SALES & EVENT MANAGER at Destination Geneva National
For three decades, Destination Geneva National has made legendary golf a tradition in Southwest Wisconsin. Here, friends unite to take on 54 holes of Palmer, Player, & Trevino’s risk-reward golf; kick back over steaks, scorecards, and Spotted Cows; and stay on-course in sprawling cottages and exec suites.
If that sounds like a golf vacation you can get behind, it may be time to tee up a new career as one of Destination GN’s Sales & Event Managers. In this role, your mission is to generate new and repeat overnight golf business by laying up a five-star vacation at one of the nation’s “Top Summer Lake Towns” (Thrillist) and “Best Small Town for Adventure (USA Today).” A genuine understanding of and passion for the game of golf is essential to this position.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Three years’ progressive experience in the hospitality sales/golf industry OR
- A four-year college degree with at least two years of related experience OR
- A two-year college degree with three or more years of related experience.
- Most possess general knowledge of the game of golf and vacation booking process.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Drive golf group sales by actively prospecting, developing, and securing golf outings, tournaments, corporate golf events, Stay & Play packages, and other group golf business.
- Build and maintain relationships with corporate clients, organizations, associations, golf groups, and other prospective accounts to generate new and repeat business.
- Respond to incoming leads; prepare proposals and contracts; conduct site visits and inspections; negotiate terms; close business to achieve established sales and revenue goals; and receive and monitor deposits for booked groups as needed.
- Own assigned clients from initial inquiry through event completion, serving as the primary point of contact throughout the sales, planning, and event execution process.
- Coordinate and detail all aspects of assigned groups and events, including guest rooms, tee times, dining, food and beverage, meeting/function space, transportation, billing arrangements, timelines, special requests, and other resort services.
- Translate client expectations into clear, accurate event details and communicate requirements to Golf, Food & Beverage, Banquets, Culinary, Lodging, Call Center/Front Desk, coordinator staff, and other operational teams to ensure seamless execution.
- Prepare Stay & Play resumes and other group communications to ensure Front Desk, Call Center, Golf Operations, and other teams have accurate information regarding incoming groups; perform tee-sheet audits to verify reservations and pricing are entered correctly for operational and reporting purposes.
- Maintain an active, on-site presence for assigned events as appropriate, assisting with execution, addressing client needs, troubleshooting issues, and helping ensure a successful experience from arrival through completion.
- Conduct post-event follow-up to assess client satisfaction, resolve outstanding matters, and cultivate repeat and referral business.
- Maintain accurate and timely sales activity, contracts, event details, account information, forecasts, client/prospect notes, preferences, and follow-up within applicable sales and event systems.
- Monitor industry and competitive trends and recommend enhancements to golf packages, event offerings, sales practices, and guest experiences to remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace.
- Participate in Sales and Revenue meetings, identifying sales opportunities, obstacles and competitive challenges, and recommending strategies and practices to improve performance.
- While golf group sales will be the primary focus, assist with corporate meetings, social events, association business, and other group market segments, including event detailing, as business needs and sales priorities dictate.
- Support the Call Center/Front Desk throughout the year as business needs dictate, including assisting with hotel, golf, and dining reservations and occasional hotel check-ins.
- Perform special projects and cross-departmental assignments, particularly during the resort’s off-season, and assist other departments as needed at the direction of the COO.
SUCCESS FACTORS
- A genuine understanding of and passion for the game of golf is essential, with the ability to enthusiastically and credibly sell the golf experience to prospective clients and groups.
- PGA Membership or experience within the golf industry is a plus.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to understand each client’s goals and translate them into a well-planned, memorable golf and resort experience.
- Strong sales orientation with the drive to prospect, close business, achieve revenue goals, and build long-term client relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a professional and engaging presence when working with clients, guests, Members, and associates.
- Able to manage multiple clients, events, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and strong follow-through.
- Anticipates client and operational needs, identifies potential issues, and takes initiative to solve problems before they impact the guest experience.
- Comfortable making decisions and responding calmly and professionally to changing circumstances during live events.
- Able to evaluate information from multiple sources, identify key details, and coordinate resources to achieve sales, service, and operational objectives.
- Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and accountability, carrying commitments through from the initial sale to successful event execution.
- Maintains appropriate confidentiality and discretion with client, associate, and company information.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning and utilizing sales, event, golf, lodging, and other resort technology systems.
- A dynamic and collaborative team player who is willing to step outside of traditional job responsibilities and assist throughout the resort as business needs dictate.
- Flexible and willing to work a schedule that reflects client and event needs, including occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Primarily an office-based position requiring prolonged sitting and computer use.
- Regular standing and walking throughout the resort for site tours, client meetings, and event execution.
- Ability to navigate indoor and outdoor areas, including golf courses, event spaces, and uneven terrain.
- Day-of events may require extended periods of standing and walking.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions as needed.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
BENEFITS
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits package for full-time/year-round staff, including health, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance; pet insurance; and a 401k retirement plan.
- Paid time-off for full- and part-time associates.
- Option for pay-as-you-earn with Dayforce Wallet.
- Opportunity to work in a stunning resort setting with access to recreational facilities and free golf on three signature courses.
- Encouraging and supportive work environment that values creativity and teamwork.
- Potential for professional growth within a dynamic hospitality organization.
- All seasonal and year-round staff receive benefits including complimentary golf, discounts at our dining facilities and Pro Shop, reduced greens fees for your foursome, special hotel rates for friends & family, monthly associate golf tournaments, fitness center discounts, and more.
ABOUT DESTINATION GENEVA NATIONAL
Based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin’s premier resort town, Destination Geneva National has made legendary golf a tradition for more than 30 years in Southeast Wisconsin. Here Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino each carved out a signature course as timeless as the game itself. From 54 holes of the finest risk-reward golf, award-winning dining, and upscale on-course lodging and the 146-room Lodge Geneva National, Destination GN continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of today's golfer, traveler and foodie. For more information, visit destinationgn.com.
NOTE: This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technology developments) dictate.
Destination GN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
