Sales Specialist - Chicago Region

Sales Specialist

Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where seniors can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

This position is located in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas. This position requires 90% travel, including overnights in an assigned region.

Why Work for Cedarhurst:

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That's why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We're committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• At Cedarhurst, we go beyond the standard benefits program to recognize and support our team. Along with comprehensive benefits, we offer GROW Pointsa unique rewards system that celebrates your hard work and dedication. You'll also enjoy perks like exclusive Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more!

Position Summary:

As a Sales Specialist, you will have the opportunity to connect with, and positively impact the lives of, our residents daily! This is a specialized role designed to assist and/or direct the marketing and sales efforts in assigned communities or regions within Cedarhurst Senior Living. This position is part of the corporate support team; however, will work in communities and/or regions as assigned. This role includes the creation and execution of sound sales and marketing plans in communities assigned. They will be responsible for selling the community through external business development and advancing leads through the sales process to meet established goals. This role will also support the Regional Sales Directors or Area Sales Managers in on-boarding and training of other sales-oriented roles. You will be responsible for leading and coordinating moves and transfers of residents within the community as well as assisting the Director of Sales with database management, new lead response and tours. You will seek to increase awareness of Cedarhurst Senior Living and our mission to create communities where each person feels loved, valued, supported, and able to live life to the fullest.

Essential Functions:

• Function as primary contact for phone inquiries and walk-in visitors to drive occupancy.
• Responsible for outside marketing to increase professional referrals.
• Discover the needs of prospective residents and their families and attempt to find appropriate solutions to those needs (including, potentially, a move to Assisted Living, Memory Care or Independent Living).
• Conduct appropriate follow up activities in order to facilitate positive, trusting and valuable relationships.
• Create and cultivate productive relationships with other businesses and resources for senior adults, in order to offer resources to prospects and to receive referrals from those sources.
• Document all planned and completed marketing activities in a provided database, in accordance with standards established by the support team.
• Monitor the marketing budgets and spend lead generation dollars according to the needs of the campaign.
• Strategize with VP of Sales, Regional Director of Sales, Area Sales Directors and other CRD's in developing creative programs to identify and connect with key referral sources in the community and identify ways to maintain and nurture those relationships.
• Work with Executive Director to help staff members maximize opportunities for resident and family-member referrals and to receive inquiries appropriately and productively, ensuring timely follow-up and execution of next steps.
• Assist VP of Sales, Regional Director of Sales, Area Sales Directors and Executive Director with the development of a marketing plan and assist in updating monthly or as needed to address changing conditions or opportunities.
• Assist Executive Director in developing Cedarhurst associate's skills in building relationships, discovery of needs, wants and interests, overcoming objections, closing, and follow-up and maintenance marketing.
• Assist community in exploring strategic sales approaches for all prospects during coaching sessions.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements: Frequent local travel to communities with occasional evenings, weekends and overnight travel, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred
• Two or more years of successful sales experience (2-5 years preferred), with prior experience in senior living strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated sales closing skills with a consistent record of high occupancy results.
• CPR or BLS certification preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in common digital tools and applications, including Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word), web-based platforms, electronic health record systems, and any HR-related systems as applicable.

Working Conditions:

• This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas of the community.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively and identify/interpret written information.
• This position may need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
• Individuals in this position are required to follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Cedarhurst considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members as its highest priorities. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations), and the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law.