This position is responsible for generating rental opportunities and converting qualified leads into successfully booked events at the RP Funding Center. The role involves actively pursuing new business through proactive outreach and responding to inquiries from event organizers, businesses, associations, community groups, and leads generated from trade shows.

The individual in this role will work collaboratively with local partners and stakeholders to position the RP Funding Center as the premier venue for events in the region. They will ensure all prospective clients receive timely, professional communication and support throughout the booking process—from initial inquiry to confirmed contract.

This role requires both proactive and cold outreach to generate new business and a commitment to responding to 100% of incoming leads in order to maximize booking opportunities.

• Manages sales efforts for meetings, conventions, and special events, primarily generated through digital marketing, tourism partners, and the venue’s reputation.
• Develops a system to prioritize and respond to incoming event inquiries efficiently, focusing on customer service and conversion.
• Collaborates with Visit Central Florida, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, the in-house catering team, and hotel partners to align on shared referrals and promotions.
• Builds relationships with industry professionals, local event organizers, and association planners who express interest in booking the facility.
• Works with the marketing team to ensure consistent messaging and visibility that drives high-quality inbound inquiries.
• Creates proposals, conducts site tours, and delivers customized presentations to prospective clients who have expressed interest.
• Gathers client requirements, prepares contracts, and finalizes booking details in line with organizational goals and standards.
• Maintains a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track communications, lead progress, and follow-ups.
• Provides reports, updates, and insights to leadership on sales trends, conversion rates, and revenue opportunities.
• Assists in representing the RP Funding Center at industry events to increase visibility and attract potential leads, without direct cold selling.
• Monitors event progress and provides immediate assistance to ensure all activities contribute to a successful outcome.
• May be required to participate and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements. 
• May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department. 
• Position designated as Mission Critical. 

• May attend conferences, networking events, and professional development workshops to remain informed of industry trends and best practices.
• Performs related work as required.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in venue sales, event planning, or a similar environment.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Experience working with CRM platforms (such as Momentus), digital marketing teams, and tourism or hospitality partners is preferred.
• Strong preference for candidates with demonstrated success in relationship-based sales.
• This position will require out-of-town travel and overnight stays as required.

• Knowledge of basic math and reading.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of convention sales management and the hospitality industry with an understanding of marketing, sales techniques, and meeting management.
• Knowledge of market demographics, advertising layout, and media buying.
• Strong knowledge of relationship-based strategies.
• Knowledge of the hospitality, convention, tourism, and meeting planning industries.
• Ability to analyze lead sources, qualify prospects, and tailor proposals to client needs.
• Ability to write and prepare advertising copy/art for print and electronic media ads.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and/or stringent schedules and produce accurate results.
• Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.
• High attention to detail with the ability to draft accurate contracts and proposals.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively with others in both oral and written form in the English language.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of creating, developing, implementing, and evaluating advertising, marketing, public relations, and promotional programs.
• Knowledge of office equipment and computers with proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Momentus preferred).
• Ability to work occasional nights, weekends, or holidays for event coverage or client needs.

• Requires office-based sales work that involves driving, walking, or standing sometimes, exerting up to 20 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.
• The job regularly uses computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
• The job risks exposure to no significant environmental hazards or bright/dim light.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.