Sales Associate

The Sales Associate for University Events will play a key role in driving revenue and business growth by promoting and selling the university's event spaces, meeting rooms and facilities. This position will actively seek new business opportunities, manage client relationships, and optimize pricing strategies to maximize revenue. A key part of this role will involve attending tradeshows and industry events to network, develop leads, and bring in new business, while maintaining a focus on both short-term and long-term revenue growth.

This role combines market research, sales, business development, customer service, and relationship management to ensure revenue generation and successful booking of spaces for a wide range of events, including conferences, workshops, seminars, and more. The ideal candidate will have a passion for hospitality, attention to detail, and a strong drive to contribute to the growth of the university’s event business.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Sales & Business Development:
  • Identify new revenue opportunities by actively seeking and targeting potential clients, including corporate organizations, government bodies, academic departments, and non-profit organizations.
  • Generate leads and develop relationships to increase sales of event spaces, ensuring both one-time and recurring bookings while collaborating with the Conference and Event Services Business Operations team and their existing day event and summer conference business.
  • Respond to RFP’s, develop proposals, and negotiate pricing and packages with clients, ensuring a balance between client needs and university objectives.
  • Assist clients in selecting appropriate venues based on their event requirements.
  • Ensure yearly sales goals are met
  • Conduct market research to understand industry trends, competitor offerings, and customer demands.
  • Assist in developing marketing materials and campaigns to promote the university’s event spaces.
  • Coordinate the preparation of event contracts, ensuring all terms and conditions are met.
  • Update and maintain sales data and reports in CRM systems
  • Creative thinking and ability to provide clients with tailored solutions.
• Client Relationship Management:
  • Build and nurture strong relationships with repeat clients to ensure ongoing business and the potential for future bookings.
  • Offer exceptional customer service, ensuring that clients feel valued and are satisfied with the value they receive from the event spaces.
  • Respond to inquiries quickly and professionally, converting leads into confirmed bookings and generating additional revenue.
• Administrative Support:
  • Ensure event space bookings, contracts, invoicing, and payments are accurately processed and recorded.
  • Ensure all event details (logistics, catering, AV needs, etc.) are confirmed and communicated clearly to the events team to guarantee smooth event execution.
  • Track and update sales performance data, including revenue generated, to measure success and identify areas for growth

Loyola Marymount University Expectations

Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university.  Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct.  Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.

Requisite Qualifications    

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Three years of experience in sales, event management, or hospitality with a focus on venues with various spaces, conferences, universities/colleges, or cultural centers.
• Experience in a university/college environment or in conference sales is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple clients and events simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and event management software.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to build lasting relationships.
• Ability to manage a high volume of bookings, meet deadlines, and maintain an organized sales pipeline.
• Understanding of event planning and logistics.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

#HERC# #HEJ#

Staff Regular

Salary range

$71,100.00 - $88,900.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)