Director of Destination Sales

Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau•Lexington, KY

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The primary responsibility of the Director of Destination Sales is to market and sell Lexington as a destination for meetings, events and conventions. The Director of Destination Sales is responsible for identifying new business opportunities through research, solicitation, sales strategies, referrals and other methods. This position is responsible for moving the business through the sales process to close business.

Requirements

Knowledge and understanding of the sales process in the hospitality industry.
Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to respond to clients in an efficient and accurate manner.
Excellent computer skills, specifically with a CRM and the Microsoft suite of products.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong analytical, organizational, and detail-oriented skills.
Strong business etiquette.
Ability to perform and interpret research.
Ability to self-motivate in order to achieve goals.
Ability to work on a team.
Proven ability to maintain confidentiality of company and customer records.
Credibility, flexibility, and adaptability.
Ability to strategically plan ahead to meet deadlines and future company needs.
Proven successful background in sales.
Experience in another industry that brings leadership skills, project management and the ability to sell Lexington as a destination.
Five years of proven experience in sales.
Possesses valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation.
Frequently communicates with employees and customers in person, on the telephone, and on the computer to provide assistance.
Frequently remains in a sitting position at a desk.
Frequently uses the computer with fingers and hands.
Frequently works in a well-lit, tempered room.
Occasionally drives motor vehicle to visit and call upon customers.
Occasionally exposed to outside elements when traveling for business.
Occasionally lifts objects weighing up to twenty (25) pounds when moving supplies.
May be required to stoop, bend, or kneel.

Responsibilities

Drives economic impact for Lexington by identifying, researching, soliciting and booking meetings, events and conventions in Lexington hotels, the convention center and other meeting and event facilities.
Develops and implements strategies to create awareness of and promote Lexington as a meetings, events and conventions destination through proactive solicitation efforts.
Develops, implements, and monitors individual and team sales strategies to ensure all current fiscal year goals are achieved.
Develops and executes sales calls, site visits, FAM trips, focus groups, programs, tradeshows, industry events and other opportunities to increase booking opportunities and brand awareness.
Develops, implements and monitors strategies to identify, build, and maintain client relationships to maximize business opportunities and brand awareness.
Develops and maintains relationships with established and new clients.
Serves as a key liaison between the client and industry partners to facilitate and manage the RFP, site visit, bid process and the entire booking process.
Partners with facilities, hotels, restaurants, attractions, community leaders and other industry partners to create a client specific destination package that represents the brand to meetings, events and convention attendees.
Serves as the business lead for the assigned markets.
Creates and manages assigned market budgets to support sales strategies.
Ensures VisitLEX resources are used to maximize economic impact for Lexington by evaluating the return on investment of individual meetings, events and conventions.
Manages all data in CRM, MINT and other VisitLEX tools to ensure consistency and accuracy in reporting.
Works closely with the VisitLEX teams to execute agreements and increase client satisfaction.
Represents VisitLEX as an active participant in community organizations that support tourism.
Attends meetings and industry events, including but not limited to city-wide meetings, weekly sales meetings, monthly staff meetings, community and partner meetings.
Meets regularly with facility and venue representatives to strengthen relationships.
Travels and attends events during non-business hours (evenings and weekends).
Seeks opportunities to increase customer satisfaction and strengthen customer relationships.
Assists with identifying areas for improvement and making constructive changes.
Keeps abreast of all changing policies and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.