Event Sales Manager

Description:Established in 2023 and located in Naples, Florida, The Gate Golf Club ("The Gate") is a non-profit organization driven by a shared love for golf and a commitment to creating a lasting impact on the community. Scheduled to open in late 2026, The Gate consists of a 175-seat freestanding full-service restaurant, pavilion bar, concessions snack bar, 30-bay state-of-the-art practice range with Trackman technology, expansive putting course, and a Jacobsen-Hardy-designed 9-hole regulation-length golf course. Recognizing the limited availability of public courses in Southwest Florida, The Gate is dedicated to making the sport more accessible for families and players of all skill levels. Reporting to the General Manager, the Event Sales Manager will interact frequently with department heads to execute The Gate's mission. The Gate strives to accomplish three things: provide high-quality experiences at affordable rates to members of the greater Naples (SWFL) community, educate and train the next generation of the hospitality and golf workforce, and introduce junior golfers to the game through the integration of First Tee programming. This role is ideal for a hospitality sales professional who thrives on building relationships, creating new business opportunities, and delivering exceptional experiences from the first inquiry through event execution. The Event Sales Manager will serve as the primary sales leader for all group and event businesses while working closely with golf operations, food and beverage, and club leadership. This role is responsible for driving event revenue by managing the complete sales cycle, including prospecting, lead generation, venue tours, proposal development, contract execution, and client relationship management. This position plays a critical role in expanding The Gate's presence within the Naples and Southwest Florida business, nonprofit, and social event communities. Requirements: Culture Understand the core pillars of The Gate and proactively drives the business to accomplish the missionUphold professionalism and integrity in all interactions, on and off propertyLead by example to inspire team morale, guest satisfaction, and operational excellenceEssential Duties and Responsibilities Drive revenue growth; Manage inbound event inquiries and proactively generate new business opportunitiesDevelop relationships with local businesses, event planners, wedding professionals, charitable organizations, and community leadersProspect and secure golf tournaments, corporate outings, fundraisers, weddings, banquets, and special eventsConduct site tours and presentations showcasing the club's event and golf amenitiesPrepare proposals, pricing packages, contracts, and event agreementsMaximize revenue opportunities through upselling food and beverage, golf experiences, and event enhancementsBuild long-term client relationships that generate repeat business and referralsDeliver exceptional Client ExperiencesServe as the primary point of contact throughout the planning processGuide clients from initial inquiry through successful event completionPartner with golf operations and food and beverage teams to ensure flawless executionMaintain accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), event timelines, and communication recordsConduct post-event follow-up to ensure satisfaction and identify future opportunitiesStrengthen community engagement, representing The Gate at local networking events, chamber functions, trade shows, and community gatheringsBuild strategic partnerships throughout Naples and Southwest FloridaPromote the club as a premier destination for golf tournaments, weddings, corporate events, and social celebrationsIncrease awareness of the club among local businesses, seasonal residents, and community organizationsManage sales performance; Maintain accurate CRM records and sales reporting; Track pipeline activity, conversion rates, and revenue performanceForecast event revenue and booking trends and identify opportunities to improve sales processes and enhance the guest experienceMeet and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue goalsQualifications Minimum of 2–5 years of progressive sales experience in hospitality, golf, events, catering, resorts, hotels, country clubs, or related industriesProven track record of generating revenue and closing businessExperience selling tournaments, banquets, corporate outings, or special events preferredStrong relationship-building and networking skillsProficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and sales reporting toolsExceptional written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment Core Competencies Results Driven; Consistently achieves and exceeds revenue goalsTake ownership of personal performance and business development effortsMaintain a proactive approach to prospecting and account growthCustomer Focused, delivering exceptional service throughout the client journeyBuild trust and long-term relationships with guests and event organizersCreate memorable experiences that drive repeat businessCommunicate clearly and professionally with clients and team membersMaintain detailed event documentation and planning recordsEnsure seamless coordination across all departmentsLead collaboratively and work effectively with golf operations, food and beverage, and administrative teamsSupport club objectives while fostering a positive cultureDemonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability Schedule Requirements This position requires flexibility to support tournaments, corporate outings, and special events. Availability during evenings, weekends, and select holidays is required based on event schedules and business needs. Physical Requirements Ability to move throughout the golf course, clubhouse, event spaces, and banquet facilitiesAbility to stand and walk for extended periods during tournaments and eventsAbility to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionallyAbility to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions common to Southwest Florida This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required. Activities, duties, and responsibilities may change, or new ones may be added at any time, with or without notice.