Sales Associate

Access Destination Services•New Orleans, LA

18h

About The Position

The Sales Associate is an entry-level role based in New Orleans on the South Central Sales team. The role supports the Sales team through lead research, proposal preparation, client communication, and sales coordination, while developing knowledge of the local hospitality market and the destination management industry. The Sales Associate works with Sales, Creative, Events, National Sales, clients, hotels, and industry partners to help manage opportunities efficiently and provide exceptional client service. The position includes supporting client relationships, researching and qualifying leads, preparing and reviewing proposals and client-facing materials, maintaining destination and vendor information, assisting with prospecting and business development, and coordinating proposal and contract materials. The Sales Associate also maintains Salesforce records, tracks sales activity and follow-ups, supports pipeline reporting, and provides administrative support. The role represents Access professionally at relevant events and helps embody the company’s Access Values: Imagine First, Demand Integrity, Embody Excellence, Always Collaborate, and Service Obsession.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of experience supporting or managing multiple clients or programs.
Background in hospitality, ideally event planning or execution.
Self-motivated, customer-focused, and team-oriented.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Passion for hospitality and events.
Salesforce CRM experience.

Responsibilities

Support the Sales team in building and maintaining relationships with clients, hotel partners, and industry professionals.
Gather and organize client information, preferences, and meeting history to support personalized service.
Assist with client communications, meeting coordination, follow-ups, and sales materials.
Collaborate with Creative, Events, National Sales, and other internal teams to ensure a seamless client experience.
Research and qualify incoming leads by gathering information about client needs, event size, budget, and timing.
Support territory sales initiatives and participate in team meetings, training, and planning activities.
Help prepare accurate proposals, including program details, budgets, transportation, and experiences.
Review proposals and client-facing materials for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with Access standards.
Represent Access professionally at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities alongside senior team members.
Develop knowledge of local hotels, venues, attractions, transportation, and experiences.
Research and maintain destination and vendor information, and stay informed about local venues, experiences, and hospitality trends.
Support destination-specific marketing initiatives, including newsletters, presentations, and client materials.
Research prospective clients, industries, and market trends to identify potential business opportunities.
Maintain prospect and lead information in Salesforce and other sales tools.
Support prospecting and outreach by preparing materials, gathering contact information, and coordinating follow-ups.
Assist the Sales team throughout the proposal and closing process and track opportunities and pipeline activity.
Coordinate logistics and preparation for familiarization trips, hotel partner events, and other business development activities.
Assist with proposal materials, pricing information, client background details, and documentation during the proposal and contracting process.
Keep sales and client information accurate, organized, and available to support discussions and negotiations.
Maintain accurate Salesforce records, including leads, client interactions, opportunities, and program information.
Track sales activities, follow-ups, and opportunity updates; help maintain complete and current information for pipeline reporting and forecasting.
Provide administrative and organizational support to the Sales team as needed.
Consistently embody and reinforce Access Values: Imagine First, Demand Integrity, Embody Excellence, Always Collaborate, and Service Obsession.

Benefits

Paid day off to serve the local community.
Annual and quarterly awards program.
Annual all-company retreat.
Regional team outings.
Monthly companywide meetings.
Generous PTO and sick days.
Nine holidays and two floating holidays.
Five half-days off before holidays.
Half-day Fridays in July and August based on achievement of goals.
401(k) with company match, eligible after one year, up to 4% of salary, vested immediately.
Monthly cell phone stipend.
Extensive menu of health plans.
Paid parental leave.
Pet insurance program.
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
Mentorship program.
Masterclasses in industry- and department-specific topics.
Training on state-of-the-art technology platforms and tools.
Professional development content in annual and monthly meetings.