About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Conference Sales Manager is responsible for finalizing group business while maximizing conference/banquet space to meet and exceed sales goals. Solicits, negotiates and books new and repeat business. Performs outside sales calls and visits, sends promotional mailings, and attends networking events locally and regionally for the UMass Amherst Campus and Mt. Ida Campus. Works closely with Conference Services coordination and registration staff as well as Summer Conference Housing to collaboratively achieve goals.
Essential Functions
- Identify, contact, and sell University Conference Services to potential clients. Maximize sales of dining, catering, hotel, registration, and housing services.
- Travel to perform outside sales calls and visits, attend tradeshows, and foster partnerships locally and regionally. Drive on UMass Amherst campus to visit appropriate locations as well as Mt. Ida Campus in Newton, MA.
- Negotiate and prepare contracts between clients and the University of Massachusetts, prepare conference budgets, and tentatively schedule and arrange all facilities, goods and services requested during contract negotiation.
- Track lost business and work to recoup such business. Track and work to retain repeat business.
- Communicate conference details to coordination and registration staff in an accurate and timely manner.
- Develop sales presentations for university staff and faculty and for non-University groups interested in holding conferences at the UMASS Amherst campus.
- Create, update, and maintain the Conference Services sales materials and other marketing materials for new or potential clients.
- Assist with the overall UCS marketing plan in conjunction with the Director of Sales.
- Represent University Conference Services at trade shows and conferences. Gather marketing statistics relevant to the sales area.
- Evaluate and track conference sales and marketing efforts using appropriate industry standards.
- Foster positive working relationships with service providers including, Dining Services, Campus Center Hotel, Mullins Center, Athletics, Housing Services, Academic Scheduling, Parking Services, Physical Plant, Health Services, and local businesses.
- Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative action and non-discrimination goals and customer focused quality services.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- A Bachelor’s Degree in the hospitality industry, business, sales and marketing, or related field of study and at least 4 (four) years’ experience in the hospitality industry OR an Associate’s degree in the hospitality industry, business, sales and marketing OR related field of study and at least 6 (six) years’ experience in the hospitality industry.
- A valid Class D driver's license and reliable vehicle for travel.
- Sales and marketing experience, event planning experience, budget experience, and supervisory experience required.
- Must be detailed oriented and possess strong people skills.
- Strong written and verbal skills required.
- Knowledge of windows-based software required.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Experience in an academic or non-profit business strongly preferred.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Requires the ability to carry, push, pull, stand, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift and travel to other campuses.
Work Schedule
- Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
- Must have availability to work occasional nights, weekends, holidays, and travel as business needs dictate.
Salary Information
Level 26
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.