• Develop and implement a sales strategy to attract, book and retain new events for the RP Funding Center
• Works on a base salary with a commission incentive attained by reaching revenue goals established by the Executive Director.
• Works with area organizations to enhance outside sales; i.e. Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau, facility in-house caterer and area hotels sales representatives.
• Will prepare and present new business proposals.
• Provides timely updates and status reports to superiors.
• Generates sales leads and maintains relationships with industry contacts.
• Negotiates contracts with potential clients and closes deals.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline processes, and work cooperatively with clients, fellow employees and catering partner to deliver a high-quality product and customer service exceeding client’s expectations. 
• Receive and respond to suggestions and concerns from clients and partners.
• Participate in the development and execution of sales plan and materials.
• Attends meetings, conventions and conferences both in and out of state for high visibility in promoting sales and the RP Funding Center.
• Assists with general administrative duties as necessary
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Position may be designated as Mission Critical

• High school diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of responsible sales/event experience in a convention center, conference center, public assembly facility or another role in the tourism/hospitality field.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Must have reliable transportation for attending sales meetings and events. 

• Knowledge of basic math and reading.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally, both written and orally.
• Sound knowledge of marketing and sales principles, practices and methods.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office equipment and personal computers.
• Proven sales experience with the hospitality and convention and tourism industry.
• Ability to work flexible, non-traditional business hours, late nights, weekends and possible holidays.
• Proven industry contacts within the hospitality, convention, tourism and meeting planning industries.
• Sound knowledge of creation, development, implementation and evaluation of advertising, marketing, public relations and promotional programs.
• Ability to proof read and edit all written and visual materials for clarity, accuracy and content.
• Excellent ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with all levels of employees, clients, patrons and customers. 
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize software specific to the position to include Ungerboeck and Social Tables booking programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, lessees, patrons, consultants, vendors, sponsors, promoters, community leaders, and the public as necessitated by the work.

• Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis, routine keyboard operations.
• The job risks exposure to no significant environmental hazards.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, and field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination).  Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone.  Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including “junk” folders.  Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE