Event Sales Manager - Northern Arizona University

Job Listing: Event Sales Manager
At Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members. Working with Sodexo Live! is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. Here, you'll build a career where 'everyday' is anything but normal.
Our experiences are unique, and so are our people. Bring your personality, your background and your desire to delight others. In return, we'll give you all you need to thrive. After giving it all, you'll return home knowing that you've played your part in creating a truly unforgettable moment.

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• 2022 Disability Equality Index (DEI) Perfect Score

Location: We are seeking an experienced Event Sales Managerfor the Du Bois Center atNorthern Arizona University.
Located on the South Campus of Northern Arizona University, the du Bois Center provides a hub for meeting and conference rooms and many dining options, as well as recreational fields and facilities nearby. The facility features three levels of meeting rooms, seven conference rooms, a large ballroom, all you care to eat dining, and academic and study space.
Principal Function:
The NAU Summer Camps and Conferences Sales Manager is responsible for exceeding annual revenue goals by securing summer business that have an on-campus lodging component. They will coordinate with campus partners to reserve lodging, dining, meeting space, recreational space, auditoriums, performance venues, and parking within Northern Arizona University to maintain their one-stop-shop operational standards. The Sales Manager will lead the department to contract, collect payment, plan, and invoice all aspects of summer events while representing Northern Arizona University impeccably. The Sales Manager reports to the Director of Sales.
Essential Responsibilities:

• Exceeding annual revenue goal
• Process and coordinates reservations to maximize use of space and support as many reservations as possible within the facility's capacity; consults with clients to resolve scheduling conflicts and to find creative solutions for events.
• Coordinate and communicate client event needs with the department and service partners regarding lodging, dining, recreational spaces, event setups, audio-visual equipment, parking, catering, transportation, etc.
• Identifies opportunities to build efficiencies into our processes.
• Contract negotiation
• Serve as a team member of the Sodexo Live! staff, assisting with department activities such as event management, strategic planning, annual goal setting, and budget needs.
• Inform, educate, and enforce relevant policies and procedures for reservations and building use.
• Assists and guides NAU planners and clients though their event planning process by holding client meetings, conducting site tours, discussing available resources, limitations, deadlines, and cost information.
• Communicate with clients and campus partners to ensure smooth-running, effective events, including leading the successful resolution of potential and real problems in a timely manner using tact, sensitivity, discretion, and political acumen.
• Supervision of Sales Manager, (3) student interns, and (1) office assistant.

Qualifications/Skills:
Required:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three years of experience in event planning or related experience.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and ability to adapt to evolving technology.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to build a good rapport with clients.
• A team player and collaborative thought partner.
• Great attention to detail and organization, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Capacity to multitask complex assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written, and verbal communication skills to be able to establish and maintain courteous, effective working relationships and using those skills to navigate delicate or tense situations with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Ability to work evenings/weekends scheduled in advance and on short notice.
• Most comfortable in a fast-paced working environment.

Preferred:

• Three (3) years of experience in higher education event planning, reservations, operations, or facility management.
• Experience supervising employees.
• Experience using reservation management software such as EMS (Event Management Services software)
• High level of professionalism & leadership
• Strategic thinker
• Exceptional communicator and collaborator
• High standards of excellence in execution of events.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Resourcefulness and good judgment.
• Initiation of process improvements
• Track record of successful problem resolution
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to build a good rapport with clients.

Other Requirements:

• Able to work effectively and safely while subject to wet floors, temperature extremes and excessive noise; must be able to lift up to 50 pounds in weight; must be able to maneuver in an often tightly-quartered environment.

Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.
Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.
Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.