At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Under general supervision, develop and manage client relationships for external corporate events and internal departments with an emphasis on event development for live, virtual and hybrid events. Meet and/or exceed the events attendance and revenue goals by selling the Aquarium based on our mission and proactively upselling event options. Develop sales leads and update/maintain client database. Manage all aspects of event planning, manage oversight of event execution and provide support at live events. Accountable for success of full event. Perform other duties as required.
Core Activities:
- Negotiate corporate event contracts, admission, food, and beverage minimums directly with clients to maximize revenue.
- Develop sales leads from potential clients beginning with initial contact, through a process that includes phone meetings, site visits and email communications to signed contracts and night of event management.
- Create logistics and collateral that are paramount for the successful execution of events including but not limited to event summaries, Banquet Event Orders, and event diagrams.
- Resolve unexpected live event issues/challenges.
- Provide creative solutions for event details to accommodate client requirements while simultaneously upholding the aquarium’s mission and conservation efforts.
- Coordinate cross-functional internal resources and logistics to ensure accuracy of event details.
- Negotiate pricing with external event subcontractors/vendors on behalf of the organization for internal events.
- Manage onsite event logistics for complex events including subcontractors, external vendors, and internal departments.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
- Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- Professionally represent the Aquarium to prospective clients as an educational and entertainment event facility; hold a level of professionalism to work with C-Suite executives
- Minimum 3 years event and catering sales experience
- Able to maintain highly organized and deadline-oriented tasks and goals
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to changes
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written
- Excellent time management and delegation skills
- Computer proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet
- Experience with a customer database, Caterease and Salesforce, Social Tables, Tessitura experience preferred
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills
- Related zoo/aquarium/museum experience preferred
- Experience in Zoom or other digital platforms preferred
- Flexible schedule to work nights and weekends
- Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
- Typical office equipment
- Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
- Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
- Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events
Annual Compensation Range:
$58,800-$72,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
Qualifications - Education - Preferred:
- Associates or better.
- Bachelors or better.
- High School or better.