Group Sales Manager

Department: Business Operations


Job Title: Group Sales Manager


Reports to: Director of Visitor Experience


Direct Reports: Part-Time Group Sales Associates


Position Summary: The Group Sales Manager is responsible for generating revenue and delivering INSPIRED wildlife experiences through the sale of group admission tickets and related products to corporations, businesses, community organizations, travel partners, and other organized non-school groups visiting the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.


As the Zoo's primary point of contact for group ticket sales, this position builds and maintains long-term client relationships, identifies new business opportunities, and delivers exceptional customer service from initial inquiry through visit completion.


The Group Sales Manager develops customized ticket packages, recommends value-added products, manages relationships with third-party ticket distribution partners, oversees the Zoo's birthday party program, and leads the Group Sales team. This is a s ales-focused position centered on growing attendance and revenue through group admissions and strategic partnerships.


Responsibilities/Duties (include, but are not limited to):

Group Sales & Business Development

• Serve as the Zoo's primary sales representative for all non-school group admission sales.
• Prospect, develop, and maintain relationships with corporations, businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, travel organizations, hotels, tour operators, and other affinity groups.
• Generate new business, while cultivating repeat clients, to meet annual attendance and revenue goals.
• Respond promptly to group inquiries and provide customized recommendations based on organizational needs. Prepare quotes, contracts, invoices, visit details, while keeping accurate customer records in CRM.
• Attend networking events, trade shows, tourism meetings, and community events to promote Zoo group programs. Cold call and hosts prospects at the zoo to showcase our product offering.
• Develop strategies to increase corporate employee ticket programs, membership partnerships, and large-volume ticket sales.

Revenue Growth & Upselling

• Identify opportunities to increase average revenue per group through bundled packages, promotional offerings, and value-added products, such as: parking, Zoo Bucks (gift cards), ride tickets, tours, animal experiences, etc..
• Monitor sales trends and recommend new products, pricing strategies, and sales initiatives to build client base and exceed budget goals.

Account & Partner Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact from initial inquiry through the group's Zoo visit.
• Collaborate with all internal departments, ensuring the Zoo's preparedness for group arrivals.
• Work closely with the Zoo's Private Event & Catering partner, SSA, to set pricing, generate group plans, print group tickets, and network with prospects, etc.
• Build and maintain relationships with tourism organizations, destination marketing organizations, hotels, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, and community partners to stay up-to-date on tourism trends to implement at our Zoo, while networking with others to share best practices. Always looking to build efficiencies and enhance the visitor experience.
• Manage relationships with third-party ticket distribution partners and other retail or promotional ticket sellers.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop promotional materials and sales campaigns that support group attendance.

Birthday Party Program

• Oversee the Zoo's birthday party program, including reservations, scheduling, customer communication, and quality assurance.
• Evaluate birthday party offerings and recommend enhancements to improve guest satisfaction and increase revenue.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and develop Group Sales Associates, creating a positive team culture.
• Manage group ticket inventory, sponsor ticket deliverables, contracts/proposals, Event Memo calendar, invoicing, payments, reporting/performance metrics, and budget responsibilities.
• Provide support to the Special Events Team, as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects that support group sales objectives and the Zoo's mission.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Communications, Hospitality, Tourism, or related field.
• Three or more years of successful sales, business development, or customer relationship management experience. Experience in attractions, tourism, hospitality, entertainment, or destination marketing preferred.
• Previous experience leading a team and demonstrated experience in building collaboration among cross-departmental teams.
• Excellent computer skills required. Familiarity with ticketing, database, CRM systems a plus (i.e. Gateway's Galaxy and Microsoft Dynamics).
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to meet or exceed sales goals.
• Demonstrated affinity for the Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, along with an understanding of our Core Values. Lives these values on a daily basis, "Modeling the Way" for others.
• Strong relationship-building and consultative selling skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to manage multiple client accounts simultaneously, shifting priorities in a rapidly changing environment.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to analyze sales opportunities and recommend revenue-generating solutions. Budget control.
• Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments, while also working independently with little supervision.
• Requires a positive individual who is highly professional, motivated, proactive, and helpful, who is able to gain cooperation through expertise, credibility, and building positive working relationships.
• Appropriate professional appearance, attitude and personality to work effectively with Zoo staff members, guests and the public. Be timely and reliable in attendance and performance.

Working Conditions/Other Requirements

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug & nicotine screen, TB test, and background check.
• While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, and perform physical labor to assist with event set-up.
• The candidate may be exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift/move/carry up to 35 pounds without assistance.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle.
• Ability to work nights/weekends/holidays and long hours for events.
• Must also have the manual dexterity to use a computer mouse and keyboard.

Position Details: This is a full-time, overtime-exempt, and eligible for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off banks; company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.


To apply for this position: Qualified applicants must apply via our online application on our website at Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.