Destination Sales Manager

JOB OVERVIEWThe Destination Sales Manager is responsible for selling Walnut Creek as a destination for groups, meetings, weddings, and special events. Key performance indicators ("KPI") are accomplished by a robust scope of work that includes prospecting new clients and opportunities, trade show and conference attendance, lead retrieval and follow-up, client events, FAM tours, site inspections, and other activations that effectively promote Walnut Creek as an overnight destination. Additionally, the Manager is responsible for conveying value to Visit Walnut Creek's stakeholder partners by providing sales support, industry insights, and sales call opportunities to engage lodging property sales teams to utilize Visit Walnut Creek as an asset to their sales process.The Destination Sales Manager should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be high energy, self-motivated, and comfortable interacting with industry professionals, community leaders, business partners, and clients.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESDuties may include but are not limited to the following:Lead GenerationIdentifies and develops new target sales market opportunities from existing anizes and attends sales blitz's, client events, trade shows, site inspections, FAMs, etc.Prospects new opportunities in assigned target markets by working with new and existing accounts.Creates sales presentations, positioning points, and follow up strategies that position Visit Walnut Creek as a reliable source of destination information.Utilizes an innovative approach to generate incremental, qualified leads for the destination.Provide detailed and timely communications to Visit Walnut Creek partners on lead development.Manage all aspects of assigned accounts in Visit Walnut Creek's customer relationship management (CRM) database. (Salesforce)Qualifies leads, manages the booking cycle and acts as a liaison between Visit Walnut Creek stakeholder properties and the client.Accepts and responds to all assigned RFP's and leads with clients and lodging properties via phone calls, virtual calls, emails, face-to-face meetings, and other forms of communications.Engage with meeting planner organizations such as MPI, PCMA, SITE, and 3rd party planning organizations.Provides sales reports six times per year and presents reports at advisory board meetings.Sales ActivationsIdentify key market segments and manage sales activations.Attend industry tradeshows and sales missions and recruit local partner participation as needed.Manage tradeshow registration, submissions, appointment requests, shipping, and travel.Execute timely tradeshow follow-up including communicating with each client met during appointments, networking events, entertainment, or other activation.Identify qualified meeting planners to attend FAM tours and client events.Create compelling itineraries and escort clients throughout Walnut Creek.Work with partners to provide clients with exceptional site inspections.Partner RelationsDevelop and maintain effective working relationships with lodging properties, attractions, wineries, service partners, DMC's and other businesses to maximize selling opportunities.Identify need periods and special promotional opportunities for stakeholders.Oversee the coordination of sales team mixers.Administrative DutiesAdheres to all Visit Walnut Creek policies and procedures.Maintains an activity log in CRM relating to influencing the sales process of contracted programs, including client meetings, follow up, incentives, trainings, networking, partner referrals, sales activations, or other activities that substantially influence the contracting of programs at stakeholder properties.Ensure timely, prompt, and accurate weekly, monthly and quarterly reports on sales activities, lead generation, definite room night bookings, site visits, trip activity, communications, and other sales related goals.Maintains membership and attends events in local, state, regional, and national industry organizations.May have special assignments and responsibilities outside of normal work hours.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESThis position has no personnel supervisory responsibilities and minimal to no budgetary responsibilities.REQUIRED EDUCATIONEXPERIENCEThree to five years sales experience REQUIRED. Experience with a conventionvisitorstourism bureau, hotel, or hospitality industry-related business preferred.Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with academic coursework or real-world experience in relevant discipline (i.e., hospitality, tourism, international marketing, business administration or other closely related fields of study) preferred.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGESKILLSABILITIESGoal-oriented, reliable in meeting deadlines, and well-organized.Excellent public presentation and communication skills (both orally and in writing).Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point.Experience working with a CRM database (Salesforce experience a bonus).Displays an aptitude for identifying and learning new software programs.Skilled in high-level, professional customer service.Ability to work effectively with a cross-section of people, nationalities and time zones.Ability to perform consistently in a fast-paced, multi-tasked and deadline-driven environment.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Ability to lift to 40 lbs. Frequently sits, stands, and walks. Occasionally twiststurns, bends, kneels, and reaches overhead. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTPosition is hybrid, with two to three days in office, dependent upon travel and event schedule.This job primarily operates in a professional office environment.This position requires 30 to 50% travel. Frequently travel is outside the local area and overnight.Must have a valid driver's license and own reliable transportation.OTHER DUTIESPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.BENEFITSPaid Holidays: All Federal Holidays + Additional time in December - Holiday Schedule will be provided upon the start of employmentPaid Sick Leave: Accrued at 4 hours per pay period starting at 91 days of employment with a 240 Hour CapPaid Vacation: Accrued at 3.33 hours per pay period starting at 91 days of employment with a 80 Hour CapGroup Health Insurance: The Chamber pays 100% of the employee's health insurance. Available the 1st of the month following 90 days of employment. Dependentspousal coverage is available at the employee's expense.Other Insurance: The Chamber pays 100% of employees, vision, dental, short-term and long-term disability, and group life insurance. Available the 1st of the month following 90 days of employment. Dependentspousal coverage is available at the employee's expense.401K Retirement: Safe Harbor 401K or Roth is available at 91 days of employment with a 6% Match; 100% Immediately Vested at 91 Days (Must be 21+ to qualify for 401K)SALARY RANGE$78,000 - $84,000 per year

Created: 2025-02-03