Overview:
Implements sales strategies to solicit small market groups.
Contributes to the mission of Experience Grand Rapids: Creating an exceptional community by sharing Grand Rapids with the world.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implements sales strategies to solicit group tour, weddings, family reunions, by developing qualified sales leads and submitting to appropriate local facilities, conducting regular follow-up, and securing group bookings according to established goals.
- Develops and maintains relationship and marketing focus for these specialty markets.
- Represents the organization in relation to sustainable efforts with planners and the community.
- Identifies and develops opportunities by researching, attending meetings, special events, tour opportunities and subscribing to related publications.
- Maintains regular contact with planners via telephone, email, and personal sales calls.
- Creates and maintains group accounts in the SimpleView database.
- Collaborates with hotel and attraction partners on proposal and itineraries
- Conducts site inspections of hotels, venues, and attractions.
- Participates in trade shows, conventions, promotional events, and sales blitzes.
- Works with Marketing on specialty e-newsletters and developing content ideas and packages for group tour market.
Ability to work in a very active, high-energy environment. Frequent telephone and computer use. Use of manual dexterity required for writing and computer use. Sitting for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift to 40 pounds. Independently mobile with the possibility of climbing stairs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to stand for long periods of time. Work travel, both by auto and by airplane, is required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.
Qualifications:
- 4-year college degree – preferred in hospitality, marketing, or business
- 2-5 years’ experience in hospitality, customer service or marketing
- Able to discover new leads, develop new business, and secure repeat business
- Strong knowledge of destination sales techniques and practices
- Able to communicate appropriately with all levels of people
- Worked in a CRM
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Able to quickly learn position-specific software
- Able to plan, prioritize and conduct work under minimal supervision
- Effective analytical, decision making, and problem-solving skills
- Strong creative skills
- Able to fulfill client development effort from start to finish
- Able to work with partners on marketing efforts and maintain relationship between properties and the organization
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
