Event Sales Manager

Kennedy-King College is a distinguished educational institution located in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, carrying the legacy of civil and human rights activists Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, Kennedy-King College is deeply committed to providing academic excellence, fostering an inclusive community, and promoting civic responsibility. The college serves a diverse student population and also actively engages with the surrounding community by offering various resources and facilities for public use and events. The campus features a versatile auditorium, a multi-purpose room, a gymnasium, and a range of other spaces designed to accommodate educational, social, and community activities. These facilities not only support the college's academic programs but also provide valuable venues for external organizations to hold meetings, conferences, and special events. Kennedy-King College strives to be a central hub for community engagement and collaboration by maintaining these spaces and promoting their utilization to maximize their impact within the neighborhood and beyond.

The role of Events Sales Manager at Kennedy-King College is a vital position responsible for overseeing the marketing and rental of the college's conference and event facilities. Reporting directly to the Office of the President, the Events Sales Manager plays an integral role in driving the utilization of campus spaces by coordinating outreach to potential clients, managing the sales process, and ensuring smooth event operations. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range from $56,057 to $70,000 annually, with the final salary determined based on the applicant's education, experience, and skills.

In this role, the Events Sales Manager collaborates closely with the Marketing department to develop and implement strategic campaigns aimed at promoting the campus facilities to a diverse array of external organizations. These include profit and non-profit groups, educational institutions, civic bodies, youth organizations, and social groups. Beyond sales and promotion, the manager is tasked with overseeing logistical arrangements for events, coordinating the efforts of janitorial, engineering, IT support, and office staff, as well as managing relationships with outside vendors. A critical focus is placed on delivering exceptional customer service throughout the entire process, ensuring that client inquiries, reservations, and event preparations are handled efficiently and professionally.

The Events Sales Manager ensures compliance with district policies on facility usage, monitors reservation processes, and assists clients with navigating the facility rental web-based applications and payment systems. They also participate in event day logistics, including set-up, coordination of catering services, audiovisual needs, security, parking, and other operational details to guarantee the success of each event. Maintaining detailed records of all sales contacts and preparing revenue reports for management review are additional important responsibilities.

To excel in this position, candidates must demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a thorough understanding of event planning and public relations best practices, and the ability to work independently while fostering teamwork. The role requires a strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and organizational skills who can effectively handle multiple priorities and engage with a culturally diverse community. Working conditions primarily involve an office environment, though travel to client locations is required. The position demands proficiency with standard office equipment and software, as well as the physical ability to operate these tools. Ultimately, the Events Sales Manager contributes significantly to the college's mission by optimizing the utilization of its facilities and reinforcing community connections through successful event hosting.