SALES & EVENT MANAGER at Destination Geneva National

For three decades, Destination Geneva National has made legendary golf a tradition in Southwest Wisconsin. Here, friends unite to take on 54 holes of Palmer, Player, & Trevino’s risk-reward golf; kick back over steaks, scorecards, and Spotted Cows; and stay on-course in sprawling cottages and exec suites. If that sounds like a golf vacation you can get behind, it may be time to tee up a new career as one of Destination GN’s Sales & Event Managers.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Three years’ progressive experience in the hospitality sales/golf industry OR A four-year college degree with at least two years of related experience OR A two-year college degree with three or more years of related experience. Most possess general knowledge of the game of golf and vacation booking process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Drive golf group sales by actively prospecting, developing, and securing golf outings, tournaments, corporate golf events, Stay & Play packages, and other group golf business. Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients, organizations, associations, golf groups, and other prospective accounts to generate new and repeat business. Respond to incoming leads; prepare proposals and contracts; conduct site visits and inspections; negotiate terms; close business to achieve established sales and revenue goals; and receive and monitor deposits for booked groups as needed. Own assigned clients from initial inquiry through event completion, serving as the primary point of contact throughout the sales, planning, and event execution process. Coordinate and detail all aspects of assigned groups and events, including guest rooms, tee times, dining, food and beverage, meeting/function space, transportation, billing arrangements, timelines, special requests, and other resort services. Translate client expectations into clear, accurate event details and communicate requirements to Golf, Food & Beverage, Banquets, Culinary, Lodging, Call Center/Front Desk, coordinator staff, and other operational teams to ensure seamless execution. Prepare Stay & Play resumes and other group communications to ensure Front Desk, Call Center, Golf Operations, and other teams have accurate information regarding incoming groups; perform tee-sheet audits to verify reservations and pricing are entered correctly for operational and reporting purposes. Maintain an active, on-site presence for assigned events as appropriate, assisting with execution, addressing client needs, troubleshooting issues, and helping ensure a successful experience from arrival through completion. Conduct post-event follow-up to assess client satisfaction, resolve outstanding matters, and cultivate repeat and referral business. Maintain accurate and timely sales activity, contracts, event details, account information, forecasts, client/prospect notes, preferences, and follow-up within applicable sales and event systems. Monitor industry and competitive trends and recommend enhancements to golf packages, event offerings, sales practices, and guest experiences to remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace. Participate in Sales and Revenue meetings, identifying sales opportunities, obstacles and competitive challenges, and recommending strategies and practices to improve performance. While golf group sales will be the primary focus, assist with corporate meetings, social events, association business, and other group market segments, including event detailing, as business needs and sales priorities dictate. Support the Call Center/Front Desk throughout the year as business needs dictate, including assisting with hotel, golf, and dining reservations and occasional hotel check-ins. Perform special projects and cross-departmental assignments, particularly during the resort’s off-season, and assist other departments as needed at the direction of the COO.

SUCCESS FACTORS

A genuine understanding of and passion for the game of golf is essential, with the ability to enthusiastically and credibly sell the golf experience to prospective clients and groups. PGA Membership or experience within the golf industry is a plus. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to understand each client’s goals and translate them into a well-planned, memorable golf and resort experience. Strong sales orientation with the drive to prospect, close business, achieve revenue goals, and build long-term client relationships. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional and engaging presence when working with clients, guests, Members, and associates. Able to manage multiple clients, events, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and strong follow-through. Anticipates client and operational needs, identifies potential issues, and takes initiative to solve problems before they impact the guest experience. Comfortable making decisions and responding calmly and professionally to changing circumstances during live events. Able to evaluate information from multiple sources, identify key details, and coordinate resources to achieve sales, service, and operational objectives. Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and accountability, carrying commitments through from the initial sale to successful event execution. Maintains appropriate confidentiality and discretion with client, associate, and company information. Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning and utilizing sales, event, golf, lodging, and other resort technology systems. A dynamic and collaborative team player who is willing to step outside of traditional job responsibilities and assist throughout the resort as business needs dictate. Flexible and willing to work a schedule that reflects client and event needs, including occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primarily an office-based position requiring prolonged sitting and computer use. Regular standing and walking throughout the resort for site tours, client meetings, and event execution. Ability to navigate indoor and outdoor areas, including golf courses, event spaces, and uneven terrain. Day-of events may require extended periods of standing and walking. Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.