Jobs with Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

Jobs & Careers with Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge is currently accepting applications for the following position:

POSITION: Vice President of Sports and Sales

REPORTS TO: Chief Strategist Vice President

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

•    Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, hospitality, tourism, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
•    Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in meetings, conventions, or sports tourism sales, including senior leadership experience.
•    Demonstrated success in strategic sales leadership and economic impact generation.
•    Strong knowledge of the meetings, conventions, and/or sports tourism industries.
•    Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
•    Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:  

Must be highly organized and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-tech environment.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint required. The person occupying this position must maintain a valid driver’s license in order to perform responsibilities related to job functions.  

Core Competencies:

•    Strategic planning and execution
•    Executive leadership and team development
•    Financial acumen and performance management
•    Relationship management and negotiation
•    Cross-functional collaboration
 
POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Vice President of Sports and Sales is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, and execution of all meetings, conventions, and sports tourism sales initiatives for the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). This executive-level position drives group business that maximizes economic impact, enhances destination competitiveness, and aligns with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.  The position is also responsible for overseeing meeting and sports servicing in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Travel and flexible hours are required.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITES:

•    Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for meetings, conventions, and sports sales functions.
     - Collaborate with Chief Strategist Vice President to develop, plan, coordinate and implement sales programs and events that showcase VBR as a first-class event and tournament destination. 
•    Develop and implement annual and long-term sales strategies to achieve organizational goals and economic impact targets.
     - Implement sales techniques in order to find new clients, create events around existing business or local contacts, and assist in areas such as presentations, client events, bids and site visits.
     - Implement sports sales techniques in order to find new tournaments, create events around existing tournaments, and assist VBR Sports Advisory Council in areas such as presentations, client events, bids and site visits.
     - Generate and achieve traditional and non-traditional sports tournament & event booking goals, which may be revised annually.
•    Lead, manage, and evaluate sales teams, including performance management, professional development, and succession planning.
     - Generate month end sales reports, sales goal reports, summary of projected economic impact, and presold reports. 
•    Establish and maintain high-level relationships with meeting planners, sports rights holders, governing bodies, venues, hotels, and community partners.
     - Oversee sports and meeting convention calendars and data management system.
     - Evaluates and updates destination services packages
     - Management and coordination of any group housing opportunities
     - Promote and distribute VBR Savings Pass
•    Collaborate with marketing, destination services, and external stakeholders to ensure a coordinated sales and client servicing approach.
•    Oversee sales forecasting, budgeting, CRM utilization, and performance reporting to ensure accountability and return on investment.
     - Database Management Implement Granicus/Simpleview SOP and Adoption
           Oversee Accounts, Prospects, Leads and Bookings
           Oversee and Manage Presolds through Commitment Reports
           Oversee Management of Engagements
           Oversee distribution of service request to partners, track service commitments/fulfillments and prepare status reports
•    Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, sales missions, and key client engagements.
•    Provide input on destination development initiatives, including facilities, infrastructure, and policy considerations related to meetings and sports tourism.
     - Gather and maintain information on competition and changing market trends in the region. 
     - Keep current with industry trends by reading and understanding trade publications and other information circulated through the office.
•    Prepare and present reports and recommendations to executive leadership, the board of directors, and funding partners as required.
•    Assumes other tasks or responsibilities as directed by the Chief Strategist Vice President and the President.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Danielle Hart, Office Manager/Assistant to the President at dhart@visitvbr.com.

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer.