Description

Job Purpose: 

Under the general direction of the Senior Vice President & COO, the position is responsible for producing the Association’s meetings, events and annual convention from conception through to completion. The Director also oversees sponsorship development and the work of a combined sales team to ensure revenue budgets are achieved.

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Oversee all aspects of meeting planning including RFP’s, site selection, contract negotiation, sponsor solicitation, communicating logistics, organizing internal staff responsibilities, registration, housing and on-site coordination.
• Negotiate favorable contracts with hotels, convention centers, audio visual providers, caterers, show decorators, golf courses and other related service providers and vendors.
• Achieve budgeted event sponsorship and revenue goals.
• Serve as liaison with partners, sponsors and members to identify their needs and ensure superior customer satisfaction.
• Oversee and manage the Association’s sales team to ensure individual and team goals are met.
• Organize facilities and details such as décor, BEO’s, audio visual, location, etc. pre-event and on-site.
• Actively and proactively communicate with Board Members and committee members
• Manage department budgets and financial details and expenses.
• Build industry relations through attendance at Association and Foundation events as well as other industry-related conferences, trade shows, dinners and events.
• Contribute as a member of the Association’s marketing team.
• Supervise Business Development Manager position including but not limited to training, assignment of job duties, and determining overall sales objectives.

Requirements

Qualifications: 

• Proven experience as an events planner or organizer in high volume work environment.
• Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) certification or minimum of 6 years in an event planning field in a leadership role
• Demonstrated ability to be detail oriented, prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines while being highly organized
• Demonstrated sales results, developing creative sponsorship proposals and ability to build productive business relationships over time.
• Professional, outgoing & energetic personality and strong background in delivering outstanding member service.
• Computer literacy including familiarity with Microsoft Office suite of programs including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal skills, including strong ability to communicate with a variety of audiences including board members, staff members and vendors.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as needed to facilitate events. 
• Position requires independent judgment while carrying out overall responsibilities.

Working Conditions: 

Work is generally performed in an office environment in downtown Sacramento with a flexible work from home option following completion of 90-day performance evaluation. Occasional overnight travel to CGA events throughout California.

 The California Grocers Association provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and eligible dependents, and life insurance and long term disability insurance for the employee. The Association also provides eligible employees with a generous 401(k) and profit sharing program along with paid sick, vacation and holiday time. Parking in downtown location provided.

The position is full time, exempt. Salary range is $85,000 to $115,000/annually with experience and credentials. This position also includes a sales-based bonus incentive plan in addition to base pay. Bonuses are earned based on measurable results, including achievement of individual and/or team sales targets, revenue growth, etc.

The information provided in this description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required of employees in this job.

Physical Requirements: 

Employee may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time:

• View computer monitors;
• Sitting at a desk;
• Standing for CGA events;
• Occasional overnight travel (including driving and flying) to other locations within California, to support CGA events.

Direct Reports: 

This position supervises the Business Development Manager.