Sr. Manager, Convention Sales

San Francisco Travel; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

San Francisco Travel is seeking a Sr. Manager, Convention Sales to drive group business from RFP to final booking in the Washington, DC metro area. You will convert new leads to bookings, coordinate with in-market teams, and tailor experiences for clients while closing meetings and conventions for member hotels.

The role requires building solid client relationships, leading cross-functional teams, and meeting monthly/quarterly targets. On-site presence in DC is expected.

Qualifications

• Education: college graduate or equivalent; business degree a plus.
• 5+ years directly related experience in hotel or convention industry from destination group/convention sales.

Responsibilities

• Lead destination-based sales for group association and corporate accounts from RFP to booking.
• Coordinate and own the RFP response process with in-market lead generation teams.
• Build and present sales proposals and negotiate contracts.
• Collaborate with services, marketing, finance and operations to hit sales objectives.
• Attend sales events and shows to increase production for the San Francisco Travel region.
• Manage relationships with hotels and venues to maximize room nights and group business.

Skills

Independent work

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Salesforce/Cvent/Eventbrite experience

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

College degree or equivalent

Business-related degree a plus

Tools

Salesforce

Cvent

Eventbrite

Box

Concur

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Sr. Manager, Convention Sales will serve as a member of the Convention Sales team and an extension of the San Francisco Travel Association’s sales force. They will be responsible for taking groups from RFP stage to definite, with focus on closing convention business.

The Sr. Manager will convert new leads to bookings for member hotels and will work closely with in-market managers to create tailored experience for customer while in destination to close on meeting and convention groups.

This role will be based in the Washington, DC metro area.

What You'll Be Doing

Destination Based Selling

• Business development of new leads for group association and corporate accounts and maintain existing relationships clients through office visits, entertaining and consistent communication.
• Proactively coordinate and own the RFP response process with in-market lead generation team, as well as generate new leads from assigned lead generation territory.
• Generate new bookings including qualifying the business, finding dates, blocking space, and owning the building of the RFP and maintain production at or around (no less than 85%) predetermined levels/goals.
• Coordinate with Services to organize and participate in sales sites for groups, face-to-face appointments, presentations, tradeshows, and client events within the San Francisco based account directors for accounts located in assigned region as needed.
• Meet budgeted monthly, quarterly, and annual sales performance goals, as communicated by Sales Leader
• Book groups based on room nights, attendees and room demand.
• Generate leads from assigned geographical market
• Coordinates cross functional teams toward internal and external business objectives, clear communication and interacting closely with marketing, sales, finance, and operations in order to meet sales objectives
• Attend sales events and shows designed to increase overall production for San Francisco

Customer Service & Relationship Building

• Serves customers by selling San Francisco hotels/venues/meeting venues; meeting customer needs, continued focus on the customer and keeps a positive attitude towards all customers
• Build and deliver fact based selling presentations
• Proactively ensure customer/client satisfaction through sales process

Other Duties

• Participate in and attend SF Travel sponsored member events
• Support the Convention Services Leadership Team
• Manage division support staff as needed
• Other duties may be assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Education and/or training equivalent to college graduate.
  • Degree in business administration a plus
• 5+ years directly related experience in hotel or convention industry from destination group/convention sales

Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and computer skills necessary.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate and work well with others in a professional office environment.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines while being detail oriented.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Proficiency with Salesforce, Cvent, Eventbrite, Box and/or Concur a plus.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $120,000–$145,000 base compensation annually
• Additional opportunity for annual incentive compensation based on performance and organizational results

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work week may occasionally exceed 37.5 hours
• Must be available to periodically work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as needed
• Must be able to travel domestically as required
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds when supporting events or meeting set up
• Operates computer and other office equipment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• The work environment is an office open to the public with computers, telephones, and printers operating
• Must live in a commutable distance to the Washington, DC metro area