What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Wedding Sales and Event Manager position at Lanier Islands?
SUMMARY
Drive revenue, build strategic partnerships, and elevate guest experiences by positioning Lanier Islands Resort as a premier destination for weddings and large-scale special events.
This role is primarily focused on wedding and social event sales (approximately 90%), while also leading the development of high-impact special events and festivals (approximately 10%) that increase brand visibility, generate new leads, and create incremental revenue streams.
You will own the full sales lifecycle for weddings from inquiry to contract, while also identifying and cultivating partnerships for unique, large-scale events that bring new audiences to the resort.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Wedding & Social Event Sales (Primary Focus)
- Drive revenue by meeting and exceeding sales goals through converting inquiries into booked weddings and social events
- Own the full sales pipeline: respond to leads, qualify prospects, conduct site tours, and close contracts
- Deliver a high-touch, elevated sales experience that builds trust and excitement with clients
- Maximize revenue by selling venue space, food & beverage minimums, room blocks, and additional resort offerings
- Actively prospect new business through networking, referrals, and local partnerships
- Maintain accurate CRM records, proposals, and contracts using Delphi and related tools
- Partner with operations and conference services teams for seamless handoff post-contract
Special Events & Festival Development (Strategic Focus)
- Identify and secure opportunities for festivals and large-scale events aligned with the resort’s brand and property
- Build and manage relationships with event organizers, negotiating partnerships and revenue-sharing agreements
- Develop marketing strategies to promote events and generate leads for group sales, room nights, and F&B revenue
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, F&B, and operations to execute successful events
- Track performance metrics and evaluating event ROI, adjusting strategy to maximize impact
- Conceptualize innovative, revenue-generating events that drive year-round engagement
QUALIFICATIONS
- Sales-Driven Closer: Proven ability to meet/exceed revenue goals with strong negotiation skills
- Entrepreneurial Thinker: Comfortable building something new and identifying untapped opportunities
- Relationship Builder: Skilled at quickly establishing trust with clients and partners
- Strategic & Creative: Able to balance structured sales processes with big-picture event innovation
- Highly Organized: Manages multiple priorities, leads, and partnerships with strong attention to detail
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in wedding sales, event sales, or hotel/resort sales.
- Experience with CRM systems (Delphi preferred) is a plus.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Ability to effectively communicate with clients, partners, and team members.
- Ability to write professional correspondence, proposals, and contracts.
- Strong presentation skills.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
- Ability to calculate revenue projections, pricing, commissions, and event budgets.
- Understanding of financial metrics related to sales performance and ROI.
REASONING ABILITY
- Ability to analyze sales data and market trends to make strategic decisions.
- Ability to solve complex problems and adapt to changing business needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting of event materials (up to 25 pounds).
- Ability to attend events, site tours, and meetings across the property.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Office and on-site resort environment, including indoor and outdoor event spaces.
- Exposure to varying noise levels during events.
- Flexibility required, including evenings and weekends based on client and event needs.