Director of Midwest Regional Sales

Destination Cleveland•Chicago, IL

1d•Remote

About The Position

As a member of the Sales team, the Director, Midwest Regional Sales promotes and sells Cleveland to increase convention and event business, helping Destination Cleveland achieve its mission of driving economic impact. This position is responsible for all bookings that are 400+ peak room nights or higher in the defined Midwest Region (Excluding Affinity Groups and HelmsBriscoe). The Director, Midwest Regional Sales applies creative thinking, industry knowledge and an energetic attitude to securing business and is willing and able to work flexible hours on evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client and office demands. Position includes no more than 20% travel, including by air when required. Markets and travel expectations are subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years sales account experience OR 10+ years equivalent relevant work experience.
Excellent written and oral presentation skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Expert level relationship building and management skills.
Strong team player with ability to work independently.
Proficient knowledge of computer systems and sales-related software applications, specifically Microsoft Office PowerPoint, Excel and Word.
Maintains a professional image and manner with customers and internal Destination Cleveland team.
Strong ability to solve complex problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Must be flexible, resourceful and possess a keen ability to find solutions to book business into Cleveland.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement ongoing strategic proactive prospecting sales plan that includes managing complex and large-scale bookings from beginning to end, including generating lead, sending to convention center and hotel community, turning booking definite, and transitioning to Convention Services.
Meet established goals for monthly, quarterly, and annual quotas.
Provide the Chief Sales Officer with data and slides as needed for presentations to our stakeholders.
Must have the ability to adhere to sales standard operating practices (SOPs) as outlined by the Vice President of Sales & Services Operations.
Attend tradeshows, sales missions, networking meetings and local meetings to solicit convention business.
Strong adherence and execution of the tradeshow SOPs and requirements for submitting requests for sales trips and tradeshows.
Act as a strategic thought leader managing the sales process for each business opportunity, actively communicating with community stakeholders.
Proactively identify elevated potential and current business to partner with Marketing and Destination Management for proposals, presentations and site visits.
Make personal presentations to boards of directors, meeting planners, key decision makers, local contacts, convention delegates and or site selection committees as needed in order to secure leads and/or book business.
Coordinate all aspects of bid, including proposals, maximizing resources, incorporating market specific facts and incorporating creativity to give Cleveland the competitive edge.
Maintain a thorough working knowledge of intra-city facilities, attractions and services available in the area to customers and act as liaison for the customer.
Coordinate and conduct site inspections in Cleveland, where the position will be required to execute site tours in our city, showcasing facilities and attractions partnering with Destination Management for elevated meetings.
Assist with the development of and participation in familiarization tours (FAMs) by securing qualified customers.
Maintain existing and past account relationships through proactive outreach to maintain book of business in an effort to rebook business.
Document exemplary information into customer relationship management tool (CRM) and manage database through ongoing audits.
Partner with Convention Services to ensure smooth transition of booked business.
Represent Destination Cleveland at events and assigned industry groups to generate interest in Cleveland or to pre-promote for booked events.
Maintain high visibility for Destination Cleveland through professional and trade association memberships.
Maintain familiarity with competing areas and issues that impact Destination Cleveland ability to market Cleveland effectively.
Work within the established SOPs related to convention sales.
Adhere to the director title level competency as designated by the organization.
Consistently demonstrate Destination Values.