Sales Specialist

Sales SpecialistSalary$25.47 - $30.56 HourlyLocationDestin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center - Fort Walton Beach, FLJob TypeFull-TimeJob Number26-122 Sales SpecialistDepartmentTourist DevelopmentOpening Date05/14/2026Closing Date5/27/2026 11:59 PM Central* Description* QuestionsGENERAL STATEMENT OF JOBExecutes the sales plan for County venues to increase events, grow revenues and position Okaloosa County as a premiere meeting, event, sports and convention destination.EXAMPLES OF WORKIdentifies target groups, potential markets and key accounts through tradeshow participation, sales calls, lead generation services, industry related periodicals, internet research and existing accounts.Generates required number of prospective/qualified sales calls weekly; answers, documents, and responds to all leads and inquiries for new business.Negotiates, prepares and issues proposals/contracts of potential clients; enters data and utilizes booking software to determine meeting space availability.Ensures all client/account information is relayed accurately and timely to event, and food and beverage staff.Maintains databases of potential business, inquiries and lost business.Attends and participates in organized sales blitzes, national and international conventions, tradeshows and any industry related organization meetings/networking opportunities.Maintains contact with existing key accounts.Assists in developing sales tactics and displays.Schedules, plans and acts as host during familiarization tours for meeting planners and the tourism industry.Works with supervisor and marketing team to update marketing tools and strategies.Establishes and maintains relationships with local hotels, event venues, attractions and restaurants to ensure availability for groups utilizing County venues.Performs other duties as assigned.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation, Training, and Experience: Associate's degree in Tourism & Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, or closely related field, supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in event sales, to include demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in presentation, promotion and sales; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience with automated booking or event management software is preferred. Experience in a governmental organization, destination-marketing organization, or convention/event center is preferred.Licenses and/or Certifications: Requires a valid driver license.OTHER REQUIREMENTSPhysical Requirements: Requires the ability to operate modern office equipment, to include computers, copy/fax machines, and related peripherals. Must be able to exert 10 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position will encounter periodic walking and standing. May require bending, stooping and twisting. Physical demands are essentially those of sedentary work.Language Ability: Requires the ability to communicate effectively in English, including the ability to convey, record and exchange information; requires the ability to explain procedures and to give, receive and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to read and interpret a variety of moderately complex technical data, policy and procedure manuals, codes, professional journals. Requires the ability to prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats, and adhering to all rules of grammar, spelling, diction and punctuation. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical and/or professional languages used within the parameters of the job and with a broad array of individuals from various professional backgrounds.Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret a variety of technical instructions in written, mathematical or diagrammatic form; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Requires the application of principles of influence systems and synthesis functions.Numerical Aptitude: Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide; calculate decimals and percentages; compute discount, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; perform statistical calculations.Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate levels of stress, imposed by frequent deadlines, peak workloads, or public contact. Requires the ability to exercise consistent tact and courtesy when in frequent contact with various professionals, county staff, and the general public.01Please indicate which best describes your highest level of completed education.No formal education completed, but I have relevant experienceHigh School Diploma or GEDAssociates DegreeBachelors DegreeMasters Degree or aboveNone of the above02If you stated completion of a degree in the previous question, please state your major (if none, please enter "N/A") in the space provided.03Please indicate how many years of progressively responsible experience you have in event sales, to include demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in presentation, promotion and sales.NoneLess than 2 yearsAt least 2 years but less than 4 yearsAt least 4 years but less than 6 yearsAt least 6 years but less than 8 years8 years or more04Please describe your progressively responsible experience in event sales, to include demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness in presentation, promotion and sales (if none, please enter "N/A") in the space provided.05Do you have experience with automated booking or event management software?* Yes* No06Please list the automated booking or event management software you have experience using (if none, please enter "N/A") in the space provided.07Please describe your experience with automated booking or event management software (if none, please enter "N/A") in the space provided.08Do you have experience in a governmental organization?* Yes* No09If you answered "Yes" to the previous question please list the name of the organization, your job title(s) and briefly explain your job duties (if none, enter "N/A") in the space provided.10Do you have experience in a destination-marketing organization?* Yes* No11If you answered "Yes" to the previous question please list the name of the organization, your job title(s) and briefly explain your job duties (if none, enter "N/A") in the space provided.12Do you have experience working in a convention center?13If you answered "Yes" to the previous question please list the name of the organization, your job title(s) and briefly explain your job duties (if none, enter "N/A") in the space provided.14Do you have experience in Catering/ Event Sales?* Yes* No15If you answered "Yes" to the previous question please list the name of the organization, your job title(s) and briefly explain your job duties (if none, enter "N/A") in the space provided.16Please select the areas you have experience in:Tradeshow participationConvention participationSales calls- inquiries for new businessSales calls- cold callingLead generation servicesCVENTInternet research- salesNetworking through tradeshowsNetworking through local organizationsOtherNone of the above17Please describe your experience in the areas selected in the previous question (if none, enter "N/A") in the space provided.18Do you possess a valid driver license?* Yes* NoRequired Question