National Account Director--(Chicago Area–Based)

DESTINATION DC, There is Only One DC--There is Only One You.

Bring your uniqueness to our team!

Position Summary

Reports to: Director of Convention Sales

Are you inspired by the opportunity to bring the nation's most influential meetings and conventions to Washington, DC? Do you take pride in driving business that fuels the city's growth and connects people, ideas and innovation in the heart of the nation's capital?

As our National Account Director for the Association and SMERF (Midwest and West Coast) markets, you will lead efforts to secure new meetings and conventions for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the metropolitan hotel community. You will represent Washington DC as the connected capital where access, innovation and collaboration transform gatherings into powerful experiences.

Based in the Chicago area, you will be dedicated to developing and nurturing relationships with Association (600 peak) and SMERF (1,350 peak) accounts headquartered across the Midwest and West Coast. If you are a highly motivated sales expert who thrives on developing strategic business initiatives and delivering tangible, measurable results, we invite you to bring your skills to our team.

Your Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include the following, but are not limited to)

• Generate new citywide and in-house bookings for Washington, DC in alignment with the organization's annual sales and marketing goals.
• Promote Washington DC as a premier meetings and convention destination through direct sales efforts, client engagement, and participation in industry trade shows and promotional events.
• Producing and distributing qualified sales leads to hotel partners and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to ensure cohesive destination representation.
• Convert leads into confirmed business by preparing customized proposals, coordinating with hotels and the convention center, and overseeing client site visits.
• Maintain an active presence in the Midwest and West Coast by attending relevant industry events, networking functions and association meetings that strengthen relationships and drive new opportunities.
• Represent Destination DC as a regional voice among Destination Reps, positioning Washington DC as a competitive and collaborative destination.
• Maintain direct engagement in Washington DC through regular travel for internal collaboration and client site visits that showcase DC with confidence.
• Conduct persuasive destination presentations to clients, boards and site selection committees.
• Build and sustain strong client relationships to ensure satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Collaborate with hotel partners and industry stakeholders to deliver seamless customer experience.
• Manage travel, entertainment, networking, and co-op budgets with accountability and strategic purposes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Convention Sales and the Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Services.
  
  

What You Bring: Experience, Competencies & Education

• You are located in Chicago, and willing to work remotely is required.
• Minimum 3 (three) years of sales management experience in related field is required, preferably convention bureau, facility or hotel sales in large market full-service property.
• Willingness to travel seasonally and to work evenings or weekends as required for client engagement.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office and destination management software systems required.
• Demonstrated success in achieving or exceeding room-night goals.
• Ability to read, analyze, articulate, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals and technical procedures.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining client relationships that result in repeat and referral business.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Washington, DC's convention products, hotel community, and visitor assets preferred.
• Bachelor's degree (B.S./B.A.) from four-year college or university in management, sales, marketing or related field preferred.
  
  

Your Measure of Success: Accountabilities & Measures

• Annual Room Night Goals (subject to determination by the Director of Sales and Vice-President of Convention Sales and Services).
• Annual Leads generated varies by target market (subject to determination by the Director of Sales and Vice-President of Convention Sales and Services).
• Annual Sales Call and Trip Goals (subject to determination by the Director of Sales and the Vice-President of Convention Sales and Services).
• Periodic performance evaluations gauging quantitative and qualitative performance against identified goals.
  
  

To Apply: Submit cover letter, resume with salary requirements to https://www.washington.org/careers

DESTINATION DC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We welcome all to apply and are committed to retaining, hiring, developing, and promoting diverse talent. We recognize and celebrate cultural differences within our organization by establishing opportunities for education and allyship. Please reach out to us if you need accommodations with an application.

About Destination DC

Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of nearly 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism, and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. www.washington.org