Director of Sales and Events

Craving a career path that promotes personal growth, professional development, and delicious opportunity? The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a vibrant workplace that strives to be a little different than your usual office environment. Our day-to-day revolves around the perfect balance of food, fun, and foundational support. 

Join a fun loving team of people that go the extra mile, thrive on collaboration, and are excited about the amazing food community that is present in the heart of Grand Rapids. We are proud to be a part of this community through our innovative 18-merchant Market Hall, world-class corporate and wedding venue spaces, year round free public events, and the entrepreneurial support of our rentable Incubator Kitchen that helps small food businesses turn their passion into a profession.

We offer a robust benefits package including a variety of various types of insurances including medical, dental, vision, along with life, long term and short term disability. We also provide a generous PTO and Holiday schedule that helps you achieve the crucial work/life balance employees need. Our 401k retirement savings plan includes a company match and professional guidance to help you prepare for your future and find your own recipe for success.

We are in search of a Director of Sales and Private Events to join our amazing team. In this role you’ll be instrumental in ensuring consistent and effective internal processes and communications designed to strengthen the Grand Rapids Downtown Market's private and public events, sales, and beverage programs. This role focuses on leading and directing all event sales efforts, ensuring that sales goals are met, while also overseeing the execution of private and public event programs. The Director will oversee a team that includes the private events and beverage manager, and event sales. This position will report directly to the Integrator (COO).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership 

• Contribute to the organization's overall vision, mission, values, beliefs, and strategic goals
• Participate in executive team decisions and critical conversations.
• Maintain an extensive network of community connections and strategic partnerships
• Develop organizational improvements designed to streamline internal systems / procedures
• Ensure alignment of high-level organizational priorities with strong day-to-day operations

Private Event Sales

• Build, implement, and ensure both short-term and long-term sales strategies 
• Prospect new event sales opportunities and establish and manage client base
• Develop and maintain relationships with key clients to generate and grow business 
• Manage client correspondence and conduct follow-ups in a timely manner
• Organize and attend client meetings 

Program Leadership, Execution, and Development 

• Oversee day-to-day operations and administration of the department
• Provide weekly and monthly sales activity reports 
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets including revenue and expenditures 
• Formulate and implement all plans that guide the direction of the department 
• Work with the marketing department to develop event marketing strategies

Administrative Oversight/Staff Development

• Lead, guide, direct, and evaluate the work of both direct and indirect reports, while developing staff to the next level. 
• Evaluate the success of direct reports through measurable goals, KPIs, and reporting. 
• Guide and mentor team members to ensure sales growth and goals are met. 
• Ensure event logistics teams and vendors provide flawless execution. 
• Ensure detailed, accurate, and timely departmental and interdepartmental communication as it relates to all aspects of event rentals. 
• Train sales and coordinator staff. 

Required  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Work Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in leading and directing sales and events, with a proven track record of achieving goals and building effective relationships. Experience executing private events, public events and/or festivals.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in business, hospitality, event planning or related field

Computer Skills: Proficiency in Google Workspace, and CRM software.

Organization Skills: Ability to develop and prioritize goals, organize, and accomplish work.

Communication Skills: Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; excellent sales, negotiation, and presentation skills.

Leadership Skills: Strong and collaborative leadership skills; ability to mentor and motivate team members.

Preferred  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Work Experience: Experience in beverage management.

Certification: Any of the following certifications: CMP - Certified Meeting Professional; PMP Project Management Professional

Computer Skills: Salesforce experience, Mac OS proficiency