Sales Specialist

Executes the sales plan for County venues to increase events, grow revenues and position Okaloosa County as a premiere meeting, event, sports and convention destination.

• Identifies target groups, potential markets and key accounts through tradeshow participation, sales calls, lead generation services, industry related periodicals, internet research and existing accounts.
• Generates required number of prospective/qualified sales calls weekly; answers, documents, and responds to all leads and inquiries for new business.
• Negotiates, prepares and issues proposals/contracts of potential clients; enters data and utilizes booking software to determine meeting space availability.
• Ensures all client/account information is relayed accurately and timely to event, and food and beverage staff.
• Maintains databases of potential business, inquiries and lost business.
• Attends and participates in organized sales blitzes, national and international conventions, tradeshows and any industry related organization meetings/networking opportunities.
• Maintains contact with existing key accounts.
• Assists in developing sales tactics and displays.
• Schedules, plans and acts as host during familiarization tours for meeting planners and the tourism industry.
• Works with supervisor and marketing team to update marketing tools and strategies.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with local hotels, event venues, attractions and restaurants to ensure availability for groups utilizing County venues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Associate's degree in Tourism & Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, or closely related field, supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in event sales, to include demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in presentation, promotion and sales; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience with automated booking or event management software is preferred. Experience in a governmental organization, destination-marketing organization, or convention/event center is preferred. Licenses and/or

Certifications:

Requires a valid driver license.

Physical Requirements:

Requires the ability to operate modern office equipment, to include computers, copy/fax machines, and related peripherals. Must be able to exert 10 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position will encounter periodic walking and standing. May require bending, stooping and twisting. Physical demands are essentially those of sedentary work.

Language Ability:

Requires the ability to communicate effectively in English, including the ability to convey, record and exchange information; requires the ability to explain procedures and to give, receive and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to read and interpret a variety of moderately complex technical data, policy and procedure manuals, codes, professional journals. Requires the ability to prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats, and adhering to all rules of grammar, spelling, diction and punctuation. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages used within the parameters of the job and with a broad array of individuals from various professional backgrounds.

Intelligence:

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret a variety of technical instructions in written, mathematical or diagrammatic form; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Requires the application of principles of influence systems and synthesis functions.

Numerical Aptitude:

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide; calculate decimals and percentages; compute discount, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; perform statistical calculations.

Interpersonal Temperament:

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, peak workloads, or public contact. Requires the ability to exercise consistent tact and courtesy when in frequent contact with various professionals, county staff, and the general public.