The Event Sales Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn Champaign Urbana will be responsible for preparing all event documentation and coordinating with Sales, property departments, and guests to ensure consistent, high-level service throughout the pre-event, event, and post event phases of property events. Additionally, this role ensures for a seamless turnover from sales to service back to sales and recognizes opportunities to maximize revenue by upselling and offering enhancements to create outstanding events. Responsibilities: •Solve problems and suggest alternatives to previous arrangements if necessary•Lead pre-event and post-event meetings for assigned groups•Identify operational challenges associated with groups and works with the property team members and guests to solve these challenges and develop alternative solutions as needed•Manage client budgets to maximize revenue and meet client needs•Oversee guest experience from file turnover through the post event phase until the turnover back to Sales Department•Manage group room blocks and meeting space for assigned groups•Adhere to all standards, policies, and procedures•Celebrate successes and publicly recognizes the contributions of team members•Up-sell products and services throughout the event process•Participate in customer site inspections and assists with the sales process when needed•Act as liaison between salesperson and client throughout the event process•Manage revenue and profitability associated with events•Forecast group sleeping rooms and event revenue for groups•Review billing and payments with clients•Handle guest problems and complaints•Greet client during the event phase and hand-off to the operations team for the execution of details•Strive to improve service performance•Set a positive example for guest relations•Coordinate and communicate verbally and in writing with customer (internal and external) regarding event detailsRequirements: •High school degree (or equivalency) with Hotel/College training preferred•Previous Restaurant or Hotel Food and Beverage experience preferred•Solid understanding of banquet revenue generation •Creative and innovative, as well as proactive and customer-oriented•High energy and outgoing personality•Organizational skills and attention to detail•Diplomatic team player•Excellent communication skills both written and oral•Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, event management software and customer management platform•Excellent time management•Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment•An aptitude for self-motivation •A can-do attitude and a hands-on approach•A flexible schedule that allows availability days, nights, holidays, and weekends based on the demands of the hotel