Sales |amp| Events Manager

This individual will collaborate with the Director of Sales and Events to promote Ridgeland as a tourism destination to all group target market segments (Outdoor/Sports, Leisure/Consumer Travel, Small Meetings, Group Gatherings, and Business Travelers) through sales efforts and affiliations with industry trade associations and organizations. Additionally, the Sales & Events Manager will help maintain and develop local industry relations and partner initiatives as well as assist in the management of cooperative projects for Explore Ridgeland.

Responsibilities
• Execute sales and marketing plans specific to each group target market segment to maintain and increase visitation to stakeholders.
• Update, create and promote tour itineraries to appeal to Ridgeland’s group markets.
• Attend travel-related marketplaces and tradeshows. Responsible for planning, attending and follow-up to develop sales leads and future business.
• Manage rebate programs with hotels for all target group market segments.
• Work with the In Market Sales Manager for coordination of meeting/group services such as registration assistance for all target market segments.
• Coordinate site visits, familiarization tours, and sales blitzes for potential business.
• Utilize iDSS system for stakeholder/partner database and groups database updates as well as sales lead generation and reporting.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders to support the mission of Explore Ridgeland.
• Research and create reports for evaluation of group and event tourism economic impact.
• Assist in the coordination of Explore Ridgeland sponsored events.
• Assist in the Explore Ridgeland Bikeshare program facilitation and management.

Physical Demands:
• Walk, sit, bend, squat/ grab, pull, or bend items
• Talk and hear
• View items at a close and distant range
• Sit and/or use computers for extended periods of time
• Lift equipment/luggage up to 50 lbs., bend, and erect trade show booths
• Requires travel and work outside of core business hours as well as occasional evening events

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in tourism, public relations, communications, business, or marketing and three years of related experience. Hospitality sales management is a plus.
• Knowledge of the tourism industry, current sales and marketing best practices, and special event coordination. Database management experience with knowledge of the iDSS system a plus.

The Ridgeland Tourism Commission, the CEO, and the Director of Sales & Events reserve the right to modify all job descriptions, which are not exhaustive lists of all responsibilities of the job. They reflect the principal job elements essential for performing the job. The Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This document is not an employment contract.