Independent Contractor: Citywide Business Development Lead

Houston Hospitality Alliance; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisville Hotel Partnership seeks a Director of Business Development to originate citywide convention and trade show opportunities, building a robust pipeline and guiding opportunities through negotiation with industry leaders.

The role is a high-level hunter role, focusing on new business origination rather than full transaction management, with annual performance reviews and potential renewal based on funding and results. Travel across North America is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 8–15 years of progressive experience in convention sales or related hospitality.
• Hunter-oriented business development with new opportunities.
• Proven track record of high-value opportunities and revenue generation.
• Knowledge of DMO/CVB operations and convention center sales dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Originate new citywide opportunities and develop pipeline.
• Maintain pipeline through strategic prospecting, research, and outreach.
• Represent Louisville Hotel Partnership with executives and industry leaders.
• Coordinate with Louisville Tourism for proposal development and pull-through.
• Provide regular pipeline reporting and KPI updates.
• Travel across North America to pursue opportunities.

Skills

Hunter mindset

Prospecting

Relationship building

Executive presence

Presentation skills

Strategic thinking

Time management

Results oriented

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Simpleview CRM

MS Office

Sales intelligence tools

Job description

Louisville Hotel Partnership seeks a Director of Business Development to originate citywide convention and trade show opportunities, building a robust pipeline and guiding opportunities through negotiation with industry leaders.

The role is a high-level hunter role, focusing on new business origination rather than full transaction management, with annual performance reviews and potential renewal based on funding and results. Travel across North America is required.