Visualize developing and promoting custom event packages including all the special details for a guest's dream wedding being held at Brookfield Zoo. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in a room filled with elegant wedding decorations and colorful fresh flowers followed by an exquisite plated dinner prepared by our world-class culinary team and ending with ballroom dancing in a beautiful outdoor pavilion. It truly is an exotic venue where guests may visit amazing animals from around the world or simply stroll through our beautifully landscaped grounds. Our top-notch catering and culinary team offer the highest quality of service to our guests for various events from weddings, birthday parties, business meetings, black-tie events, fundraisers, ceremonies, picnics and countless others.

As Sales Manager, Catering, you will utilize your prior sales experience to implement sales strategies with the Director of Catered Events and promote custom event packages for prospective clients. This includes working with clients to determine what services or menu items are to be available at what cost, performing cost/benefit analyses of custom event packages, and encouraging the use of facilities while promoting our full range of services available with a focus on optimal revenue generation and exceptional customer service. Making use of your effective sales techniques, you will research customer inquiries and potential clients, develop priority lists and initiate contacts to aggressively and systematically pursue external groups and audiences to utilize facilities for picnics, corporate meetings, social events, weddings, trade shows, etc. In doing so, you will represents the Society and Catered Events Department to external audiences in an enthusiastic, persuasive, and professional manner. Drawing upon your strong organizational skills, you will communicate client specifications, needs, event details, and customer/department expectations to events planning and logistical staff, coordinate with the events planning staff to assure optimal customer satisfaction and conduct proper follow-up with clients upon completion of their events. As Sales Manager, Catering, you will also develop new markets and relevant sales tools, pursue designated groups to increase facility usage by targeted markets, assist in the development of marketing, advertising publication, etc., to effectively represent programs and services to the public.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include:

• Associates degree in Business Administration, Marketing or related field, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.


• Minimum of five years relevant sales and customer service experience in a hotel, banquet, special events or similar venue required.


• Must have experience with effective sales techniques.


• Must have computer proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word.


• Must possess excellent communications and interpersonal skills and ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff and audiences.


• Strong customer services skills required.


• Must possess strong organizational skills. Attention to detail and accuracy a must.


• Must have a safe and reliable transportation for local travel.


• Demonstrated experience successfully coordinating multiple projects and activities.


• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.


• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

The desirable/preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in a non-profit organization a plus.


• Experience with catering software preferred.


• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: This position requires a motivated, energetic, and creative sales professional who is committed to the growth of events sales program. This position is incentive bonus eligible. Incumbent must have a polished, professional appearance and demeanor and exceptional interpersonal skills. Incumbent must be available to travel locally and work evenings and weekends.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.