Mendocino Railway is a Class III common carrier public utility railroad for passenger and freight service. We also own and operate two excursion/tourism brands located throughout Northern California, the Skunk Train and the River Fox Train
We’re seeking a Group Sales and Marketing Representative to serve the Skunk Train in Mendocino County. The role will drive revenue by selling tickets, packages, and programs to groups, including tour operators, schools, and businesses/corporations. This role is responsible for identifying and pursuing potential leads, developing sales strategies, managing client relationships, and coordinating with external and internal teams to ensure a smooth group visitor experience. This role involves market analysis, networking, sales presentations, guest relations, and achieving revenue and attendance goals for the attraction.
This person will also help manage and grow our Affiliate and online travel agency (OTA) sales programs. Additionally, this person will coordinate special events, manage our wedding and elopement leads and bookings, and positively represent the Skunk Train at community and industry events. Our ideal candidate is highly motivated, enthusiastically outgoing, organized, and a strong communicator.
The role reports into the Chief Marketing Officer and works closely with various members of Mendocino Railway’s leadership team.
ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS
- Lead Generation and Sales: Proactively seek out and solicit group business by identifying new sales opportunities and maintaining relationships with existing clients like tour operators, OTAs, and destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Build a repeatable book of business.
- Sales Strategy & Goal Achievement: Develop and execute sales plans and campaigns to achieve established revenue, ticketing, and attendance goals.
- Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary contact for group planners, managing inquiries, providing information, and building strong, lasting relationships with them. Help coordinate special events and weddings with a focus on driving sales of our existing micro-wedding packages. Perform site visits, respond to requests, and coordinate needs for couples and special guests.
- Networking and Representation: Represent the attraction at industry events, trade shows, and networking meetings to promote the attraction and develop partnerships.
- Sales and Negotiation: Proven ability to sell group visits, negotiate contracts, and meet sales targets.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for presentations, correspondence, and client interactions.
- Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills to manage calendars, process inquiries, and coordinate complex group visits. Should be fluent in Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams and familiar with Salesforce.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive and creative problem-solving skills to address challenges and deliver solutions for clients and the attraction.
- Local Marketing or Media Relations Coordination: Deliver brochures and sales collateral. Table community events. Assist with hosting media familiarization trips. Other tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATIONAL, AND LOCATION REQUIREMENTS
- A driven, organized, and enthusiastically outgoing individual.
- Some previous sales experience required; prior group sales experience preferred. · This role is available on a hybrid basis with an expectation to be on-site at the Skunk Train multiple times per week. Individuals must be located within driving distance of the Skunk Train’s Fort Bragg depot and have reliable access to a vehicle. Occasional travel to Mendocino Railway’s other locations or to industry events may be required.
- Occasional weekend and evening work is required to meet with clientele or take part in community events.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check required prior to hiring.
Pay: $26.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Referral program
Work Location: In person
