Events Sales Lead

Job Details Job Location: The Ecology Center - San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time Education Level: High School/GED Salary Range: $24.00 - $26.00 Hourly Travel Percentage: None Job Shift: Any Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service The Ecology Center is a nonprofit community farm and cultural center located on a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified farm in San Juan Capistrano, California. Through regenerative agriculture, ecological education, nourishing food, and community engagement, we cultivate practical solutions for a healthier, more abundant future. Our work is grounded in a shared commitment to collaboration, stewardship, and meaningful impact. POSITION SUMMARY Our farm and event spaces offer a unique setting for special private gatherings; corporate gathering, family celebrations, and community events, set against a backdrop of our working Regenerative Organic Farm and community cultural center. We're looking for a Private Event Sales Lead to grow and manage our private events business while upholding the values and mission at the heart of our organization. The Private Event Sales Lead is responsible for driving revenue and building relationships through the full private event sales cycle, from first inquiry through contract signature and site coordination. This role serves as the primary point of contact for prospective clients and works closely with our culinary team, vendors, and operations staff to ensure every event reflects The Ecology Center's standards for quality, sustainability, and hospitality. This is an ideal role for someone who is equal parts relationship-builder, organizer, and closer, someone who can guide a client from "just looking" to a signed contract, then make sure every detail lands correctly on event day. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Sales & Inquiry Management Respond promptly and professionally to all private event inquiries (phone, email, web form) Qualify leads, understand client needs, and match them to appropriate spaces, dates, and packages Maintain an organized pipeline of active inquiries, proposals, and follow-ups Track and report on inquiry volume, conversion rates, and booked revenue Contracts & Proposals Prepare and send customized event proposals and pricing estimates Draft, negotiate, and finalize event contracts in line with organizational policies Manage deposits, payment schedules, and cancellation terms Keep contract templates and pricing sheets current Site Visits & Client Experience Host prospective clients for property tours and site visits Walk clients through logistics: capacity, layout options, timing, weather contingencies, and farm-specific considerations (e.g., livestock, active growing areas, seasonal conditions) Serve as the client's main point of contact leading up to their event Vendor Coordination Maintain and grow a network of approved outside vendors (rentals, entertainment, photography, etc.) Communicate site requirements, load-in/load-out logistics, and insurance/COI requirements to vendors Troubleshoot vendor issues as they arise, before and during events Culinary & Internal Coordination Partner closely with the culinary team to align on menus, guest counts, dietary needs, and farm-to-table sourcing requirements tied to seasonal harvests Communicate event details, timelines, and special requests clearly to kitchen, operations, and grounds staff Coordinate run-of-show logistics and staffing needs with internal teams ahead of each event Attend events as needed to oversee execution and troubleshoot in real time Teamwork & Shared Stewardship Coordinate daily priorities, assignments, and operational needs with the appropriate supervisor. Maintain organized, safe, and well-prepared work areas, tools, systems, and materials. Follow established procedures, quality standards, and applicable workplace requirements. Communicate clearly with colleagues, supervisors, guests, and community partners as appropriate. SUPERVISION, COLLABORATION & CONFLICT RESOLUTION This position reports to To be confirmed by Human Resources. The role provides the operational support, coordination, leadership, or supervision specifically assigned to the position. Formal hiring, discipline, performance evaluation, and other employment decisions apply only when expressly authorized. Key collaborators include Culinary leadership and kitchen teams; Farm Share; Farm Operations; Engagement; Commissary; and event staff, when applicable. Employees are expected to communicate respectfully, address concerns constructively, practice active listening, and contribute to a workplace grounded in trust and shared stewardship. Unresolved concerns should be elevated through the appropriate management or Human Resources channels. QualificationsRequired 2+ years of experience in event sales, catering sales, venue management, or hospitality Strong track record of managing a sales pipeline from inquiry through close Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident leading site tours and client meetings Experience drafting or managing contracts and proposals Comfortable coordinating across multiple teams (culinary, operations, vendors) under event-day pressure Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to juggle multiple events at different stages simultaneously Availability to work some evenings and weekends for site visits and events Preferred Experience in a nonprofit, regenerative farm, mission-driven, or community-centered workplace. Familiarity with culinary operations, café service, farm-to-table food, hospitality, and food safety. Experience collaborating with teams across multiple departments. Relevant certifications, specialized training, or technical skills related to the position. Bilingual English and Spanish communication skills, when useful for the role. Comfort using the tools, equipment, software, or communication systems required for the position. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position works in a farm-based environment that may include kitchens, cafés, production spaces, event areas, and guest-facing locations. Willing to work outdoors. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Safely lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds, with assistance or reasonable accommodation when appropriate. Work in active kitchen, bakery, commissary, event, or hospitality environments as assigned. Use assigned kitchen, production, service, or sanitation equipment in accordance with safety procedures. CULTURE & CORE VALUES The Ecology Center values a workplace rooted in care, connection, and shared responsibility. Team members bring our mission to life through collaboration, stewardship, and meaningful impact. Learn by Doing Be Part of the Solution Collaborate for Change Give More Than We Take Be Here Now BENEFITS Eligible employees may have access to: Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement plan participation. Paid sick leave and other applicable paid time off. Employee discounts at the Farm Stand and Cafe. Professional growth in a collaborative, mission-driven, farm-based environment. Benefits are subject to employee eligibility, applicable plan terms, and organizational policies. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace. Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, individual qualifications, and job-related criteria without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. JOB DESCRIPTION ACKNOWLEDGMENT This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the position. It does not include every possible duty, and responsibilities may be adjusted based on organizational needs. Employment remains at will unless otherwise established through an authorized written agreement. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Ecology Center