The San Diego Tourism Authority is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation composed of approximately 900 member organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry. San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) members include tourism-related entities in such categories as lodging, dining, arts & attractions, shopping, and transportation, among others, as well as other companies indirectly involved in the visitor industry.

As a sales and marketing organization, the main objective of SDTA is to promote and market San Diego County as a vacation destination and meetings and convention site. SDTA also represents and supports the interests of the visitor industry as a whole.

We are looking for a Vice President of Sales who will report directly to the Chief Sales Officer and will be a key leader representing the San Diego Tourism Authority within the local San Diego community, with business event clients all over the country and at industry events. The VP of Sales will direct, motivate and lead the sales team locally and in remote locations; ensure SDTA meets or exceeds annual hotel meetings room night goals; participate in developing and implementing the strategic direction for the team regarding sales activities (prospecting, customer entertaining & events, trade shows and active membership in appropriate industry associations); assist in building and managing to the annual division budget.

General responsibilities:

• Lead & motivate the sales team to achieve SDTA’s desired results.
• Celebrate wins and high-performance when appropriate.
• Coach each team member for constant growth & improvement.
• Provide coaching and counseling to achieve the desired results.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings on a quarterly basis and an official annual performance review for each sales associate.
• Act as the first leadership contact at SDTA for hotel stakeholders with questions relating to meeting/group needs.
• Oversee lead generation strategies and efforts.
• Assist the team with moving business along in the sales process.
• Establish monthly and annual goals and monitor performance to those goals.
• Participate in client entertainment (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) in market and when travelling.
• Represent SDTA at industry shows and sales missions along with sellers, CSO and President & CEO.
• Assist in the development of annual budget and ensure compliance within spending.
• Participate in and coordinate monthly sales meeting.
• Plan and manage client events and key initiatives.
• Maintain active membership in industry association for the purpose of interfacing with potential customers.
• Attend sales events and industry association meetings.
• Develop a strong relationship with key stakeholders including hotel partners, San Diego Convention Center Corporation and key venues and attractions.  
• As necessary, collaborate with San Diego Convention Center EVP of Sales on all convention center booking opportunities managed by SDTA Citywide Sales Team.

Requirements: 

• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination
• 10 years minimum of sales leadership in the hospitality industry, preferably with hotels and a DMO
• Prior experience working with a convention center in a destination that hosts large citywide events is preferred
• Multiple hotel brand experience
• Experience leading, mentoring and guiding a sales team to success
• Experience managing remote sales associates in different time zones
• Successful history of improving processes and efficiencies resulting in greater productivity
• Strong analytical skills to be able to determine best suited business opportunities for hotel community.
• Ability to create and present engaging presentations for customers, partners, TMD and Board of Directors
• Conceptualize, develop and implement sales programs designed to increase sales productivity
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and fly commercial airlines as needed
• Strong communication skills – written, oral and presentation
• Very strong organizational and goal setting skills
• Proven record of meeting/exceeding goals and objectives

SDTA offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactory proof of COVID-19 Vaccination and satisfactorily clearing background and DMV checks.

San Diego Tourism Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status or any other basis covered under applicable law.

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