Special Events Sales & Marketing Manager Aurora Civic Center Authority
7 Aurora, IL Job Details Full-time $65,000 a year 22 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Employee discount Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications LinkedIn Teamwork Microsoft Excel Outdoor work In-person customer service Digital marketing tools Administrative experience Attention to detail Customer engagement Conflict management Sales management systems proficiency Managing projects Facebook CRM system proficiency Productivity software Event customer service Instagram Full Job Description The Paramount Theatre/Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), an innovative organization located on Stolp Island in the Fox River in the heart of the richly diverse community of historic Aurora, Illinois (one hour from downtown Chicago), is seeking a full-time Special Events Sales & Marketing Manager. ACCA is the parent organization, which also includes a 501(c)3 arm under the name of Paramount Arts Centre, Inc.
It operates four performance venues:
the 6,000-person RiverEdge Park, the 1,843-seat landmark Paramount Theatre, the 165-seat, newly renovated Copley Theatre, and the brand new
Stolp Island Theatre:
a 9,000 square foot development that includes an intimate 98-seat 4,600 square foot theater. ACCA produces and presents over 500 performances each year, including star-studded touring productions, a self-produced Broadway Series of musicals (which has the largest theater subscription base in the country) and an intimate experience of Million Dollar Quartet for an annual audience of 350,000 patrons from over 250 communities. ACCA proudly operates the Paramount School of the Arts in the new John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center, right next door to Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora. Paramount Theatre also hosts free community events, $1 Classic Movie Mondays and its opulent interiors provide a spectacular backdrop for private functions such as wedding receptions or corporate galas. Across the street from Paramount Theatre are the gorgeous Meyer Ballrooms, which play host to multiple wedding receptions and rental events throughout the year. The Paramount Theatre/Aurora Civic Center Authority is committed to being a defining catalyst for personal and community transformation by:
- making the performing arts accessible for every age and socioeconomic background,
- introducing the magic of live theater across generations to encourage expansive imaginations and broad views of people and the world,
- and contributing to the future stability and growth of Aurora's downtown.
DEPARTMENT
DIRECT REPORTING
- Assistant Director of Special Events
WORKS CLOSELY WITH
- Special Events Director, Assistant Director of Special Events, Event Managers, Event Coordinators.
POSITION STATUS & SCHEDULE
- Full-time exempt; hours vary and require regular evening and weekend availability, and are sales volume dependent.
COMPENSATION
- Salary is $65,000 + commission with an excellent benefits package including health, paid time off, and 401k with employer match.
BENEFITS INFORMATION
- Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and group life insurance, 401k, and paid time off.
HIRE DATE
POSITION SUMMARY
- The Special Event Sales and Marketing Manager is responsible for generating and driving event sales and bookings, such as social gatherings, weddings, meetings, and performances.
Works closely with clients and colleagues to determine event-specific details to construct contracts and manage payment schedules. Serve as liaison between the Special Events Department, the Marketing Department, and CRM platforms. Responsible for SEO and social media platforms for all event venues, and increasing engagement and new followers on platforms. As a secondary role, they will assist with day-of-event needs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- This position is full-time, with a schedule that varies weekly based on event sales volume, client meetings, and business needs.
This position is required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as determined by upper management and sales volume needs. Respond to and qualify sales leads within 24 hours. Provide initial date availability for inquiries, including pricing and package options, to potential bookings via phone, e-mail, and walk-ins. Tours and sales are the primary focus for this position; day-of-event support is secondary. Secure signed contracts, payments, and certificate of insurance (if applicable). Prepare estimates and contracts for weddings and most private events. Work with upper management on contracts, estimates, advancing, etc., for non-traditional, large-scale events. Confirm client's invoice and billing information is correct and up to date. Work closely with clients and Event Manager(s) to acquire and confirm all event details needed for creating contracts and advancing events. Actively upsell additional service options by maintaining consistent and effective sales tactics. Collect and process payments prior to event dates. Follow up with direct billing clients to ensure payments are received within the designated terms and time frame. Track conversion rates and strive for continuous improvement. Work diligently to achieve and exceed sales goals. Have a complete working knowledge of ACCA's standard operating procedures and event protocol, including vendor policies, after initial training. Foster relationships with private event clients, resulting in repeat events that commit to a booking with a contract for the following year. Maintain sales pipeline through following up with client conversations and recording conversion metrics. Create budgets, contracts, and close-outs for rental events and assist in creating the department budget. Organize and lead specialized sales-focused events such as wedding expos, tourism events, styled photoshoots, venue viewings, etc. Lead department marketing efforts, such as social media planning, content creation, managing ad sets, as well as maintaining and renewing event listings on 3rd party platforms such as The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, and Google in coordination with Marketing Department. Update and design print and digital marketing materials, including tour packets, promotional materials, and advertisements in coordination with Marketing Department. Write monthly blog posts reflecting on past client events and industry trends. Complete tasks with attention to detail. Demonstrate knowledge of Wedding and Event contracts. Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and market developments to identify new opportunities and maintain a competitive edge. Attend weekly meetings with the full Events Team to discuss current and future events. Occasionally assume necessary duties in the absence of Special Events department team members as needed. All other duties as assigned or needed.
SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Limited capacity to act as the on-site point of contact for the client on the day of the event and ensure service appropriately matches the contract.
Occasionally assist with the physical set-up and tear-down for site visits and occasionally rental events, as needed. This includes set-up and tear-down of tables, chairs, podiums, etc. In addition to the duties listed above, ACCA expects the following of each employee: adheres to ACCA's policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets productivity standards; participates in ACCA events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, and
ABILITIES
- Must have open availability
- including nights, weekends, and holidays Ability to work approximately 40-48 hours per week, with regular nights and weekends, including occasional long shifts. (5) years of event sales experience. Previous sales, administrative, customer service, and limited event execution experience. Proficient in all Microsoft Suites. Proficient in Canva, Excel, and CRM Systems.
- Knowledge of how to use social media to drive sales: Primarily Instagram and Facebook.
Experience in creating and publishing content on TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest is a plus. Must be personable, positive, enthusiastic, and creative with attention to detail. Must always remain professional in appearance and communication while representing ACCA. Must have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Bilingual English & Spanish is a plus. Must have the ability to interact with guests, staff, and colleagues and resolve problems and conflicts in a diplomatic and tactful manner. Ability to handle and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously. Problem-solve and react to change productively and professionally. We are a collaborative, small team that values versatility and shared responsibility. Successful candidates will bring a positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to step in and support team priorities as needed.
PREFERRED
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS and
ABILITIES
- Motivated, self-starter who can take minimal directions. Organized so that all details of events are coordinated and managed. Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments. Able to assess a situation and proactively manage problems. Able to handle a fast-paced environment. Responsive and considerate of all customers' needs.
- Ability to sustain physical activity when assisting in setting up the event spaces for site visits or the occasional event, and remaining on feet for long periods. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Have or obtain the Illinois Liquor Control Commission BASSET Certification (may be completed upon hiring at the cost of the applicant).
- Have or obtain the State of Illinois Department of Public Health Food Service Handler Certification (may be completed upon hiring at the cost of the applicant).
- Have or obtain Crowd Control Management certification (may be completed upon hiring at the cost of the applicant).
- Ability to work outdoors during RiverEdge Park season and in inclement weather.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume using the online job application at https://paramountaurora.
com/opportunities/ Or mail/drop off to:
Aurora Civic Center Authority, ATTN:
(Jennifer Hahn), 8 East Galena Blvd., Suite 230, Aurora, IL 60506 ACCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, marital or familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ACCA encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who are eager to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. ACCA participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, ACCA is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating the employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
Pay:
$65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Retirement plan Vision insurance
Work Location:
In person
