Director of Sales

The Convention Center Director of Sales is responsible for directing, planning and implementing national and local sales efforts, aggressively selling space at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center [GTCTC]. This position will focus on national accounts, hobby and recreation groups to achieve revenue and room night goals while also directing the activities of the Convention Center Sales Team to meet and exceed performance objectives.

Leadership Responsibilities:

* Recruit, interview, select, train, motivate, evaluate the Convention Center Sales Team, including: two long-term sales managers and one off site representative in Washington,DC; liaise with GTCTC staff including oversight of one short-term sales manager

* Conduct regular sales meetings and initiatives to ensure the Convention Center Sales Team is informed, connected and motivated to achieve goals

* Create Personal Performance objectives for team members, coach and conduct annual reviews of all TRCVB convention center sales team members; work with team members to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures

* Provide or coordinate tools and training needed to maximize sales time and achieve results

* Liaise with local and regional hoteliers to ensure a strong working relationship

* Stay current on industry trends and recommend/implement changes accordingly

* Work with VP of Sales and Marketing and the GTCTC Marketing Team to ensure strategic and effective marketing and branding strategies are implemented

Sales Responsibilities:

* Proactively solicit new and existing clients/accounts to meet and exceed revenue and room night goals through all means available including research, cold calls, direct sales calls, sales blitzes + site tours; follow up and ensure bookings

* Collaboratively develop short and long-term plans and strategies for achieving department goals and objectives; anticipate critical obstacles and issues

* Maintain excellent relationships and regular contact with existing clients/accounts

* Sell the GTCTC at tradeshows, conventions, sales meetings and industry events

* Liaise with groups to arrange meeting services and hotel accommodations

* Call on prospects to solicit business, analyze requirements of function, outline available lodging/meeting facilities and services offered, and send leads

* Use facility booking and scheduling software to book space, log client activities, establish traces and produce reports

* Negotiate contracts successfully in accordance with approved booking policies and procedures

* Control expenditures to budgetary requirements; contribute to development, monitoring and evaluation of annual budgets and sales goals

* Evaluate sales trends, competition, economic/business conditions, and performance; track, analyze and compare event information; recommend changes in sales programs to make markets more effective in meeting sales volume quotas

* Comply with established policies and guidelines applying to the TRCVB and GTCTC operations and employee conduct; maintain a professional image at all times through appearance and dress

* Schedule work activities to ensure that deadlines are met and goals are achieved in a timely manner

* Maintain current knowledge of all hotel capabilities near the Convention Center

* Maintain and manage client account information in facility database

* Prepare analysis of marketing and sales impact, including monthly marketing and sales reports

* Coordinate with and liaise with GTCTC staff

Qualifications:

* A minimum of five [5] years increasingly responsible experience in destination sales and marketing, preferably with a convention center or conference center

* Demonstrated understanding of the hospitality industry

* Experience working with national accounts highly preferred

* A bachelors degree with major course work in business management, marketing, sales, communication or hospitality related industry; or equivalent experience is required

* Proven leadership and management experience and skills

* Excellent sales, communication and presentation skills

* Fluent in English, excellent written and verbal communication

* Proficient in computer skills; familiarity with sales, marketing, public relations and social media concepts

* Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations

*Active membership and demonstrated participation in industry-related professional organizations

* Ability to travel to attend workshops, trade shows, conventions + training

* Must have a valid driver' s license and vehicle

* Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize

* Must be able to lift 35 lbs.

Compensation:

* Dependent upon experience and skills.

Interested in joining our dynamic team?

* All applications must be submitted by February 13, include a cover letter and resume, and may be sent to: careers@traveltacoma.com

* All candidates may be required to undergo skills testing and must consent to and pass a background check.