Coordinator of Group Sales and Event Support

Job Description

The Coordinator, Visitor Engagement- Group Sales and Event Support, primary focus will be to drive company growth and revenue by identifying, developing and nurturing new business opportunities, implementing a strategic sales plan and building strong community relationships with potential clients in areas of groups tours, corporate events, and education. This position will work closely with the Visitor Engagement team to develop packages and experiences to offer.

The Coordinator will be responsible for lead development and a sales pipeline through networking and community activities to bring Powell Gardens and its offerings to the forefront of Kansas City tourism and bring statewide and national attention to our programs. They will maintain a high level of communication with internal team members who focus on external, or guest-facing functions.

About Us

As Kansas City’s Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens provides 175 acres of recreation, adventure, and exploration. Established in 1988, Powell Gardens is a non-profit, public garden containing display gardens with rotating botanical displays, notable plant collections, seasonal programming and events, a three-mile nature trail, educational classes, art, architecture, breathtaking views, and more.

We believe our team members are our most important asset. By building strong relationships with each other, we can ensure that our guests have the best possible experience. We are looking for a passionate individual ready to develop and expand our group sales and support our events. If you enjoy connecting with businesses, schools and others to offer a great local option for their customers and employees, come leave your mark at Powell Gardens! Experience our beautiful gardens and join our team of experts.

Duties & Responsibilities

Business Development
• Develop a pipeline of qualified leads through networking and marketing activities.
• Conduct market research to identify new business opportunities and current trends.
• Develop a sales strategy and business development plan that encompasses all festival, exhibition and educational offerings of the Gardens.
• Manage the entire sales cycle with clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients.
• Provide excellent customer service to existing and potential clients.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Development teams to ensure cohesive messaging and sponsorship opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Visitor Experience department to ensure group tours, bulk tickets sales are processed correctly and in timely manner.

Department Administration
• Collaborate with Visitor Engagement team sections to ensure successful event execution.
• Coordinate with the volunteer manager team to develop event staffing plans and manage the volunteers while on-site for events.
• Work with team to develop and maintain department forms and processes around group sales.
• Work with Director, Visitor Engagement to create and manage sales goals and budget around group sales.
• Provide regular reports to the department and organization when needed

Facilities
• Manage communication with custodial and maintenance, development, volunteer program and other visitor engagement team members to ensure smooth transitions during the day-to-day operation of the department and between group events and activities
• Perform quality control audit of guest spaces and submit necessary work order forms to the maintenance and custodial departments to keep spaces in a guest-ready and tidy manner.

Other Duties
• Work festival shifts and manager on duty shifts as assigned.
• Assist other areas of the Visitor Engagement team as needed (Education, Programs, Private Events, Visitor Experience)
• Provide troubleshooting and direction as needed.
• Maintain relationships with other departments, to ensure employees and volunteers are successful in supporting operational needs

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• Bachelor Degree in related field Preferred
• Equivalent Work Experience
• Valid Drivers License.

Additional Information

Knowledge:
· Strong communication skills
· Sales experience in the event industry preferred
· Experience developing and implementing a business development strategy
· Networking and Relationship management skills.
· Cash handling.
· Problem solving skills.
· Organizational and Time management skills.
· Must be able to communicate professionally and maintain amicable relationships with co-workers, volunteers and visitors.
· Must be able to work alone and in teamwork groups.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
Primarily 40 hours a week with availability Monday through Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm, with evenings and weekends as required during festivals and special events and longer hours as projects and deadlines require. Able to remain in a stationary position up to 50% of the time; move about inside the office to perform normal duties; stand for long periods; and move throughout a multi-facility work location. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Instructions

Applicants interested in this position must submit the following to hr@powellgardens.org.
• Cover letter addressing the following:
o Why are you interested and what do you expect to gain from the experience?
• Resume
• Three references: professional, academic, and/or personal

To view all of our current openings, please go to www.powellgardens.org