- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES -

    at Yahara Bay Distillers

 

Events & Sales Coordinator

Yahara Bay Distillers • Cocktail Lounge & Event Space

Yahara Bay is a cocktail lounge built on craft, conversation, and a little bit of mischief. We distill our own spirits, design thoughtful cocktails, and host gatherings that feel intentional—not rented. Our space is warm, modern, and quietly iconic, and we’re looking for someone who can help fill it with the right kind of energy.

This role is equal parts relationship-builder, creative producer, and closer—and is designed for someone who can operate independently with clients, vendors, and entertainers. You’ll be responsible for selling Yahara Bay as a private event destination and shaping a thoughtful public events program that brings new and returning guests through the doors.

The Role

This is a mid-level management role with significant autonomy. You will be trusted to initiate events, manage client relationships, and drive revenue independently, while coordinating approvals with internal leadership and partnering with bar staff for seamless execution.

As our Events & Sales Coordinator, you’ll focus primarily on private event sales, with a secondary emphasis on public-facing programming.

Private Events & Venue Sales (Primary Focus — ~75%)

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for private event inquiries (corporate events, celebrations, buyouts, tastings, etc.)
  • Proactively manage leads, qualify clients, and guide them from first inquiry through contract approval
  • Conduct site tours that feel less like a pitch and more like an invitation
  • Create custom quotes and proposals that align with client goals and the Yahara Bay brand, coordinating approval with internal leadership
  • Meet or exceed monthly and quarterly private event revenue goals

Public Events & Programming (Secondary Focus — ~25%)

  • Propose and develop a calendar of public-facing events (ticketed events, tastings, collaborations, cultural programming) for leadership approval
  • Identify and initiate partnerships with local creatives, musicians, organizations, and brands
  • Launch approved events and collaborate with bar staff to execute them smoothly
  • Track performance and refine programming based on attendance, revenue, and guest feedback

Brand & Experience Stewardship

  • Ensure every event—private or public—feels distinctly Yahara Bay
  • Balance creativity with operational realities (capacity, staffing, bar flow)
  • Represent the brand with confidence, warmth, and taste (never pushy, never cheesy)

Who You Are

You might be a great fit if you:

  • Have experience in event sales, hospitality sales, venue management, or a related field
  • Are comfortable selling a premium experience without sounding like a salesperson
  • Can work independently and manage client relationships without close supervision
  • Can juggle multiple leads, timelines, and projects without dropping the ball
  • Have strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Are both organized and imaginative
  • Understand that a great event is as much about mood as it is about logistics

Bonus points if you:

  • Have worked in cocktail bars, restaurants, or hospitality-forward brands
  • Have strong ties to the Madison community and an existing local network
  • Enjoy building things that don’t yet exist

Schedule & Compensation

  • Pay Rate: Revenue-based commission tied to private and public event sales
  • Benefits: Health Insurance Plan, Dental/Vision Plan, Employee Discount
  • Schedule Expectations: Flexible work week with remote sales/admin time; evenings and weekends required for private events and first-time public events to initiate and hand off to bar staff

Why Yahara Bay

We’re not a volume bar. We’re not a banquet hall. We’re a space people remember.

You’ll be joining a small, thoughtful team that cares deeply about quality, design, and how things feel. Familiarity with Madison’s creative, corporate, and cultural scene—and the ability to move comfortably within it—is a real advantage in this role.

If you’re excited by the idea of selling experiences—not just square footage—we’d love to hear from you.

To Apply: Send your resume to info@yaharabay.com

Yahara Bay is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

 

 

Yahara Bay Distillers is an equal opportunity employer. We’re all about good vibes and great spirits, so come as you are!

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