Manager, Event Sales and Operations NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD FREEDOM CENTER Museum

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC)

Manager, Event Sales and Operations

Salary Exempt

$45,500 negotiable with experience

Position Overview:

The Manager of Event Sales and Operations is responsible for selling and executing events on behalf of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.  The Manager will be responsible for initiating sales, and acting as a liaison between clients, internal and external, and vendors. The Manager delivers consistent brand-quality service and hospitality to our guests.  The Manager will facilitate room bookings while coordinating and overseeing event operations including catering, bar service, equipment, run of show, set up and tear down and all related client services during the event.  The manager is also responsible for following policies and procedures to provide a safe, friendly and optimally functional environment. Additionally, the Manager will assist with event administrative functions including event calendars, communications and correspondence, invoicing and payment, and inventory. The Manager will assist in departmental goals, policies, procedures and strategies and in maintaining all reporting necessary to monitor progress and create action plans to meet goals and compliance. 

Responsibilities/Duties:

Operations

• Source new business opportunities to grow revenue and reputation
• Facilitate ongoing programing and work within the organization to ensure mission goals and standards are met
• Work with clients and consultants to tailor program offerings for each client’s needs and interests
• Offer opportunities to increase sales through add on and upgrade options
• Oversee event logistics including load in, set up, tear down and load out including caterer, a/v, public safety and related needs for run of show
• Facilitate the pull and restocking of liquor inventory consistent with the needs of bookings on behalf of the institution
• Identify and secure internal, caterer and vendor logistics, and oversee event day execution
• Lead client, caterer and vendor site visits to identify event needs and run of show
• Liaise between client, internal departments and vendors and offer best vendor for client needs from preferred vendor list
• Lead institutional operations meetings to plan operational needs for upcoming events and to ensure alignment of events with educational programs, community engagement, development, and similar initiatives
• Coordinate with the Director to oversee the master events calendar for maximum efficiency of deploying resources
• Lead by example in creating a safe (meeting all fire codes), clean, stocked, organized, efficient and presentable event space, supply rooms and office areas
• Assist in soliciting feedback from clients, internal departments, caterer and vendors to identify client satisfaction and areas for operations improvement

Client Management 

• Outreach to ensure that NURFC maintains and expands their position in the industry as a leader in Events
• Create room reservations, sales items and related client account information in POS and event management databases
• Work with the Director to design and implement a sales strategy to drive sustainable, long-term revenue growth
• Answer incoming sales inquiries, including phone calls and online requests and effectively communicate product offerings, pricing and institutional history, events and programs to help drive sales
• Liase with internal departments to help faciliatiae their event needs to ensure successful execution
• Take payment for client invoices and assist with payments for caterer and vendor invoices
• Assist in maintaining integrity of reservations database including calendars, invoices, and client records
• Assist in providing sales and client reports to leadership and marketing teams
• Assist with execution of sales plans targeting repeat clients especially to communicate improvements of and interest in our product offerings

Other duties as requested or assigned

Education and Experience

• High School diploma required; college degree preferred in areas of sales, events, client management, hospitality, tourism, catering/bartending, food management.
• Previous experience of at least 2 years in large venue/attractions (museums, theme parks, zoos, cultural or academic institution, resorts, convention centers, etc.); or a combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with program and event logistics including catering, bar management, audio-visual, décor and other event needs.
• Experience with client management software, Point of Sale systems and e-commerce.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated skill for closing sales
• Ability to maintain composure, practice sound judgment, problem solve, critically think, promote a spirit of cooperation and diplomacy and communicate effectively and professionally in high pressure, fast-paced, emergency or unusual situations.
• Must demonstrate excellent guest service and hospitality skills including conflict-resolution, service recovery
• Ability to work with diverse workforce and clientele
• Ability to type, complete complex data entry processes and math transactions with speed and accuracy, count cash with precision and effectively use computers/calculators to complete sales.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication (both verbal and written) and presentation skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to produce, understand, interpret and apply complex data, especially in relation to delivering a credible experience to clients.
• Strong self-motivation and initiative; ability to work both independently and as a team member, especially to maintain client and caterer and vendor relationships.
• Excellent time management skills including ability to initiate, prioritize, manage and complete multiple tasks in an energetic environment and work well under pressure with periodic heavy workloads, constant demands and frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. 

Additional Information

Position is 40 hour/week, salary, with benefits. Requires flexible schedule to meet business demands, with many hours during evenings and weekends; and some holidays. Must be punctual and have reliable transportation. Must be able to lift, carry and pull up to 35 pounds. Frequent standing, walking, stooping, crouching. 

Apply www.cincymusem.org/jobs