Sales and Office Manager

Sales & Office Manager

La Crosse Queen Cruises | La Crosse, Wisconsin

For nearly 50 years, the La Crosse Queen has been one of Wisconsin's most iconic attractions, welcoming thousands of guests aboard our authentic paddlewheel boat for sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, private charters, and unforgettable events on the Mississippi River. The La Crosse Queen has been in business for over 50 years, starting in the summer of 1976.

We are looking for an energetic, outgoing, and highly organized Sales & Office Manager who is who would enjoy creating exceptional guest experiences in a fast-paced tourism and hospitality business.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, growing business, being a leader and thinking creatively. The successful candidate will oversee our sales office while helping expand group business, special events, and community partnerships.

Position Summary

The Sales & Office Manager serves as the operational hub of the La Crosse Queen, overseeing sales, reservations, office administration, marketing initiatives, and guest relations while supporting daily operations.

This individual will work closely with the President, Captain, and ownership group to grow revenue, improve efficiencies, and ensure every guest enjoys a first-class experience from their first phone call until they step off the boat.

Primary Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Grow private charter, group tour, wedding, corporate, school, and special event sales.
• Respond promptly to sales inquiries and guide clients from initial inquiry through event completion.
• Develop relationships with hotels, tour operators, convention groups, local businesses, schools, attractions, and tourism organizations.
• Represent the La Crosse Queen at community events, tourism meetings, trade shows, and networking opportunities.
• Identify new revenue opportunities and develop creative cruise offerings, promotions, and seasonal events.
• Monitor booking trends and recommend pricing and promotional strategies.

Marketing & Community Engagement

• Develop campaigns that increase ticket sales and brand awareness while preserving the remarkable history and reputation the company has.
• Assist with social media content, email marketing, promotions, and special event advertising.
• Develop local partnerships that strengthen the La Crosse Queen's presence throughout the region.
• Help maintain a positive public image through exceptional customer service and community involvement.

Office Management & Administration

• Oversee all daily office operations including reservations, ticket sales, customer communications, and administrative functions.
• Manage the online reservation system, event calendar, and cruise schedules.
• Prepare contracts, invoices, proposals, and client correspondence.
• Ensure accurate reporting, record keeping, billing, deposits, and financial reconciliation.
• Maintain organized office systems and continually improve administrative processes.
• Available for opening and closing shifts.

Guest Experience

• Ensure every guest receives friendly, professional, first-class service.
• Assist guests in person, by phone, and online.
• Resolve guest concerns quickly and professionally.
• Help create memorable experiences that generate repeat business and positive reviews.

Leadership

• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and mentoring seasonal employees.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented workplace culture.
• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
• Communicate effectively with office staff, vessel crew, vendors, and corporate leadership.

Operational Support

• Work closely with the Captain and vessel crew to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Assist with boarding, special events, ticket office operations, and dockside activities as needed.
• Support Coast Guard compliance, safety procedures, and company policies.
• Help coordinate cruise schedules and operational logistics.

What We're Looking For

We're searching for someone who naturally enjoys meeting people, building relationships, and helping businesses grow.

The ideal candidate is:

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Friendly, outgoing, and relationship-driven
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently
• Passionate about hospitality and tourism
• Creative and always looking for new opportunities
• Professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Flexible and willing to pitch in wherever needed

Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• Experience in hospitality, tourism, event planning, hotel sales, attractions, or customer service management
• Experience in sales, business development, office management, or event coordination
• Basic accounting skills and money handling
• Experience with reservations, online booking platform and reporting systems
• Marketing or social media experience
• Supervisory or leadership experience preferred
• Must live within 30 minutes of La Crosse area.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Working in the marine business requires candidate to be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Able to safely navigate vessels, docks, gangways, stairs, and non-typical office settings including confined spaces.
• Enjoys an active work environment that requires frequent walking, standing, and moving throughout the day.
• Willing to assist in various operational areas as business needs require.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced marine environment where every day brings new challenges.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Education

Bachelor's or associate degree in Business, Hospitality, Tourism, Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered.

Schedule

This is a full-time, year-round position.

During the operating season (approximately April through October), expect a flexible schedule averaging 45-55 hours per week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

During the off-season, work hours average 30-35 hours per week, focusing on sales, marketing, planning, and business development.

Growth Opportunity

This position is designed for someone looking to build a long-term career in the hospitality and tourism industry. The successful candidate will work alongside company leadership, gaining valuable operational and leadership experience with the opportunity to advance into the role of General Manager as the business continues to grow.

Compensation & Benefits

We recognize that exceptional team members are the foundation of our success and are proud to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Full-time salaried position
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Voluntary Supplemental Insurance options
• Paid Vacation and Paid Time Off
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• A unique, rewarding work environment where no two days are the same

Why Join the La Crosse Queen?

This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to build a career. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working aboard one of La Crosse's most iconic attractions. We are committed to investing in our people and fostering professional development. The Best Events are on the Water!

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Location:

• La Crosse, WI 54601 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000