Director of Sales & Marketing

What a great opportunity to lead the team at the newly built Virginia Guest House Hotel and Conference Center on the beautiful campus of the University of Virginia. This unique property has 214 guest rooms and 25,000 sf of event space. There will be a full-service restaurant, Grab and Go Cafe, and an amazing Rooftop Bar. The highly anticipated opening date is expected to be late January 2026. We are looking for a Director of Sales & Marketing to lead the sales and marketing efforts for this incredible team.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of leading the Sales and Marketing efforts for a resort, they will be creative in how they approach marketing, they will be a problem solver, and be open to learning and leading by example.

Your Role:

• Drive the group and leisure sales initiatives for the hotel.
• Execute sales and marketing activities to achieve budgeted goals
• Develop and drive the strategic focus on creation and distribution of exceptional marketing plans and campaigns.
• Drive the online advertising strategy utilizing strategic partners to achieve growth in website traffic, bookings and conversion
• Drives digital channel direction through data analysis to deliver ROI
• Drives the creation of on-property promotions and programming while working with applicable departments to implement
• Develops signature events for the hotel to drive additional revenues using University demand drivers such as game days, reunions and parents weekends.
• Stays abreast of industry trends that the Hotel can capitalize on.
• Research, analyze, and monitor financial, technological, and demographic factors in order to capitalize on market opportunities and to establish a leadership position in the market
• Play a pivotal role in Hotel sales and marketing efforts, including calling on accounts, meeting clients, hosting luncheons and receptions, and meeting with on-site contacts on a daily, weekly and monthly basis
• Plan and participate in Sales and Marketing trips and industry related meetings as appropriate to the assigned markets/territories.
• Assist in the annual budgeting plan
• Negotiate with clients and achieves maximum revenue/profit potential while satisfying clients needs
• Enhance the Hotel s community s image by actively participating in associations, events, clubs and boards. Actively engage in community relations.
• Assume active ownership of assigned sales territory and respond to specific market needs, initiates needed action and suggests to sales leadership any necessary actions
• Drive total revenue performance, collaborating on yield strategies to meet budget, forecast, and target goals.
• Provide hands-on team leadership with accountability measures to achieve objectives.
• Develop Business Travel, Group, and Banquet/Catering segments.
• Create and execute a cohesive Hotel Business Plan emphasizing Direct Sales, PR, Revenue Management, and Ecommerce.

• We are looking for an experienced large Hotel Sales and Marketing Leader with significant experience (minimum 5 years in similar position).
• Must have experience in leading an experienced sales team as we meet/exceed business objectives.
• Independent Hotel experience is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel preferred, and Delphi highly preferred.
• Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills, as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required.
• Extensive knowledge of sales skills, revenue management, recruitment, supervision, training, and motivation of managers.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in written form with the public as well as other team members.
• Essential statistical and analytical skills required to identify revenue opportunities and shortfalls.
• Ability to work both independently and cross-functionally to achieve goals.
• Ability to thrive in a multi-tasked and fast-paced environment.
• We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits beginning the first of the month after hire.
• Up to 10% travel

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