Special Event Sales Manager

FUNCTION
The Special Events Sales Manager provides sales, marketing, and customer service for all aspects of events at Churchill Downs® Racetrack.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Develop a comprehensive strategy including action plans and schedules to identify specific sales prospects.
• Maintain daily call minimums and weekly appointments/site visits to generate new business.
• Prepare a variety of status reports, including activity, closings, follow-up, reports on special developments, information, or feedback gathered through field activity.
• Prepare custom design proposals and presentations to clients.
• Act as liaison between third party vendors in order to obtain additional nontraditional revenues for Churchill Downs® Racetrack.
• Represent Churchill Downs® Racetrack within the business community – participate in local civic and philanthropic organizations.
• Work with the Events Department to coordinate room breakdown and set-up and ensure that all is done to contract specifications.
• Prepare for and attend exhibits, conferences, meetings, and other local, regional, and national promotional opportunities.
• Prepare paperwork to activate and maintain contract services.
• Maintain involved & well versed in the competitive set both locally and regionally.
• Provide customer support to clients throughout the event including pre and post follow-up with the client.
• Maintain open communication between the Churchill Downs® Racetrack and contractors and clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in event sales, catering sales or hospitality industry
• Demonstrated passion for hospitality and/or the racing & entertainment industry
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Creative problem solver
• Ability to collaborate with a cross functional team
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficient in Microsoft Office & Excel
• Ability to learn new software, specific to ticketing and CRM systems

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; 2-4 years of professional experience in hospitality or a related field; Alternatively, equivalent combination of education and experience.