Senior Wedding Sales and Event Manager

SummaryDrive revenue, build strategic partnerships, and elevate guest experiences by positioning Lanier Islands Resort as a premier destination for weddings and large-scale special events.This role is primarily focused on wedding and social event sales (approximately 90%), while also leading the development of high-impact special events and festivals (approximately 10%) that increase brand visibility, generate new leads, and create incremental revenue streams.You will own the full sales lifecycle for weddings from inquiry to contract, while also identifying and cultivating partnerships for unique, large-scale events that bring new audiences to the resort.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesWedding & Social Event Sales (Primary Focus)Drive revenue by meeting and exceeding sales goals through converting inquiries into booked weddings and social eventsOwn the full sales pipeline: respond to leads, qualify prospects, conduct site tours, and close contractsDeliver a high-touch, elevated sales experience that builds trust and excitement with clientsMaximize revenue by selling venue space, food & beverage minimums, room blocks, and additional resort offeringsActively prospect new business through networking, referrals, and local partnershipsMaintain accurate CRM records, proposals, and contracts using Delphi and related toolsPartner with operations and conference services teams for seamless handoff post-contractSpecial Events & Festival Development (Strategic Focus)Identify and secure opportunities for festivals and large-scale events aligned with the resort’s brand and propertyBuild and manage relationships with event organizers, negotiating partnerships and revenue-sharing agreementsDevelop marketing strategies to promote events and generate leads for group sales, room nights, and F&B revenueCollaborate cross-functionally with marketing, F&B, and operations to execute successful eventsTrack performance metrics and evaluating event ROI, adjusting strategy to maximize impactConceptualize innovative, revenue-generating events that drive year-round engagementQualificationsSales-Driven Closer: Proven ability to meet/exceed revenue goals with strong negotiation skillsEntrepreneurial Thinker: Comfortable building something new and identifying untapped opportunitiesRelationship Builder: Skilled at quickly establishing trust with clients and partnersStrategic & Creative: Able to balance structured sales processes with big-picture event innovationHighly Organized: Manages multiple priorities, leads, and partnerships with strong attention to detailEducation And Work ExperienceBachelor’s degree in hospitality, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.Minimum of 3+ years of experience in wedding sales, event sales, or hotel/resort sales.Experience with CRM systems (Delphi preferred) is a plus.Language SkillsAbility to effectively communicate with clients, partners, and team members.Ability to write professional correspondence, proposals, and contracts.Strong presentation skills.Mathematical SkillsAbility to calculate revenue projections, pricing, commissions, and event budgets.Understanding of financial metrics related to sales performance and ROI.REASONING ABILITYAbility to analyze sales data and market trends to make strategic decisions.Ability to solve complex problems and adapt to changing business needs.PHYSICAL DEMANDSAbility to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.Occasional lifting of event materials (up to 25 pounds).Ability to attend events, site tours, and meetings across the property.WORK ENVIRONMENTOffice and on-site resort environment, including indoor and outdoor event spaces.Exposure to varying noise levels during events.Flexibility required, including evenings and weekends based on client and event needs.