Job Overview
Aspire is one of East Tennessee’s premier event destinations, known for elevated design, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences. We are seeking a polished and strategic Event Venue Sales Manager to drive venue revenue, expand market presence, and cultivate high-value client relationships.
This role is focused on networking, event venue sales, business development, and luxury client engagement. The ideal candidate brings an established professional network and active client relationships within the corporate, social, and/or luxury event market, supported by a proven portfolio of successfully booked and executed events. This individual is a refined venue sales professional with a strong hospitality background and a passion for representing an upscale brand.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Leadership & Business Development
- Proactively source and secure new business across weddings, corporate events, galas, and social celebrations throughout the greater Knoxville and East Tennessee region.
- Leverage an established professional network and existing client relationships to accelerate venue sales and drive sustained revenue growth.
- Build and maintain high-level relationships with corporate executives, community organizations, and referral partners.
- Respond promptly to inquiries, qualify leads, and convert prospects into booked events.
- Conduct polished, compelling venue tours that highlight Aspire’s elevated ambiance and unique offerings.
- Craft customized proposals, negotiate contracts, and close sales with a luxury hospitality approach.
- Develop and execute targeted sales strategies to meet and exceed monthly and annual revenue goals.
- Maintain a robust prospect pipeline using CRM tools, ensuring consistent follow-up and engagement.
- Represent Aspire at professional networking events and curated industry functions to elevate brand visibility.
Brand Representation & Client Experience
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients from initial inquiry through contract signing, embodying Aspire’s service-forward brand values.
- Provide white-glove customer service throughout the sales process, ensuring every interaction feels thoughtful, personal, and high-end.
- Communicate venue capabilities, packages, offerings, and policies clearly and professionally.
- Maintain ongoing communication to ensure client confidence and alignment throughout the planning process.
- Foster long-term client loyalty that results in repeat bookings and referrals.
- Partner with preferred East Tennessee vendors and community collaborators to enhance Aspire’s reputation and expand referral networks.
Sales Strategy & Market Growth
- Stay current on Aspire’s amenities, menu options, policies, and event capabilities to accurately represent offerings.
- Recommend pricing adjustments, packages, and promotional strategies based on client feedback and market behavior.
- Analyze sales metrics, market trends, competitors, and industry insights to identify growth opportunities.
- Assist in the development of marketing initiatives, promotional packages, and targeted campaigns to increase awareness and booking volume.
- Gather client testimonials, photos, and success stories to support ongoing marketing efforts.
- Create and maintain strong relationships with tourism boards, business groups, and regional organizations to support market expansion.
- Contribute to long-term revenue planning and annual sales forecasts.
Administrative & Financial Responsibilities
- Prepare contracts, collect deposits, and ensure timely payment schedules.
- Track sales metrics and generate weekly and monthly reports for leadership and the Board.
- Maintain accurate CRM records, inquiry logs, and client communication notes.
- Monitor booking calendars to maximize venue utilization and minimize scheduling conflicts.
Operational Collaboration
- Provide the operations and coordination team with timely, accurate booking details and contracts to ensure a smooth internal handoff to the Banquet Manager.
- Participate in occasional pre-booking conversations to help set expectations before transferring clients to the coordination team.
- Support communication consistency between sales and operations without direct management of event logistics.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
- 5 + years of successful experience in event sales, hospitality sales, or luxury service industries.
- Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed revenue goals.
- Proven portfolio of successfully booked and executed corporate and social events.
- Existing relationships with corporate planners, social hosts, community organizations, or regional partners strongly preferred.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and skilled at managing a high-volume sales pipeline.
- Experience using CRM platforms and digital sales tools.
- Availability to attend site tours, networking functions, and evening/weekend appointments as needed.
Core Competencies
- Sales-driven mindset with a luxury-service approach
- Strong networking and business development instincts
- Polished communication and presentation abilities
- Strategic thinking and goal-oriented execution
- Professionalism, poise, and hospitality-first demeanor
- Commitment to upholding Aspire’s high service standards
- If you have a passion for creating memorable experiences through well-executed events and possess the required skills, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as an Event Coordinator.
Core Competencies
- Sales-driven mindset with a luxury-service approach
- Strong networking and business development instincts
- Polished communication and presentation abilities
- Strategic thinking and goal-oriented execution
- Professionalism, poise, and hospitality-first demeanor
- Commitment to upholding Aspire’s high service standards
- Compensation & Incentives $55K-$58K per year plus 1% commission rate or $35,000 per year plus a higher 4 % commission rate
- Aspire offers an attractive, performance-driven compensation structure that includes a competitive base salary plus commission. The commission plan is designed to reward candidates who can leverage existing relationships while continuing to build new business. Total compensation is commensurate with experience, proven sales performance, and the strength of the candidate’s professional network.
Benefits
- Aspire provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional success of our team, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- A collaborative, supportive leadership environment
- Opportunities for professional growth within an elevated, service-focused organization
- Schedule
- Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as event demands require
- Availability to ensure leadership presence during peak event periods and key client engagements
Why Aspire
- Represent an elevated, upscale venue known for excellence and style
- Opportunity to influence growth in the East Tennessee event market
- Supportive leadership team committed to quality, professionalism, and high standards
- A refined environment where creativity, relationships, and results are valued
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Clinton, TN 37716 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
