Event Sales Manager

Established in 2023 and located in Naples, Florida, The Gate Golf Club ("The Gate") is a non-profit organization driven by a shared love for golf and a commitment to creating a lasting impact on the community. Scheduled to open in late 2026, The Gate consists of a 175-seat freestanding full-service restaurant, pavilion bar, concessions snack bar, 30-bay state-of-the-art practice range with Trackman technology, expansive putting course, and a Jacobsen-Hardy-designed 9-hole regulation-length golf course. Recognizing the limited availability of public courses in Southwest Florida, The Gate is dedicated to making the sport more accessible for families and players of all skill levels.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Event Sales Manager will interact frequently with department heads to execute The Gate's mission. The Gate strives to accomplish three things: provide high-quality experiences at affordable rates to members of the greater Naples (SWFL) community, educate and train the next generation of the hospitality and golf workforce, and introduce junior golfers to the game through the integration of First Tee programming.

This role is ideal for a hospitality sales professional who thrives on building relationships, creating new business opportunities, and delivering exceptional experiences from the first inquiry through event execution. The Event Sales Manager will serve as the primary sales leader for all group and event businesses while working closely with golf operations, food and beverage, and club leadership.

This role is responsible for driving event revenue by managing the complete sales cycle, including prospecting, lead generation, venue tours, proposal development, contract execution, and client relationship management. This position plays a critical role in expanding The Gate's presence within the Naples and Southwest Florida business, nonprofit, and social event communities.

Requirements

Culture

• Understand the core pillars of The Gate and proactively drives the business to accomplish the mission
• Uphold professionalism and integrity in all interactions, on and off property
• Lead by example to inspire team morale, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive revenue growth; Manage inbound event inquiries and proactively generate new business opportunities
• Develop relationships with local businesses, event planners, wedding professionals, charitable organizations, and community leaders
• Prospect and secure golf tournaments, corporate outings, fundraisers, weddings, banquets, and special events
• Conduct site tours and presentations showcasing the club's event and golf amenities
• Prepare proposals, pricing packages, contracts, and event agreements
• Maximize revenue opportunities through upselling food and beverage, golf experiences, and event enhancements
• Build long-term client relationships that generate repeat business and referrals
• Deliver exceptional Client Experiences
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the planning process
• Guide clients from initial inquiry through successful event completion
• Partner with golf operations and food and beverage teams to ensure flawless execution
• Maintain accurate Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), event timelines, and communication records
• Conduct post-event follow-up to ensure satisfaction and identify future opportunities
• Strengthen community engagement, representing The Gate at local networking events, chamber functions, trade shows, and community gatherings
• Build strategic partnerships throughout Naples and Southwest Florida
• Promote the club as a premier destination for golf tournaments, weddings, corporate events, and social celebrations
• Increase awareness of the club among local businesses, seasonal residents, and community organizations
• Manage sales performance; Maintain accurate CRM records and sales reporting; Track pipeline activity, conversion rates, and revenue performance
• Forecast event revenue and booking trends and identify opportunities to improve sales processes and enhance the guest experience
• Meet and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue goals

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–5 years of progressive sales experience in hospitality, golf, events, catering, resorts, hotels, country clubs, or related industries
• Proven track record of generating revenue and closing business
• Experience selling tournaments, banquets, corporate outings, or special events preferred
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and sales reporting tools
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Core Competencies

• Results Driven; Consistently achieves and exceeds revenue goals
• Take ownership of personal performance and business development efforts
• Maintain a proactive approach to prospecting and account growth
• Customer Focused, delivering exceptional service throughout the client journey
• Build trust and long-term relationships with guests and event organizers
• Create memorable experiences that drive repeat business
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients and team members
• Maintain detailed event documentation and planning records
• Ensure seamless coordination across all departments
• Lead collaboratively and work effectively with golf operations, food and beverage, and administrative teams
• Support club objectives while fostering a positive culture
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability

Schedule Requirements

This position requires flexibility to support tournaments, corporate outings, and special events. Availability during evenings, weekends, and select holidays is required based on event schedules and business needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the golf course, clubhouse, event spaces, and banquet facilities
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during tournaments and events
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions common to Southwest Florida

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required. Activities, duties, and responsibilities may change, or new ones may be added at any time, with or without notice.