National Sales Manager + IL Corp.

PCMA; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Choose Chicago is seeking a National Sales Manager to grow Midwest and IL corporate hotel sales. This role focuses on meetings 400-2,999 rooms and requires extensive travel to drive new business and maintain relationships with partners.

The position is hybrid, based in Chicago, requiring in-office presence three days per week and reporting to the Vice President of Hotel Sales. The role starts in October 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven sales experience in hotel, GSO/NSO or CVB.
• Strong knowledge of sales, communications and negotiation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for booking definite business from the Midwest region for in-house, focusing on mid-size and smaller collections conventions.
• Develop and maintain a high profile at industry events and trade shows (MPI, PCMA).
• Work with VP of Hotel Sales to develop annual business/market plans and close business for partner organizations.
• Travel extensively (30%–40%).
• Achieve weekly sales activity targets set by VP Hotel Sales.

Skills

Public speaking

Negotiation

Sales drive

Client relationship management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Position Title: National Sales Manager, Midwest & IL Corporate

Department: Sales

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Chicago - Hybrid (In office 3 days per week)

Reports to: Vice President, Hotel Sales

Effective Date: October 2026

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization for our city, promoting Chicago as a global visitor destination to business and leisure travelers.

POSITION SUMMARY

National Sales Manager-Hotel Sales is a role suited for a self-starting individual who is ambitious, assertive, organized and passionate about Sales. This role will focus on development of the Midwest region (MN, IA, WI, MI, IN, OH, & IL Corporate), for meetings 400-2,999 rooms on peak night. This role will carry a definite room night production goal and a net-new target account goal. We are looking for a go-getter who enjoys moving the needle in and has a proven track record in sales. Extensive travel is required, and the ideal candidate should have previous sales experience in a hotel or CVB.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for booking definite business from the Midwest region (MN, IA, WI, MI, IN, OH, & IL Corporate) for in-house, focusing on Mid-size and smaller collection conventions.
• Ideal candidate will possess strong history in selling to the mid-size, in-house market.
• This individual will work closely with VP of Hotel Sales to develop an annual business/market plan, grow and assist in closing business for our member partners.
• Develop and maintain a high profile at relevant industry events and trade shows. Current involvement within industry associations is a plus, MPI, PCMA, etc.
• Experience working in a collaborative and competitive work environment with a strong team component will be beneficial.
• Ideal candidate will have well-developed presentation skills and need to be capable of clearly articulating Chicago’s benefits and points of differentiation from other competing cities.
• Working knowledge of hotel capabilities in the Chicago metropolitan area is a plus.
• Comply with established policies and guidelines applying Bureau operations and employee conduct.
• Develop feasible short and long-term plans and strategies for achieving goals and objectives; anticipate critical obstacles and issues.
• Schedule work activities to ensure that deadlines are met and goals are achieved in a timely manner
• On own initiative or as assigned, assist with, and participate in, Bureau projects, functions and special events
• Achieve weekly sales activity targets as established by VP Hotel Sales.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years in a Sales role at a hotel, GSO/NSO or CVB.
• Proven knowledge of sales market, communications and negotiation techniques and strategies.
• Proven track record in managing clients from assigned segments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficient in using workplace AI technologies and automation tools to improve efficiency while maintaining strict adherence to data privacy, confidentiality, and company policies.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with a strong knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Must be able to speak publicly and give presentations to organizations and community groups
• Ability to represent Choose Chicago in a professional manner while interfacing with internal and external clients, excellent telephone skills
• Knowledge of the City of Chicago, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, and shopping is desirable
• Possess good organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-starter, ability to travel and work independently and be flexible as necessary given it is a new role.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to travel by air or ground transportation is required. Depending on location of the individual, extensive travel may be anticipated for 30% - 40% of the time.
• Ability to perform computer work for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in-office a minimum of three (3) days per week.