National Sales Director

Visit Buffalo Niagara is seeking a driven, collaborative, inclusive, experienced sales leader to serve as the new National Sales Director.

Visit Buffalo Niagara was incorporated on March 4, 1987, and is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the administration and operation of the organization. VBN employs a staff of talented tourism professionals dedicated to promoting tourism and accomplishes this by soliciting national, state, and regional meeting planners, motor coach tour operators, travel agents, and independent consumers. According to the recent Tourism Economics report, Buffalo and Erie County has a $2.2 Billion tourism industry, generated more than $300 million in state and local taxes and saves each Erie County taxpayer $594 annually.

The National Sales Director will promote and sell Buffalo, New York, as a convention and meeting destination for associations and achieve specific room night sales goals as assigned. Focusing on the Visit Buffalo Niagara mission of transforming our community by inspiring visitors and locals to discover Buffalo.

Reference #3860

Location: Remote, based in DC

Contact: Renee Marpert, Executive Recruiter, info@searchwideglobal.com

Director of Events

Visit Big Bear is seeking a collaborative, creative, passionate, experienced professional to serve as the new Director of Events.

Visit Big Bear is the destination marketing organization for Big Bear Lake. Visit Big Bear supports Big Bear’s tourism-driven economy through marketing, event sponsorship, and community partnerships, as well as direct engagement with visitors. Visit Big Bear is funded through the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID).

The Director of Events is responsible for the strategic planning, development, and implementation of Visit Big Bear/TBID events, event grant programs, and tourism-based improvement strategies. This position must relocate to Big Bear Valley and live in the area full-time.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please use the link below to apply or send your resume to the SearchWide Global Executive listed below.

Reference #3888

Location: Big Bear Lake, CA

Contact: Nicole Newman, Vice President, info@searchwideglobal.com

Chief Marketing Officer

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is seeking a confident, innovative, open minded, experienced leader to serve as the new Chief Marketing Officer.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is a Florida Gulf Coast gem that represents a place where visitors can experience America’s Best Beaches alongside a surprisingly diverse gathering of experiences. Composed of a collection of unique communities and neighborhoods that form their own distinct character, the destination offers a combination of urban upscale, low-key trendy, authentic, and beachy lifestyle experiences where visitors can find their vibe, no matter what it is.

VSPC is a department of Pinellas County Government and is the official tourism marketing and management organization for the St. Pete/Clearwater area. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) is charged with enhancing the county’s economy by increasing direct visitor expenditures and job development, training and retention in the tourism industry.

This position will lead a team of marketing professionals to select the most lucrative marketing channels and curate company content to tell a compelling brand story in addition to guiding VSPC’s overall marketing strategy and cultivating its image to gain market share and inspire confidence. The CMO will analyze revenue sources and predict how advertising could help to generate the highest possible return on investment for the County. The difference between the level of this class and other CVB executive-level positions is due to the defined scope of work, complexity, fiscal responsibility, finality of action, and labor market. Work is performed under general supervision with considerable independent judgment and initiative exercised in carrying out the daily operations of VSPC’s marketing section. The individual in this position acts on behalf of the President and CEO when assigned and in the President and CEO’s absence.

Reference #3845

Location: Largo, FL

Contact: Kellie Henderson, Senior Vice President, info@searchwideglobal.com

Managing Director

A timeless, elegant, coastal beach resort and club is seeking a collaborative, detail oriented, driven and experienced leader to serve as the new Managing Director.

With its stunning waterfront location, luxurious amenities, and impeccable service, the club offers a social haven where members and guests have exclusive access to amenities as well as members-only events, promotions, and preferred pricing for food, drinks, shopping, and spa treatments.

The Managing Director is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the Balboa Bay Resort and Balboa Bay Club DBA, “Balboa Bay Club Ventures LLC.”, responsible for the financial results, quality management and overall administration and direction of the property. He/she will develop and execute strategic plans. The Managing Director will continuously promote the culture, mission, values, and quality standards to ensure maximum potential is achieved. This person must create an exceptional climate of professional and personable service that ensures the engagement of team members, guests, members, and owners to ensure a high level of satisfaction and results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Drives the overall budget, goals, and approves resort department budgets, defining and directing changes, as required. Facilitates the preparation of hotel budgets and forecasts for submission and approvals.
  • Directs resort & club actions to maximize revenues, profitability, drive excellent service and improve team member satisfaction.
  • Ensures resort & club implementation and compliance of Balboa Bay Club Ventures LLC. policies and procedures.
  • Creates a sales focused culture and oversees the sales and marketing activity and results. Leads and/or participates in sales and marketing strategy meetings. Participates in efforts to secure business, as needed along with a high level of involvement with the revenue management team. Involved in local community including Chamber of Commerce and VCB.
  • Leads executive committee/department heads to ensure overall profit, service and team member satisfaction goals are met or exceeded.
  • Works closely with the F&B team to ensure the F&B outlets, banquets, and catering departments, offer high quality products and service levels.
  • Speaks with and responds to members and guests regarding service challenges.
  • Facilitates resort & club meetings (i.e. Executive Committee; Staff Meeting; All Team Member Meetings, etc.)

MANAGEMENT:

  • Creates a culture of accountability.
  • Hires, supervises, coaches and disciplines department heads and key personnel.
  • Fosters, inspires, and develops the skills and abilities of direct reports.
  • Conducts performance evaluations for department heads and key personnel.

COMMUNICATION AND OWNER RELATIONS:

  • Regularly communicates with ownership regarding results and aligning strategic plans for the improvement of the resort & club.
  • Communicates and partners with Club General Manager to implement initiatives, maximize revenues and member & guest satisfaction.

OTHER SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS:

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions:

  • Attends industry meetings and participates in industry organizations.
  • Participates in and maintains active community relations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management desired.
  • Seven or more years of leadership experience. A minimum of three as a General Manager, in similar setting. Union experience preferred.
  • Possess solid knowledge of hotel/private club management, service standards at comparable properties, guest relations and etiquette. Ability and experience in successfully leading and strong and effective work teams in a high volume, time sensitive environment. Requires ability to lead others in the department by mentoring and providing training that results in staff that meets/exceeds guest & member expectations and provides a high level of guest satisfaction.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective operating and control processes designed to attain maximum operating efficiency while ensuring adherence to established operating criteria.
  • Requires ability to travel occasionally for required conferences, meetings, training, sales initiatives, etc.
  • Completes required training as scheduled.
  • Ability to monitor labor as required by anticipating business activity while ensuring positions are staffed when and as needed and labor cost objectives are met.
  • Strong knowledge of sales techniques with strong skills and ability to negotiate and close sales.
  • Requires ability to serve needs of members and guests through verbal face-to face interactions. Contacts sometimes contain confidential/sensitive information so requires ability to use discretion. Must demonstrate positive attitude and professional demeanor. Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills and commitment to a high level of guest satisfaction.
  • Experience preparing budgets and expertise analyzing profit and loss statements. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of financial elements and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Requires attention to detail. Must be able to solve problems and remain calm and alert if dealing with difficult guest/member, during busy activity periods or in an emergency.
  • Requires working knowledge of MS Office applications and ability to learn and use telephone and computer systems used at the property.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English to communicate with management, team members and guests & members.
  • Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, team members may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the property. Work schedules will include working on holidays, weekends, and alternate shifts.
  • Must maintain a clean appearance and professional demeanor.

Reference #3887

Location: California

Contact: John Brich, Vice President, info@searchwideglobal.com 

Director of National Accounts

A new, vibrant, golf resort is seeking a dedicated, organized, experienced professional to serve as the new Director of National Accounts.

Recently opening as a leading destination resort for meetings and events, leisure travelers and golf enthusiasts, who seek a one-of-a kind experience. The resort features an adults-only rooftop infinity pool, a destination spa, and two 18-hole championship golf courses. The resort will become a leading destination for golf providing an unparalleled experience for those who are advanced players, new to the game, and everything in between.

The Director of National Accounts will possess a proven track record of securing in-house group business at a luxury Resort or Hotel. This individual must have the ability to solicit and secure business from all segments within the Group Market (main focus will be on the NE geographic territory), while maintaining the highest level of rate integrity and revenue capture for the Resort. Must be able to consistently achieve monthly revenue goals, develop and implement sales action plans, maintain positive interdepartmental communications, and complete special projects assigned by the Director of Sales & Marketing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Adhere to all various written mandatory standards of operations, policies and procedures, manuals, memos, oral instructions, etc., all of which go to make up the essential functions of the job.
  • Meet or exceed weekly, quarterly, and annual sales goals, targets, and initiatives.
  • Develop, actively solicit, and map group business accounts per defined territory.
  • Maintain a complete database of accounts in defined territories.
  • Identify and qualify potential prospects through participating in telemarketing, tradeshows, sales blitzes, and other sales initiatives.
  • Maximize outcome of all sales initiatives by following up on leads, following up with clients in-house to identify additional business opportunities and aggressively managing accounts.
  • Follow all Group Sales Standards of Operation and policies and procedures (generating and completing all necessary forms, correspondence, etc.).
  • Properly convey rate and package information within approved limits to maximize and protect our overall resort revenue yields.
  • Perform in a manner that demonstrates the philosophies of The Power of One and the company in a professional manner to clients and potential clients at every opportunity.
  • Maintain customer relations, GSO relations, trade relations, industry relations and staff relations.
  • Promote all properties and offer information to clients to cross sell the brand, as well and promote other memberships and relationships available for members at participating resorts.
  • Work closely with all departments such as Convention Services and Reservation Sales departments to ensure that all details are communicated for to ensure a successful meeting experience.
  • Perform other tasks as needed or directed to ensure effective Resort operation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 5+ years Group selling experience preferred at a luxury resort or hotel.
  • Prior experience selling to the Northeast territory along with the Incentive, Insurance and Corporate Group Markets.
  • Must possess superior presentation skills both written and verbal.
  • Must be well organized and have excellent attention to detail.
  • Experience with Delphi/FDC preferred.
  • Must be able to work flexible shifts to include holidays, weekends, and evenings.
  • Must be able to navigate property when touring site visits through resort.

Salary Range: $120,000 + adjustment for cost of living as well as competitive bonus  

Reference #3881

Location: Remote, based in the Northeast

Contact: Kathryn Millard, Executive Recruiter, info@searchwideglobal.com 

Chief Operating Officer

Sports Facilities Companies is seeking a strategic, competitive, passionate, experienced professional to serve as the new Chief Operating Officer.

Since 2003, the Sports Facilities Companies, comprised of Sports Facilities Advisory, Sports Facilities Management, and Sports Facilities Development, have become the trusted resource for communities who want to plan, fund, develop, or operate sports, recreation, entertainment, and fitness centers. In this time, we’ve guided projects in over 2,000 communities nationwide and overseen $10 billion in developed projects. Through our managed venues in the SF Network, we host more than 25 million visits annually and drive $200 million in overnight hotel stays annually.

The Chief Operating Officer will have several important financial management and strategic planning tasks. These responsibilities will require strong leadership, financial acumen, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills. The COO will play a vital role in driving the company’s growth, ensuring financial stability, and optimizing operational efficiency.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please use the link below to apply or send your resume to the SearchWide Global Executive listed below.

Reference #3855

Location: Clearwater, FL

Contact: John Brich, Vice President, info@searchwideglobal.com

Senior Sales Manager

A premier hotel management and investment company is seeking a driven, outgoing, and experienced sales leader to serve as the new Senior Sales Manager. This individual will be responsible for achieving or exceeding sales goals by providing complete account penetration for assigned territory by focusing on group business. Establishing new client relationships and maintaining existing relationships to maximize revenue. May be asked to mentor Trainees or less experienced Sales Managers.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Actively solicit new business opportunities through prospecting new customers (including groups, travel managers, travel agents and consumers). Use network channels to open doors to new customers. Seek methods to penetrate key business activities within the marketplace and find profitable ways to bring this business to the hotel. Research information on market and trends and the clients supporting those markets locally.
  • Actively participate in industry related organizations. Attending trade shows, community events and industry meetings to develop business. Participate in Sales blitzes. Makes onsite and field presentations to prospective clients. Participates in pre-convention meetings, training and other sales related meetings as required.
  • Develop long-term relationships with clients or potential clients by maintaining consistent verbal and written communications and providing good customer service.
  • Analyze requirements of business opportunities. Research and maintains knowledge of market trends, competition, and customers. Respond to RFP’s. Outline available hotel space and facilities. Quote price. Meet with clients and hotel department managers to plan function details, space requirements, food service and decor. Prepare correspondence to customers, internal booking reports and client data.
  • Maintain detailed information about clients/prospective clients and enter data into property’s computer systems.
  • Attend Business Review Meetings. Research new companies. Travel to meet clients out of state. Create and implement direct mailing campaigns. Attend training. Make presentations.
  • Conduct familiarization trips. Participate in local community to develop business.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality is desired.
  • Five or more years of related hotel group sales experience. Experience selling to various assigned markets desired (i.e. Corporate, Education, Association, SMERF).
  • Possess solid knowledge of hotel service standards, guest relations and etiquette. The ability and experience in successfully selling and working in a high volume, time sensitive environment.
  • The ability to learn, follow and maintain effective sales processes designed to attain maximum revenue while ensuring adherence to established operating criteria.
  • Completes all required training as scheduled.
  • Strong knowledge of sales techniques with strong skills and ability to negotiate and close sales.
  • Requires the ability to determine needs of customers and persuasively present sales options through verbal face-to-face and telephone interactions. Must be able to create and effectively provide sales presentations and materials to potential customers. Contacts sometimes contain confidential/sensitive information so requires the ability to use discretion. Must demonstrate positive attitude and professional demeanor. Requires strong communication and interpersonal skills and commitment to a high level of guest satisfaction.

Salary Range: $95,000-$100,000 +Bonus

Reference #3862

Location: Remote, based in the Northeast

Contact: Kathryn Millard, Executive Recruiter, info@searchwideglobal.com

Director of Sales

A premier hospitality group is seeking a driven, outgoing and experienced sales leader to serve as the new Director of Sales. This is a team of highly experienced sales professionals with long-standing relationships with clients who are premier meeting planning professionals in the meetings industry. Clients rely on us for our knowledge and expertise and to find the perfect fit within our member portfolio. With over 300 meeting hotels and DMCs worldwide, members rely on us as an extension of their sales team. Built on relationships we are determined to understand our client’s needs and to find optimal solutions within our superb portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 15 years total of hotel//multihotel selling experience.
  • 5 years of selling independent or smaller branded hotel companies.
  • 10 years of successfully selling 4 and 5-diamond hotels and resorts.
  • Must have previous Global Sales Experience.
  • Must have a proven track record of exceeding established sales goals at the Global Account level.
  • Has maintained a minimum of 25-30 key account relationships that can be activated to generate RFPs for the company.
  • The candidate must demonstrate a history of being:
    • Competitive, resilient, and hungry to find success.
    • Resourceful, hardworking, sales professional.
    • This person may not be a leader but has leadership capabilities that serve them well with selling.
    • With a strong drive and level of sales intensity, applying positive tension daily.

BENEFITS:

  • Work/Life Balance.
  • Work Remote/Home office.
  • Client Entertainment Expense Account.
  • Industry Association and Tradeshow Involvement.
  • Reports to the President.
  • Salary + Bonus + Benefits.

Reference #3867

Location: Remote, based in D.C.

Contact: John Brich, Vice President, info@searchwideglobal.com

General Manager

The Savannah Convention Center is seeking a strategic, adaptable, engaged, and experienced leader to serve as the new General Manager.

Located on Hutchinson island across the Savannah River from the Historic District, the Savannah Convention Center features prime meeting space for successful meetings, trade shows, and special events. After the completion of a successful expansion and opening by March/April 2024, the Savannah Convention Center will boast 660,000 sq. ft. of space, including 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. This magnificent venue helps drive economic growth and showcases the uniqueness of Savannah, Chatham County, and the State of Georgia. The Savannah Convention Center is a Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCC) managed facility and this position and the team within the Savannah Convention Center are GWCC employees.

The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and successful performance of the Savannah Convention Center. This leader will recommend, develop, and implement short and long-range goals to enhance the customer experience and implement policies and procedures necessary for the operation and maintenance of the facility. Additionally responsible for developing and implementing approved budget and cost controls and developing a high-performance and high-quality culture where individuals and teams can thrive. The General Manager shall oversee the remaining portion of the 2024 expansion and future hotel development on Hutchinson Island. In addition, represent the facility and the GWCCA in their working relationships with other governmental agencies, industry organizations, and other functions, duties, and responsibilities required by the GWCCA Executive Director.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please use the link below to apply or send your resume to the SearchWide Global Executive listed below.

Reference #3864

Location: Savannah, Georgia

Contact: Mark Gnatovic, Executive Vice President, info@searchwideglobal.com

Vice President of Communications

Destinations International is seeking an outgoing, driven, organized and experienced professional to serve as the new Vice President of Communications.

As the global trade association for official destination organizations and convention and visitor bureaus, Destinations International protects and advances the success of destination marketing worldwide. Destinations International’s membership includes over 700 official destination organizations with more than 7,500 individuals in over 22 countries that command more than $2 billion in annual budgets. As the world’s largest and most reliable resource for destination organizations, we inform, connect, inspire, and educate our members with the goal of driving destination economic impact, job creation, community sustainability and quality of life through travel.

The Vice President of Communications works directly with senior leadership to help lead the organization’s communications and works directly with senior leadership to help lead the organization’s corporate communications and global public relations strategies across all media platforms. The Vice President, in consultation with senior leadership, is responsible for the development and execution of the global strategic communications plan that promotes the organization’s mission, enhances and elevates its brand, broadens its reach, and strengthens its global impact.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please use the link below to apply or send your resume to the SearchWide Global Executive listed below.

Reference #3872

Location: Remote  

Contact: Donna Thornton, Executive Recruiter, info@searchwideglobal.com