Private Event Sales Director

Lansing Shuffle is a vibrant 10,000 square foot food hall and social club situated on Grand River in Lansing, Michigan, just steps away from key landmarks like the Convention Center, Jackson Park, and the State Capitol. This unique establishment features seven distinctive restaurants, two full-service bars, and a popular shuffleboard area, creating a lively and dynamic environment that caters to a wide range of customers. As a cornerstone of the Lansing community, Lansing Shuffle is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where people can come together to enjoy exceptional food, drinks, and entertainment. Our diverse team is composed of positive and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about community engagement and delivering memorable experiences for all guests. We are continuously growing and innovating to meet the needs of our patrons and enhance our role as a key social destination in the region.

In this dynamic setting, the role of Event Sales Manager is critical to our ongoing success and growth. This position focuses primarily on promoting, booking, and overseeing private events, which can range widely in size and style—from intimate 10-person private parties to large-scale 900-person corporate events and weddings. Given the versatile configuration options available at Lansing Shuffle, virtually any type of event can be accommodated, making creativity and adaptability essential traits for this role. The Event Sales Manager will be responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing initiatives to drive bookings and ensure customer satisfaction and profitability. Building strong community and business relationships is key, especially with targeted groups such as convention center staff, local Lansing businesses, lobbyists and legislative clients near the Capitol, and the extensive Michigan State University community.

This role operates within a heavily commission-based structure, with a total compensation target ranging from $70,000 to $90,000, reflecting the strong sales emphasis and opportunity for performance-based rewards. You will field incoming inquiries promptly—responding within an hour during business hours—while actively pursuing proactive sales efforts including cold-calling, networking, and unique promotional campaigns. You will coordinate all aspects of event execution, collaborating closely with the general manager, bar manager, restaurant staff, and third-party vendors to ensure flawless delivery. Clear communication and accountability are paramount in managing these collaborations effectively.

In addition to sales responsibilities, the Event Sales Manager will handle all contractual and financial documentation, including contracts, banquet event orders, invoices, and sales reports. On event days, you will oversee event breakdown and cleanup, coaching staff to take on leadership roles to support this work. Post-event evaluations and customer feedback collection are essential practices to continuously improve service quality and client satisfaction.

Your role extends beyond event management; you will contribute to marketing initiatives for private events, build meaningful community relationships with a diverse array of groups—from small clubs to large student organizations—and seek out innovative programming and partnerships such as late-night dance parties or dueling pianos. As part of the leadership team, you will provide detailed reports on the state of the private events business, offering insights on successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. The Event Sales Manager will have a pivotal role in shaping the culture, processes, and future direction of Lansing Shuffle, making this an exceptional opportunity for candidates looking to make a significant impact in a thriving social venue with a strong community focus.