Group Sales and Experiences Manager

Seattle Aquarium•Seattle, WA

2d•$80,000 - $84,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Group Sales and Experiences Manager to build and lead a new program focused on growing daytime group visitation and launching new bookable experiences. In this role, you will develop and execute sales strategy, cultivate partnerships across Seattle’s tourism and travel trade, and strengthen the end-to-end group visit experience from initial inquiry through post-visit engagement. You will also help bring new premium experiences to market, including behind-the-scenes and animal-related offerings, in close partnership with Animal Care, Conservation Engagement and Learning, and internal operations teams. This role is well suited for someone who is equal parts relationship builder, sales leader, and process owner, and who is energized by building something new. If you are a dynamic leader with a passion for sales, a talent for building relationships, and a commitment to creating meaningful guest experiences, we invite you to join the Seattle Aquarium in advancing our mission to Inspire Conservation of Our Marine Environment.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of experience in group sales, hospitality sales, attraction sales, events sales, tourism sales, or a related revenue role.
Minimum three years of experience in a lead or supervisory role, showcasing proficiency in team management, scheduling, task delegation, and strong leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to build a sales pipeline, manage accounts, and close business with strong service instincts.
Proven experience building partnerships and working across departments to deliver operationally complex experiences.
Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to build repeatable processes and templates from scratch.
Personal and professional experience in conflict resolution and de-escalation, with a focus on promoting the well-being of impacted individuals in a respectful and empathetic manner.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting/reporting, and contract terms.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (formerly Office) apps: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Proficiency with ticketing, or event management platforms, such as ACME and Momentus, with a focus on optimizing operational efficiency.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, and report-writing abilities.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual and multicultural communication skills and experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and execute a group sales program that increases daytime visitation and revenue, supported by clear goals, sales strategies, and reporting.
Develop group offerings beyond admission discounts, including, but not limited to, custom tours, group dining options, and daytime convening and celebration packages.
Partner with cross-functional teams to launch bookable experiences such as behind-the-scenes tours and other premium offerings, ensuring animal welfare, biosecurity, safety, and regulatory considerations are central to development.
Build and maintain relationships with Seattle tourism partners, including hotels and concierge teams, tour operators, travel agents, and travel trade organizations.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications on group sales collateral and outreach campaigns (sell sheets, emails, direct mail, and partner toolkits) to drive leads and bookings.
Represent the Aquarium at relevant tourism events, sales missions, and trade shows, and translate market insights into sales actions and new offerings.
Establish and manage a sales pipeline and client portfolio, including lead tracking, follow-up cadence, and retention strategy.
Own high-value group relationships, including site visits and planning walkthroughs.
Manage the group sales budget, including expense tracking, invoice processing, and coordination with Finance for reconciliation and troubleshooting.
Maintain recurring reports and analysis on sales performance, including revenue, volume, conversion rates, and mix of business.
Ensure accurate pricing, payment terms, and documentation for group orders.
Collaborate with the Group Experience Coordinator to oversee the day-of group arrival experience by continuously improving standards for arrival timing, entry process, wayfinding, and staff coordination.
Partner closely with Guest Services, Events, Facilities, Security, Animal Care, and Conservation Engagement and Learning to ensure a consistent and guest-ready experience.
Lead the Group Experience team, setting high standards for service and work quality while mentoring and motivating team members to excel authentically.
Foster a culture of recognition and appreciation by celebrating team contributions and aligning efforts with organizational values.
Build and maintain respectful, communicative relationships across diverse teams and disciplines.
Identify staffing and training needs, addressing skill gaps through development strategies and leading equity-centered hiring processes in collaboration with People & Culture.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training initiatives to build a diverse, skilled team that embodies Aquarium values.
Regularly update knowledge of exhibits, animals, and any pertinent information to support guest experiences and maintain accurate event information.
Seek opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and bring unique and culturally diverse perspectives to improve systems and practices with the team.
Actively participate in advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices aligned with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values, ensuring these principles are woven into all interactions and event activities.
Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the position’s level and responsibilities.
All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.