Job Description

Under supervision of the Director of Conference Services, represent the Luskin Conference Center within its client base and assigned target market. Incumbent services to the market it sells: groups between 10 and a designated number of peak rooms. Analyze current client base and target market for the LCC. Reach out to organizations that might require the services of the LCC for conferences and events. Dedicate time to direct telephone sales including cold calls, prospecting calls and account management calls. Attend trade shows pertinent to assigned areas and markets. Rework and maintain old account files and solicit new accounts. Oversee distribution of sales materials and proposals to target client base. Meet with representatives from these organizations. Set up and conduct site inspections for the entire property. Negotiate and write detailed contracts, determine clients’ needs and prepare written proposals that include rooms, food and beverage and service requirements. Work with clients from the sales process and act as the Conference Services Manager for their programs. Overcome hesitations of clients to close a sale. Book meetings and conferences from assigned areas in order to meet established room night, revenue and food and beverage goals from the assigned territory. Create bookings in the Delphi Sales and Catering system. Create BEO’s. Provide exemplary customer service skills while interacting with team members, meeting planners and guests in a high volume, fast-paced environment. Stay abreast of industry trends and make recommendation of changes, which would affect operations.

Must be available to work varying schedules; including evenings, weekends, holidays and over time in order to reflect the business needs of the department.

The target salary range for this position is between the posted minimum and $34 hourly.

Job Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to close sales and negotiate large dollar volume financial contracts.
Required

Excellent customer service skills.
Required

Proficiency in the English language sufficient to interact effectively and graciously with clients, to write clear and grammatically business correspondence such as proposals, memorandums, and event orders.
Required

Effective public-speaking skills to conduct sales presentations and site inspections.
Required

Skill in prioritizing and organizing assignments when faced with a heavy workload, deadlines, and compelling requests for service.
Required

Interpersonal skills to work diplomatically and effectively with a diverse public clientele, University officials, colleagues, and students.
Required

Working knowledge of catering, banquets and conferencing business, including menu- planning, current trends in food and entertaining, basic room set-ups and capacities, and audio/visual equipment.
Required

Ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction.
Required

Analytical skills sufficient to contribute to marketing & sales strategic plans.
Required

Typing skills to prepare business correspondence with speed and accuracy.
Required

Accounting and arithmetical skills needed to prepare cost estimates, proposals, and billing explanations.
Required

Ability to maintain workflow with changing priorities, frequent interruptions, and conflicting deadlines.
Required

Ability to work with detail, prepare and review a large volume of work rapidly and accurately.
Required

Demonstrated skill in working as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
Required

Skill in operating standard office equipment such as personal computer, fax and photocopy machines.
Required

Working knowledge of Delphi, Excel and Word Software.
Required

Physical mobility sufficient to effectively conduct site tours, service meetings and event walk-throughs.
Required

General/ working knowledge of University accounting forms and policies sufficient to accomplish standard departmental accounting transactions. (UCLA specific knowledge is preferred).
Required

Ability to encourage and motivate individuals to work together to achieve department’s goals and objectives.
Required

Two years of prior experience in hotel and/or event sales.
Required