Director of Sales & Event Management

About the role

The Director of Sales & Event Management (SEM) at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel is responsible for overseeing and leading the Sales, Event Coordination, and Event Services departments. This position plays a critical role in the planning, coordination, and execution of conferences and events, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and Georgia Center standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the SEM division at the Georgia Center. Set departmental goals and objectives, aligned with organizational goals. Supervise and evaluate the performance of leaders in the Sales, Event Coordination, and Event Services departments. Define performance expectations, ensure accountability, and provide ongoing informal feedback, coaching, mentoring, and conflict resolution.

• Develop and foster supportive working relationships within the team and across departments, motivating and engaging staff to achieve divisional goals. Efficiently coordinate events and services as outlined in event agreements, adhering to Georgia Center standards and processes. Oversee the fulfillment of event services by coordinating with other departments (hotel reservations, room block management, menu selections, A/V requirements, registration, vendor coordination, etc.). Ensure ongoing communication with clients throughout the entire event coordination process to ensure satisfaction. Develop and cultivate strategies and systems for providing an efficient and superior client experience. Maintain and foster long-term client relationships to build trust and repeat business.

• Oversee departmental budgets, set priorities, and monitor financial impact of events. Review and approve financial documents, including BEOs, invoices, and honoraria, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Negotiate financial agreements with clients to ensure profitability and financial sustainability. Analyze departmental expenditures with a focus on ROI and profitability, ensuring budgetary control. Provide input on budget priorities, facility renovations, and strategic decisions that impact the Georgia Center’s operations.

• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve revenue goals and maximize profits. Cultivate new accounts, maintain existing accounts, and contribute to team booking goals. Represent the Georgia Center in the hospitality and business community, staying informed on trends and developments that could impact operations. Collaborate with marketing teams to develop and implement marketing strategies for group sales and manage the Georgia Center’s online presence. Evaluate business opportunities, providing strategic input and guidance on potential ventures and partnerships.

• Manage internship program. Lead the strategic development, evaluation, and enhancement of the Georgia Center’s internship program, ensuring it aligns with the mission and goals of the Center and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ Hospitality and Food Industry Management program. Oversee the creation of clear processes, documentation, and sustainable recruitment and placement strategies for the internship program. Develop and implement scholarship opportunities to support student engagement and provide financial support for participants in the internship program. Foster stronger mentorship opportunities for students by connecting them with staff and leadership, ensuring a rich learning environment. Coordinate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure meaningful connections are established between students and staff, enhancing overall program impact. Analyze program data to identify areas of improvement, track student success, and report on program outcomes to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience to include 5 years of supervisory experience.

Skills

• Strategic thinker
• Strong leader
• Results-oriented individual
• Experience in event planning and sales in a continuing education environment
• Extensive knowledge of and experience in hospitality sales and event coordination, including a general understanding of audiovisual technology
• Certified Meeting Professional designation preferred
• Experience with planning and budget management and supervision of an organization that is self-supported
• Experience developing and implementing strategic plans
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to the professional development of staff
• Demonstrated experience to work independently as well as in a collaborative manner, with employee groups, constituents and/or community members
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service

Benefits

Commensurate with Experience

Pay

Commensurate with Experience

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends as necessary