Senior Manager - Convention Sales

$85,000 - $85,000/Yr

Destination Cleveland - Cleveland, OH

Full-time - Mid Level

Cleveland, OH

About the position

The Senior Manager Convention Sales at Destination Cleveland is responsible for promoting and selling Cleveland as a premier destination for conventions and events. This role focuses on increasing convention and event business, managing bookings for events with a peak attendance of 150 to 399. The position requires a proactive approach to sales, strategic thinking, and the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet client demands. The Senior Manager will also engage in travel, approximately 10%, to represent Cleveland and secure business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic proactive prospecting sales plan.
• Manage complex and large-scale bookings from beginning to end.
• Meet established goals for monthly, quarterly, and annual quotas.
• Attend tradeshows, sales missions, networking meetings, and local meetings to solicit convention business.
• Act as a strategic thought leader in managing the sales process for each business opportunity.
• Proactively identify potential business opportunities to partner with Marketing for proposals and presentations.
• Make personal presentations to key decision makers and site selection committees to secure leads and book business.
• Coordinate all aspects of bids, including proposals and maximizing resources.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of intra-city facilities, attractions, and services available in the area.
• Coordinate and conduct site inspections in Cleveland, showcasing facilities and attractions.
• Assist with the development of and participation in Familiarization (FAM) trips for qualified customers.
• Maintain existing and past account relationships through proactive outreach.
• Document information into CRM and manage the database through ongoing audits.
• Partner with Convention Services to ensure smooth transitions of booked business.
• Represent Destination Cleveland at events and industry groups to generate interest in Cleveland.
• Maintain familiarity with competing areas and issues impacting marketing efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of sales account experience or 8+ years of equivalent relevant work experience.
• Proven track record in hunting for new business and cultivating new markets.
• Expert level relationship building and management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, specifically PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to various group sizes.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Familiarity with the Cleveland region and its offerings.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the hospitality or tourism industry.
• Knowledge of CRM software and sales-related applications.

Benefits

• Base salary budget of $85,000 with annual bonus eligibility of 20% of base salary.