Event Sales Manager

Join the Central Washington Fair Association team in Yakima and be part of creating memories for one of Washington’s top Fairs and Event Center. State Fair Park is home to the Central Washington State Fair, Yakima Valley Sun Dome and various facilities that support event activity year-round. This 125-area campus is the largest multi-purpose venue in Central Washington, hosting more than 200 events annually.

The Central Washington State Fair is a 10-day Fair that has existed for more than 130 years, celebrating the heritage and agriculture of the Yakima Valley. The Association also produces an additional four self-produced events.

We are seeking a dynamic Event Sales Manager to sell event spaces, services and products to help clients host a memorable event at State Fair Park. This would include managing current repeat clients/events as well as identifying potential new event opportunities. In addition, oversees the group sales program selling group ticket opportunities to the annual Fair, Sprint Boat Races and Holiday Drive-Thru Light Fest.

• Responsible for maintaining ongoing relationships with existing clients to rebook events.
• Monitor local and regional event trends and event activity to identify new booking opportunities.
• Create and present custom proposals and contracts to clients.
• Ability to listen to clients’ event needs and find the best options for their event.
• Manage client inquiries and maintain accurate records.
• Overseeing and updating the event calendar to reflect accurate booking information through Triple Seat – Customer Management System ensuring all bookings are listed on calendar and in correct spaces.
• Ensure timely and efficient communication with clients.
• Conduct site visits of venue with clients and provide recommendations as to best space and services for clients’ event.
• Track and analyze event/sales performance.
• Conduct post-event client follow-up to gather feedback about event and to re-book.
• Manage group sales program selling discount tickets to clients. This would include processing ticket orders and taking payments.
• Work with supervisor to develop department’s annual budget.
• Support the creation of sales materials, booking guidelines and facility information rate sheets and department documents.
• Conduct competitive analysis to gather information on pricing, offerings and service levels to assist developing rates and pricing for venue.
• Assist during the annual fair and major events as needed.

• A creative individual with exemplary listening skills who can understand clients’ needs and convert these into meaningful relationships and opportunities for the venue.
• A proven track record in sales and customer service.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and have strong communication and interpersonal skills with the desire to always improve.
• Be a self-starter who can function with limited supervision while ensuring revenue goals are met.
• Works well under pressure and deadline commitments and be able to work on several projects simultaneously.
• Highly organized and proficient in all Microsoft products.
• Ability to deliver best in class customer service in all areas of day-to-day work with client partner and staff interactions.
• Some knowledge of event planning and the sales industry.
• Steadfast personal qualities, including integrity, character, positive attitude, credibility, and commitment.

• A minimum of two years of sales experience with a proven track record for success, preferably in sponsorship, media, festival/event sales, or retail.
• Completion of a BA Degree in Business Administration or Marketing.
• Work experience can be substituted for educational requirements.

This is a non-exempt hourly position that works 40 hours per week. Hourly rate of $24 - $28 which annualizes from $49,920 – $58,240. Commission is paid on group sales orders at 3% for repeat clients and 5% for new clients with no commission cap.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Aflac, Life/AD&D, Long Term Disability, 401k plan. Paid time off includes vacation and sick leave. Holiday recognition is based upon organization policy.

Please submit your resume along with a cover letter outlining your experience and accomplishments related to this opportunity. Email your resume and cover letter to  referencing "Event Sales Manager".