Sales Manager
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Sales Manager
Salary
$59,820.91 - $89,731.36 Annually
Location
Employment Services, FL
Job Type
Full Time Regular
Job Number
218805-01
Department
RP Funding Center
Division
RP Funding Center 0500000000
Opening Date
06/04/2025
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
NA
Description
Benefits
Questions
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
This position is responsible for generating rental opportunities and converting qualified leads into successfully booked events at the RP Funding Center. The role involves actively pursuing new business through proactive outreach and responding to inquiries from event organizers, businesses, associations, community groups, and leads generated from trade shows.
The individual in this role will work collaboratively with local partners and stakeholders to position the RP Funding Center as the premier venue for events in the region. They will ensure all prospective clients receive timely, professional communication and support throughout the booking process-from initial inquiry to confirmed contract.
This role requires both proactive and cold outreach to generate new business and a commitment to responding to 100% of incoming leads in order to maximize booking opportunities.
This posting will close after the receipt of the first 10 qualified candidates.
Please note this posting is "Continuous" and can close at ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manages sales efforts for meetings, conventions, and special events, primarily generated through digital marketing, tourism partners, and the venue's reputation.
Develops a system to prioritize and respond to incoming event inquiries efficiently, focusing on customer service and conversion.
Collaborates with Visit Central Florida, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the in-house catering team, and hotel partners to align on shared referrals and promotions.
Builds relationships with industry professionals, local event organizers, and association planners who express interest in booking the facility.
Works with the marketing team to ensure consistent messaging and visibility that drives high-quality inbound inquiries.
Creates proposals, conducts site tours, and delivers customized presentations to prospective clients who have expressed interest.
Gathers client requirements, prepares contracts, and finalizes booking details in line with organizational goals and standards.
Maintains a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track communications, lead progress, and follow-ups.
Provides reports, updates, and insights to leadership on sales trends, conversion rates, and revenue opportunities.
Assists in representing the RP Funding Center at industry events to increase visibility and attract potential leads, without direct cold selling.
Monitors event progress and provides immediate assistance to ensure all activities contribute to a successful outcome.
May be required to participate and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
Position designated as Mission Critical.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
May attend conferences, networking events, and professional development workshops to remain informed of industry trends and best practices.
Performs related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
Five years of experience in venue sales, event planning, or a similar environment.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must maintain a valid telephone number.
Experience working with CRM platforms (such as Momentus), digital marketing teams, and tourism or hospitality partners is preferred.
Strong preference for candidates with demonstrated success in relationship-based sales.
This position will require out-of-town travel and overnight stays as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Knowledge of basic math and reading.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of convention sales management and the hospitality industry with an understanding of marketing, sales techniques, and meeting management.
Knowledge of market demographics, advertising layout, and media buying.
Strong knowledge of relationship-based strategies.
Knowledge of the hospitality, convention, tourism, and meeting planning industries.
Ability to analyze lead sources, qualify prospects, and tailor proposals to client needs.
Ability to write and prepare advertising copy/art for print and electronic media ads.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and/or stringent schedules and produce accurate results.
Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.
High attention to detail with the ability to draft accurate contracts and proposals.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively with others in both oral and written form in the English language.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Knowledge of creating, developing, implementing, and evaluating advertising, marketing, public relations, and promotional programs.
Knowledge of office equipment and computers with proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Momentus preferred).
Ability to work occasional nights, weekends, or holidays for event coverage or client needs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires office-based sales work that involves driving, walking, or standing sometimes, exerting up to 20 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.
The job regularly uses computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
The job risks exposure to no significant environmental hazards or bright/dim light.
The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.
All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.
THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.
City of Lakeland
2024 Summary Sheet
Annual Leave
Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:
Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*
Sick Leave
Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.
*NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.
Sick Leave Pool
Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.
For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768
Family & Medical Leave
Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.
For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.
Pension Plan
Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.
Defined Benefit Plan:
Plan C Employee 4.16%
Employer 15.66%
OR
Defined Contribution Plan:
Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits
Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire
Employer 15.39%
Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:
A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.
Maximum contribution for 2025 is $23,500; employees age 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $7,500; employees age 60-63 can also add a "catch-up" amount of $11,250.
Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.
Holidays
Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.
Funeral Leave
Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.
Jury/Witness Duty
Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.
Military Leave
Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some @type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).
Maternity Leave
Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.
Leave of Absence Without Pay
Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.
Longevity Pay
Tuition Reimbursement
Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.
For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.
Suggestion Awards
A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.
For additional information, contact Employee Engagement and Development at 834-6837.
Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)
An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.
Uniforms/Equipment
Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.
Parking
Free while at work.
Break Periods
Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.
For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.
For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services Department at 834-8765 or 834-8797.
For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education.
Less than a High School Diploma or GED
High School Diploma or GED
Some College - less than 30 credit hours
Some College - 30 credit hours, but less than 60 credit hours
Associate's Degree or 60 credit hours
90 Credit Hours
Bachelor's Degree or 120 credit hours
Master's Degree
Doctorate Degree
02
If you have a college degree, please indicate the area of study for your degree. If not, please @type N/A.
03
Please indicate your level of experience in venue sales, event planning, or a similar environment.
No experience
Some experience, but less than 1 year
At least 1 year, but less than 3 years
At least 3 years, but less than 5 years
At least 5 years, but less than 11 years
At least 11 years, but less than 14 years
At least 14 years, but less than 17 years
17 years or more
04
Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.
05
Please indicate which @type of valid driver's license you possess.
Florida driver's license
I have an out-of-state driver's license
I do not have a valid driver's license
06
Please indicate your level of experience with Momentus (Ungerbock).
No Experience
Beginner - six (6) months to one (1) year of experience
Moderate - two (2) years of experience
Advanced - three (3) years of experience
Expert - five (5) or more years of experience
07
Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application. If no experience, please @type N/A.
08
By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Lakeland, Civil Service
Address
500 N Lake Parker Avenue Lakeland, Florida, 33801
Phone
(863)834-8790
Website
http://www.lakelandgov.net/employmentservices
