Director of Sales and Marketing

DoubleTree•South Bend, IN

11h

About The Position

The Director of Sales is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of all Sales and Marketing functions for the Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame, a 293-room, full-service hotel featuring a stunning glass atrium and significant meeting and event space. This role directs all sales, marketing, revenue strategy, and public relations efforts to maximize hotel profitability, market share, and brand presence in alignment with Hilton brand standards and ownership objectives.

Requirements

College degree required or equivalent hospitality experience
Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a Director of Sales and/or Marketing
Proven leadership and strategic planning skills, including short- and long-term sales strategy, five-year planning, forecasting, budgeting, P&L analysis, and contract negotiation
Strong understanding of all major market segments including group, meetings, corporate, SMERF, incentive, tour & travel, and FIT
Exceptional administrative and organizational skills to develop, implement, and evaluate sales action plans and allocate resources effectively
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and professional presentations
Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities to recruit, develop, motivate, and retain a high-performing sales team
Strategic mindset focused on both immediate revenue performance and long-term asset value
Proficiency in Delphi, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to enforce Hilton standards, policies, and procedures consistently
Ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to maintain confidentiality of hotel and employee information

Nice To Haves

Experience in a large group, convention, or university-driven market strongly preferred
Prior Hilton or branded full-service hotel experience preferred
Prior operational exposure in Front Office and/or Food & Beverage preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the Annual Revenue Plan in collaboration with the General Manager and Executive Committee
Prepare and manage Sales & Marketing budgets, forecasts, and monthly revenue reports
Implement and monitor sales action plans to ensure revenue and market share goals are achieved
Analyze market trends and demand drivers related to Notre Dame University, regional events, corporate demand, and social markets
Actively solicit new and repeat business through direct sales calls, site visits, client entertainment, telephone, and written communication
Maintain strong relationships with corporate accounts, meeting planners, university partners, incentive buyers, travel agencies, and destination organizations
Create and implement targeted sales strategies to: Increase Average Daily Rate (ADR) Improve occupancy during shoulder and need periods Maximize group and convention revenue Increase catering and banquet sales within the hotel’s atrium and event spaces Position the hotel as a premier venue for conferences, social events, and university-related functions
Represent the Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame as an active leader within the local and regional community
Collaborate with Hilton Worldwide Regional Sales and National Accounts teams
Plan and execute sales missions to key feeder markets
Attend and represent the hotel at major industry trade shows and conventions
Lead, coach, and hold Sales Managers accountable to individual and team revenue goals
Identify departmental training needs and ensure training is delivered in accordance with Hilton Worldwide Training Standards
Conduct interviewing, onboarding, performance evaluations, coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions as necessary
Meet with key clients and event organizers to ensure guest satisfaction and repeat business
Maintain accurate sales records, databases, and mailing lists
Organize and attend hotel-hosted sales, marketing, and public relations events
Lead weekly Revenue Strategy / Yield Meeting s to review demand, pricing, and inventory strategy
Communicate market trends, booking pace, and revenue challenges to the Executive Committee with recommended solutions
Prepare professional written reports and visual presentations for ownership and executive leadership
Build strong relationships with internal departments to ensure seamless execution of group and event business
Perform other duties as assigned by hotel management