Sales Associate - Chicago, United States - PeakMade

PeakMade
PeakMade
Verified Company
Chicago, United States

1 month ago

Mark Lane

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter
Description

The Sales Associate will be responsible for assisting with sales, marketing and in various areas of operation as needed at University Center.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:


Sales of Conference Center, Conference Services, Individual and Group Housing Summer Leasing (70%):

  • Develop and solicit business from industries with meeting and housing needs to secure the necessary advance bookings for a successful and profitable conference and housing operation
  • Lease suites/apartments and sell the products and services of the property to prospects
  • Accurately prepare and have a thorough knowledge of all lease and contractrelated paperwork
  • Utilize established sales and marketing strategies to increase property traffic and prospects (i.e. cold calling, site visits, referral solicitation, partner sponsorships, market research, etc.)
  • Exercise judgement and work independently on decisions impacting contract negotiations and sales
  • Maintain accurate prospect traffic and data for both conference and leasing; assist with other computer data entry as necessary
  • Respond to leads, answer prospect calls and conduct property tours
  • Assist with sales inquiries by describing meeting and housing services at University Center
  • Collect deposits and/or fees associated with leases and contracts
  • Maintain/Update the sales prospecting list and client event software system for frequent followups with each client; contribute to the department's sales goals and client management protocols
  • Greet meeting clients, monitor delivery of their expectations in collaboration with the conference services coordinator, and solicit new and repeat reservations
  • Modify contracts as needed in advance of arrival and return to client s
  • Review preliminary invoices to ensure proper client billing
  • Assist with communication drafts, copywriting and editing as needed; review contract templates. standard letters and other client communications
  • Know the facility and products including meeting room setups, dining/catering options, audio visual requirements, guest rooms/suites and all other available amenities, services and pricing
  • Assist with completing annual competition survey and benchmarking
  • Maintain an excellent customer service relationship by adhering to the Peak Science of Service Standards
  • Assist with development of valueadded services and pricing strategies
  • Attend networking events, trade shows and client appreciation functions
  • Explain and enforce University Center policies and procedures to clients and guests
  • Additional tasks as assigned by the University Center leadership

Marketing Support (15%)

  • Create and distribute direct mail pieces and solicit feedback from prospects/clients for event and promotionspecific initiatives
  • Conduct market research for competitor analysis and new tradeshow participation
  • Perform administrative tasks as needed

Conference Center & Housing Operations (10%):

  • Assist in the support of all facets of conference center and summer housing operation
  • Problemsolve housing assignment conflicts brought forth by summer housing guests
  • Monitor summer housing occupancy plan and calendars of academic residents
  • Assist to ensure a smooth arrival and departure for all summer housing groups
  • Efficient and prompt communication of any changes brought to your attention by client prior to arrival to the conference services operations staff (to be sure Event Orders are accurate)

Staff Supervision (5%):

Assist the professional staff of Conference Chicago in delegating work:

  • Student Conference Hosts
  • Summer Conference Housing Intern Staff

Minimum Position Qualifications:


  • Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Sales and Marketing or related field
  • 13 years of event sales or related sales experience
  • Illinois Real Estate Leasing Agent license, or willingness to obtain

Education/Experience and Technical Requirements:


  • Previous experience in closing sales, negotiating contracts, and generating leads
  • Previous experience in integrated marketing including event planning, copywriting, creative design/advertising, social media promotion strategy and outreach marketing.
  • Previous hospitality experience in the Chicagoland area is a plus
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including some weekends and evenings as needed
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Knowledge of a conference facility including basic audiovisual equipment and operation
  • Ability to multitask and make decisions quickly in a fastpaced environment
  • Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Flexible and capable of prioritizing tasks when working in a busy and changing environment
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to demonstrate strong problemsolving skills, good judgement and decisionmaking skills
  • Ability to handle confidential matters in a professional manner
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