Visit Ithaca, a division of Tompkins Chamber, and the official destination marketing organization of Tompkins County, is hiring! The Sales Manager will support the mission, strategy, and work plan goals of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) through implementation of comprehensive sales strategies for the destination; conduct outreach to drive meeting and conference-based tourism business to Tompkins County facilities, focusing on New York State, Regional and National Association, and Social, Military, Education, Religious, and Fraternal markets; work closely with the Director of Sales (DOS) to promote the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center and maximize sales opportunities through strategic partnerships and targeted marketing campaigns.
The pay range for this position is $62.500-$65,000 annually, dependent on relevant experience and career tenure. This is a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week. Typical work week schedule is 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, with limited events after hours (approximately 1-2 per month). This position requires frequent travel, estimated at 30-40 days per year, primarily October-June.
We are a flexible, hybrid workplace, with main offices located on Ithaca’s West End. Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401K match, Paid Time Off, paid vacation time, paid holidays, and a wellness program, among others. Our workplace is highly collaborative, mission-driven, and committed to supporting a healthy work-life integration.
Please see below for additional details on job duties, essential functions, and the candidate profile. Interested parties should answer all assessment questions within this posting, and submit a resume via Indeed. Partial submissions will not be considered.
JOB DUTIES:
Meeting and Event Sales (90%)
- Prospect new regional and national markets and identify opportunities to attract meetings and conferences to Tompkins County.
- Educate meeting and association conference planners about Tompkins County venues, hotels, and CVB services.
- Represent Visit Ithaca at trade shows and industry events, promoting the area as a premier meeting and conference destination.
- Follow up diligently via phone, email, and hand-written notes to ensure enhanced customer service and satisfaction with the Visit Ithaca brand.
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local businesses, tourism partners, and community leaders.
- Coordinate site inspections of Ithaca and Tompkins County for various groups and organizations.
- Assist with coordination and hosting of bi-monthly DOS group meetings.
- Be active in local, regional, and statewide professional associations.
- Track all activity in the Customer Relations Management (CRM) database, including client communications, file management, and lead tracking.
- Report sales activities and statistics monthly and quarterly.
Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
- Stay informed of competitive destinations, industry, and marketplace changes.
- Collaborate with NYS Destination Management Organization members on sale initiatives as appropriate.
- Coordinate bi-monthly DOS group meetings, in conjunction with Meeting & Conference Sales Associate.
- Support and attend Chamber events and programs as requested.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This role is a combination of desk work (hybrid in-office/remote) and onsite, hands-on work that requires time moving about an office and/or an event or meeting in both indoor and outdoor settings. This role includes some lifting and packing to prepare for client visits and tradeshows.
Travel to off-site meetings, trade shows, and client events around New York State and other states within the United States of America are scheduled as needed. This travel is completed mostly by driving or riding in a car. Some travel is accomplished by flying on an aircraft.
CANDIDATE PROFILE AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Desired Education & Experience:
At least five years related work experience in hospitality industry sales, business development, event coordination/management, or related fields, with demonstrable skills applicable to the work scope is required. A higher education degree or certification in tourism/travel, sales/marketing, or business is advantageous.
Desired Characteristics: This position is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting with people and values fulfilling client expectations. Strong oral and written communications skills; effective time management; attention to detail; planning, organization, and ability to execute by deadline are a necessity. The ability to lead and manage projects independently is desired. A commitment to embrace a workplace culture encouraging and elevating diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential.
Additional criteria, working conditions, or technology used: Position requires frequent travel, averaging 30-40 days per year, with the majority of travel October through June. Work is completed in digital formats individually and in collaborative groups. Social capacity includes small meetings, networking at small and large events, and one-on-one in-person and/or digital communications with team members, tourism partners, meeting and event planners, and service providers.
Technological systems and platforms used include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams); Zoom/virtual environments; PowerPoint; Adobe Suite; Canva; CRM database; MailChimp/email platform; and social media platforms.
Training & Development: All staff members are expected to participate in regular staff training sessions and team development opportunities, pursue professional development opportunities deemed mutually beneficial to the individual and organization and as budget allows, and to participate earnestly in diversity, equity, and inclusion educational offerings and discussions.
As part of our values, we seek to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace and encourage communication of necessary accommodations to remove barriers and make our employment relationship a successful one.
PERFORMANCE FACTORS:
A separate work plan document will be generated identifying the specific Goals/Objectives for the employee work program area annually, to be utilized to gauge objectives and performance during the review period. Overall goals for the role will include:
· Achievement of sales targets and revenue goals.
· Increase in meetings and conferences, with a focus on high-value events.
· Expansion of the client base and development of strategic partnerships.
· Effective analysis and utilization of sales data to inform decision-making.
The Tompkins Chamber & CVB is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion; candidates who share these values and who can support us in achieving our goals in this area are encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $62,500.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Travel requirement:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Please provide an example of a time you have represented an organization at a tradeshow or similar industry event.
- If a client raises an objection, how do you respond?
- What factors determine if an event is a good fit for your destination/facility to pursue?
- What makes a destination attractive to meetings and conferences?
Ability to Commute:
- Ithaca, NY 14850 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Ithaca, NY 14850: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ithaca, NY 14850