The Manager, Event Sales is responsible for selling the New England Aquarium event space for corporate, hospital, university and non-profit events. In doing so the Manager will be generating revenue for the New England Aquarium as well as creating awareness of its mission to protect our oceans. This position involves managing corporate event sales while also seeking out new clients. The Manager will act as the liaison between event clients and the catering team as well as the New England Aquarium operations teams. They will oversee the Event Sales Department, onboard and train any new staff, and assist with planning annual budgets for market segments and forecasting within the department.
This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range is $62k - $69k plus commission based on quarterly sales goals. The typical schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with the option for a hybrid schedule, working some days on-site and some days remotely. Candidates must be available to work some nights, weekends, holidays, early mornings and weekends depending on client needs. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.
Essential Functions
- Establish an annual business plan with goals intended to meet or exceed annual budgets for market segments.
- Seek, develop, implement and maintain database of client sales and outreach opportunities for corporate, hospital, university and non-profit event markets.
- Make recommendations for advertising and networking, such as hosting open houses, attending trade shows, and performing other outreach to prospective clients, to achieve individual and team sales goals.
- Sell spaces, menus, add-on programs, A/V equipment to clients.
- Manage Associate Manager, Event Sales who is responsible for the social market. Implement sales plan and database for their clients as well as sales and outreach opportunities.
- Negotiate and execute proposals and contracts with clients and vendors. Provide timely and effective communication with clients and vendors.
- Manage leads and respond to all market inquiries, proposals, and contract requests in a timely manner as determined by the Director.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients and onsite personnel and ensure that event specifications are communicated and executed for a successful experience for the event planner and attendees.
- Must keep detailed documentation of inquiries, proposals as well as contracts for ease of office communication when out of office.
- Conduct meetings and site visits with clients.
- Attend industry networking events as determined by Director (MPI, PCMA, NACE, Meet Boston, ILEA) to represent the New England Aquarium and drive business.
- Develop effective working relationships with events department members, Aquarium staff and external partners, vendors, and clients.
qualifications
Minimum Training and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree required, preferably with a focus in hospitality or a similar field.
- 5-7 years of related sales and/or event planning experience required.
- Experience sourcing and developing new clients required. Knowledge of the Boston area market or local destination management companies is preferred.
- Experience with sales forecasting, building business plans, or managerial experience in a sales environment required.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Excellent time, project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines, coordinate multiple complex tasks, and pay strict attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and within a team and build working relationships both within the institution and with existing and potential clients and vendors.
- Excellent judgment and discretion when representing the Aquarium and handling confidential client information.
- Must possess effective sales techniques, a working knowledge of maintaining a client database, data analysis and reporting.
- Experience using Caterease, e-newsletter programs, such as Constant Contact, and a proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications a plus.
For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/
New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.