Catering and Sales Coordinator

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center seeks a Sales Manager to drive revenue growth across market segments by cultivating strong client relationships and maximizing utilization of Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center facilities.

The role partners with Catering, Hotel Operations, Revenue Management, Marketing, and other internal teams to deliver exceptional client experiences, negotiate contracts, and lead event planning from pre-con to post-event.

Qualifications

• Requires a four-year college degree in Hospitality Business or related field.
• 1–3 years of progressively responsible experience in hospitality sales, hotel sales, catering sales, conference services, event management, or related field or equivalent.
• Experience selling hotel guestrooms, meeting space, and catering services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of existing accounts while actively prospecting and securing new business.
• Generate group room nights, meeting space, catering, and conference revenue within assigned market segments.
• Conduct sales calls, site inspections, presentations, and client meetings.
• Negotiate contracts, guest room rates, meeting packages, and catering agreements to maximize revenues.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue goals.
• Coordinate and detail all aspects of booked events with internal teams.

Skills

Communication

Presentation

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Networking

Negotiation

Organization

Time management

Multitasking

Problem solving

Client focus

Independence

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality/related field

Event Management

Business Administration

Marketing

Communications

Tools

Amadeus Delphi

Delphi Diagramming

Maestro PMS

Microsoft Office Suite

Event management software

Job description

Summary

The Kellogg Center’s Sales Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth through the development, management, and expansion of business within assigned market segments. This position generates revenue from group guest rooms, meeting spaces, catering, and conferences by building strong client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and maximizing utilization of Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center facilities.

Position Summary

The Kellogg Center’s Sales Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth through the development, management, and expansion of business within assigned market segments. This position generates revenue from group guest rooms, meeting spaces, catering, and conferences by building strong client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and maximizing utilization of Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center facilities.

In 2026, Kellogg Center celebrates 75 years of serving Spartans and the surrounding MSU community, and the Sales Manager plays a key role in the past, continued, and future success of the Kellogg Center.

As a Division Of Culinary Services And Residential And Hospitality Services, The Kellogg Team Proudly Embodies The Residential And Hospitality Services (RHS) Mission And Values

We empower all Spartans to succeed by creating holistic and engaging residential, culinary, recreational, and hospitality experiences that shape life outside the classroom and beyond graduation.

Belonging

We support the well-being of the community, inclusively, with care and respect.

Partnership

We embrace teamwork and collaboration, supporting each other and the community.

Stewardship

We take pride in doing what is best for current and future Spartans as stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

Learning and Development

We stay curious by exploring opportunities to learn and innovate.

Safety

We prioritize the safety of Spartans, striving to create environments that foster security and trust.

Culinary Services website: https://eatatstate.msu.edu/
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center website: https://kelloggcenter.com/

All positions in RHS are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency conditions, persons in this position are expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension.

Position Duties

The Sales Manager serves as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the sales process, from prospecting and contract negotiation through event transition and execution. The position collaborates closely with Catering, Hotel Operations, Revenue Management, Marketing, and other internal partners to ensure exceptional customer experiences while achieving revenue goals.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of existing accounts while actively prospecting and securing new business.
• Generate group room nights, meeting space, catering, and conference revenue within assigned market segments.
• Conduct sales calls, site inspections, presentations, and client meetings to promote Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center.
• Negotiate contracts, guest room rates, meeting packages, and catering agreements to maximize revenues and profitability.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue goals.
• Monitor competitive market trends and identify opportunities to increase market share.
• Participate in trade shows, industry events, community organizations, and professional associations to generate leads and strengthen brand awareness.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, meeting planners, university departments, associations, corporations, and community organizations.
• Respond promptly to inquiries, requests for proposals (RFPs), and client concerns.
• Foster repeat business through exceptional service and proactive account management.
• Event Planning & Coordination
• Coordinate and detail all aspects of booked events, including contracts, event orders, room diagrams, rooming lists, catering requirements, audiovisual needs, and meeting space configurations.
• Partner with internal departments to ensure successful execution of meetings, conferences, social events, and special programs.
• Conduct pre-convention and planning meetings with clients and internal teams.
• Review event logistics to ensure operational readiness and client satisfaction.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborate with Catering, Front Office, Food & Beverage, Marketing, and Revenue Management teams.
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts and departmental initiatives.
• Support a culture of service excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and assist team members as needed while serving as a role model for professionalism and customer service.

Scheduling Note

Standard schedule is Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. Required periodic evening attendance for client events to ensure a smooth client handoff to Operations. Occasional weekend work to support client events and industry networking opportunities. Holiday events are limited, as compared to industry standard.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge normally acquired through completion of a four-year college degree program in:

• Hospitality Business
• Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management
• Event Management
• Business Administration
• Marketing
• Communications
• Or a related field

One to three years of progressively responsible experience in hospitality sales, hotel sales, catering sales, conference services, event management, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

Desired Qualifications

• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in hospitality sales, hotel sales, catering sales, conference services, event management, or a closely related field
• Experience selling hotel guestrooms, meeting space, and catering services.
• Experience working in a conference center, full-service hotel, or university hospitality environment.
• Professional knowledge of group sales, revenue management, and contract negotiations.
• Experience managing complex meetings, conferences, and multi-day events.
• Familiarity with Michigan State University departments and the higher education market.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong relationship-building and networking abilities.
• Proven sales and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during high-volume periods.
• Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Technical Skills

Preferred proficiency with:

• Amadeus Delphi
• Delphi Diagramming
• Maestro PMS
• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Event management software

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 Professional References, to include at least 1 current or former supervisor

Work Hours

Standard schedule Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. Required periodic evening attendance for client events to ensure a smooth client handoff to Operations. Occasional weekend work to support client events and industry networking opportunities.

Website

CAREERS.MSU.EDU

Bidding eligibility ends August 4, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.