Now Hiring - Homestead Gardens, Inc. - Event Venue Sales & Operations Manager in Davidsonville, MD

Full description of the position

Do you thrive at the intersection of sales, planning, and execution? Homestead Gardens is seeking an Event Venue Sales & Operations Manager to grow our event business while ensuring flawless delivery of unforgettable experiences across our garden venues. This role is ideal for a hands-on professional who enjoys closing business, coordinating details, and seeing events through from first inquiry to final breakdown. * About the Role The Event Venue Sales & Operations Manager is responsible for driving event- related revenue while overseeing the operational coordination of events hosted at Homestead Gardens. This role owns the full event lifecycle--lead generation, client consultation, contracting, planning, and operational handoff--ensuring each event aligns with business goals, brand standards, and operational capabilities. You will serve as the primary commercial and planning point of contact, partnering closely with internal teams and approved vendors to deliver exceptional guest experiences. * Key Responsibilities Event Sales & Business Development * Proactively generate, qualify, and manage leads for private, corporate, and public events. * Conduct client consultations to understand event goals, budgets, timelines, and expectations. * Present venue options, packages, pricing, and add-on services to maximize revenue. * Prepare proposals, estimates, and contracts; negotiate terms as appropriate. * Close bookings and manage a sales pipeline to meet or exceed revenue targets. * Build strong relationships with repeat clients, corporate partners, and referral sources. Client Relationship Management * Serve as the primary point of contact from initial inquiry through event completion. * Communicate clearly regarding availability, pricing, policies, timelines, and venue guidelines. * Manage client expectations and ensure alignment between sold events and operational realities. * Address client questions related to contracts, payments, logistics, and event requirements. Event Operations & Execution * Lead event planning logistics including timelines, layouts, staffing needs, vendor coordination, and day-of requirements. * Develop and distribute detailed event orders, timelines, and run-of-show documents. * Coordinate with internal teams (operations, facilities, food & beverage, retail, and marketing) to ensure readiness. * Oversee on-site event execution as needed, serving as the point person for clients and vendors. * Ensure events comply with safety standards, permits, and venue policies. * Conduct post-event follow-up, billing reconciliation, and client feedback reviews. Internal & Vendor Collaboration * Partner with operations, facilities, and marketing teams to ensure accurate offerings and pricing. * Maintain relationships with preferred vendors and manage vendor onboarding as needed. * Ensure smooth transitions from sales to execution with complete documentation and expectations. Marketing & Lead Generation Support * Collaborate with marketing to promote venue offerings through digital, social, and onsite channels. * Assist in developing event packages, pricing structures, sales tools, and seasonal promotions. * Participate in site tours, open houses, showcases, and promotional events. Sales Performance, Budgeting & Reporting * Track sales activity, booking conversions, and revenue performance. * Manage pricing strategies to ensure event profitability. * Provide regular sales and event performance reports and forecasts to leadership. * Identify trends and recommend improvements to increase bookings, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, Event Management, or related field preferred. * 3+ years of experience in event venue sales, event operations, hospitality, or business development. * Proven ability to meet or exceed revenue targets while managing multiple events simultaneously. * Strong negotiation, planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and time management. * Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for events and site tours. * Preferred Experience * Experience managing weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, or large-scale events. * Background in hospitality, retail, or destination-style venues. * Familiarity with CRM systems, event booking software, and event planning tools. * Knowledge of digital and social media marketing related to event promotion and lead generation. * Why Homestead Gardens Homestead Gardens offers a distinctive, nature-inspired event setting where thoughtful sales, strong planning, and seamless execution come together. If you enjoy owning the full event experience--from booking to breakdown--and delivering exceptional moments in a beautiful environment, we encourage you to apply.