Sales and Event Manager - The Lod Cook Hotel & Conference Center

LSU Alumni Association•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

The Sales and Event Manager is primarily responsible for generating sales for The Lod Cook Hotel & Conference Center, targeting corporate, social, and business-related markets. Secondary duties include overseeing event coordinators and supporting a professional atmosphere consistent with high standards of hospitality and event management. The role develops new business, markets the hotel and its event spaces, and services group lodging and event rentals. It also coordinates event logistics with clients, facilities staff, and catering providers; manages audio-visual equipment rentals and space inventory; and represents the hotel in hospitality and tourism associations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; 3–5 years of applicable experience in management, operations, event management, communications, hospitality, marketing, sales, or business may be considered as a substitution.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships.
Flexible and creative, with the ability to work in a developing, non-structured environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including well-developed presentation skills.
Excellent customer relationship skills.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of inside or outside sales experience, or experience in an office environment within hospitality, event management, communications, or a related university setting.

Responsibilities

Seek out and direct new customers and sales opportunities, develop action plans, and procure new business.
Market to local businesses, university departments, and social groups to generate new and future business.
Develop sales strategies to attract new clients, weddings, and other potential clients.
Generate and service group lodging blocks, including contracts, billing follow-through, and room reservations.
Ensure payment is collected for events before they take place.
Generate and service event-space rental sales and negotiate rates with corporate entities, social organizations, area schools, and business groups.
Manage audio-visual equipment rentals and space inventory to maximize revenue.
Host property site visits for prospective clients and new business.
Communicate with the Director of Revenue Management about clients’ special needs.
Coordinate customer data with the Director of Sales and Director of Revenue Management for promotions and special events.
Coordinate with the Facilities Manager and staff to ensure event layouts are set up according to contract.
Schedule Event Managers.
Represent the hotel in hospitality and tourism associations, including LTPA, BRLA, and VisitBR, and use available resources to enhance the hotel’s community placement.
Arrange and provide tours of rental spaces and the hotel, and assist with VIP bookings.
Keep the Director/Administration informed about the status of work.
Help clients coordinate event-space layouts while working with the catering company.
Inform the Supervisor/Manager about problems and potential problems as early as possible.
Use good judgment when investigating problems.
Respect the confidentiality of company, customer, and personnel information.
Maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors and other staff members.
Tactfully handle difficult situations.
Recognize and perform needed duties even when not directly assigned, and assist others as needed.
Maintain a well-groomed, professional appearance appropriate to the position and situation.
Perform other duties and tasks assigned by the Supervisor.