintain document integrity and ensure optimal system processing, please submit your resume and supporting files in PDF format.