Vice President Of Sales - Start Immediately

We are hiring an ambitious Vice President of Sales to join our productive team at Choose Chicago in Chicago, IL.
Growing your career as a Full Time Vice President of Sales is an amazing opportunity to develop important skills.
If you are strong in people management, adaptability and have the right vision for the job, then apply for the position of Vice President of Sales at Choose Chicago today!

posted August 30, 2022 Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor destination to business and leisure travelers.
The ideal candidate for this senior-level position will be a part of an important period of change already underway in laying a new foundation of success for Choose Chicago, with the opportunity to manage a top-notch professional Sales team while partnering with our newly appointed senior vice president of sales and services in meeting the needs of our clients, stakeholders and partners.
Position SummaryThe vice president, sales promotes Chicago as a premier destination by managing the daily sales activities of the organization, including developing and implementing strategic sales plans to reach corporate goals. Directing sales and forecasting activities as well as setting and managing performance goals for the convention sales team is also a core requirement.
This leadership position will represent the organization nationally and locally while managing a sales team of seven to 10 people. The primary responsibilities are to position the destination as one of the premier meeting locations in the United States, increase group business during need periods, and develop alliances with key industry organizations. Alongside the senior vice president of sales and services, this leadership position will work closely with the vice president of marketing and CEO on developing new meetings campaigns and will evaluate processes, programs and sales activities to ensure all goals and objectives are achieved effectively.
The individual should have a desire to be a change agent and inspired leader who is strategic, proactive, responsive, fair, kind, leads by example, and not afraid of hard work and travel. The ideal candidate will be responsible for strategic planning, budget management, team performance and managing their respective sales team. This leader should foster a culture of teamwork and innovation.
Ten-plus years of hotel and/or DMO sales management/leadership experience is preferred. Individuals that do not have previous experience of at least five years of leadership experience in the tourism and hotel industry will not be considered.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeadership Represent Choose Chicago in various board, industry and community leadership meetings.
Evaluate and assess the strategic plan, budget, organizational structure, goals and metrics of the sales team.
Liaisons collaboratively with MPEA to ensure efforts are coordinated, the overall sales plan is supported, and MPEA objectives meet the bureau requirements.
Build relationships and open communication, both internally and externally with team members, partners and stakeholders.
Make recommendations for new and creative strategies that identify new opportunities for the Convention Sales team.
Ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is woven into the fabric of the organization and strategic plan.
Extensively interact with hotel community and strategic partners to establish strong working relationships that will support overall goals and objectives.
Build rapport with key, high-profile or high-revenue clients and continuously promote Chicago.
Serve in voluntary leadership roles in community and industry-related organizations.
Active involvement and engagement in sales missions, site visits, FAMS and other industry events.
Sales Execute sales plan strategies and initiatives focused on groups, meetings and conventions to generate and exceed both individual and team annual room night goals.
Help to develop and deliver sales presentations to key clients and represent Choose Chicago at various meetings and trade shows and/or events.
Actively oversee and manage strategic partnerships and sales production as it relates to room nights booked in conjunction with partner hotels and the McCormick Place Convention Center.
Must constantly maintain knowledge of the destination's products and services with the ability to effectively communicate and understand the features and benefits to clients and internal team members.
Client entertainment and travel required
Management Evaluate, monitor and track team performance measurements.
Work with direct reports on room night production, identify opportunities, and troubleshoot potential challenges and conflicts.
Support sales team with new and existing prospecting resources.
Facilitate ongoing training for sales team.
Establish multiple channel development and coordinates sales distribution by identifying sales territories, quotas and goals.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities including recruitment, training, mentoring, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, and addressing complaints and resolving problems working with Human Resources.
Finance/Budgetary Obligations Maximize the financial performance of the assigned budgets.
Assist in the development of a fiscally sound departmental budget.
Collaborate with department and finance team members to effectively manage assigned budget and expense reports on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
Organizational Commitment Maintain a positive and cohesive working relationship with internal team and external vendors, members, partners, and suppliers to successfully meet Choose Chicago's room night goals, mission and vision.
Participate in ongoing, high-quality improvement/client satisfaction efforts.
Demonstrate high standards and display a positive and proactive approach.
Handle additional responsibilities and projects as assigned.
Qualifications, Education, Experience College degree and/or equivalent related experience. Ten or more years of professional experience in hotel and/or DMO experience preferred.
Minimum of five years overseeing or managing a team with convention bureau, hotel sales or related industry position
Demonstrated strong sales, negotiating and decision-making skills
Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
Strong knowledge of sales reporting tools and ability to articulate internally and externally
Comfortable with public speaking and interacting with high-level decision makers.
Strong working knowledge and experience in working with convention centers
Previous experience in database management; experience with CRM and Simpleview a plus
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including strong presentation software experience.
Core Competencies NeededForward thinker, ability to think strategically and open to new ideas in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communications and presentation skills and the ability to connect with internal and external clients at all levels
Proficient writing and presentation skills
Ability to make sound decisions utilizing effective problem solving
Strong industry expertise and knowledge of Chicago and its venues
Strong work ethic and industry reputation required to raise the profile of the Choose Chicago sales team; someone who can lead by example and can set a tone for high achievement.
Must love selling and the sales process — actively sell and strategically manage large high-profile accounts.
Proven leadership skills, including the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team of sales professionals
Ability to think creatively, strategically and work within budget
A strong team orientation is critical based on the collaborative culture of Choose Chicago and the visitor industry
Strong computer skills and working knowledge of MS Office products. Familiarity with and adaptability to a CRM system.
Able to perform in a variety of environmental conditions with varying physical requirements. Able to travel by air or ground as required. Up to 25 percent to 30 percent overnight travel.
Physical Work Environment Ability to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
Ability to sit for extended periods of time in performing the work.
Ability to travel by ground transportation (includes personal and public transportation) as required in performing work.
Ability to document vaccination status for COVID-19 virus.
Ability to travel throughout the city, including prolonged standing and walking as it's very often necessary when delivering items to members of the media or partners.
Ability to work nights and weekends as needed. Working evenings include, but are not limited to attending business exchanges and venue openings/receptions/client appreciation events, etc.
Able to travel by air or ground as required. Up to 25 percent to 30 percent overnight travel.
To ApplyThis position offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Qualified candidates should submit resume and include salary requirements to View email address on womenleadingtravelandhospitality.com.


Benefits of working as a Vice President of Sales in Chicago, IL:
? Excellent Benefits Package
? Professional Development Opportunities
? Advantageous package