The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center (CCCC) and OVG360 are looking for a full time Director of Convention Sales to support the administrative management of the CCCC. The Coliseum and Convention Center is a 529,000 square foot complex and multiple venue campus and hosts a variety of events, including conventions, conferences, meetings, tradeshows, consumer shows, special events, banquets, and other social events. This position manages and leads convention development sales department. Responsible for identifying opportunities; developing long and short-term sales strategies with the objective of attracting conventions, meetings, and events that secure hotel room and destination economic impact. Direct reports include Convention Sales Managers. Prepares monthly forecasts and reports and manages preparation of special projects as assigned by management

This role reports to the CCCC General Manager. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, proactive driven and collaborative professional responsible in part for maintaining the sales goals for the facility.

Summary:

The Director of Convention Sales is responsible for booking conventions, corporate and private events through an aggressive marketing and sales program, working with clients on rates, contract terms and conveying this information to all departments. The candidate will be able to execute all aspects of the convention sales and marketing process, promote to potential clients, establish working relationships, represent at tradeshows, initiate sales calls and ensure booking information is maintained.

Responsibilities of this Position:

• Directs, hires and trains convention development sales staff.
• Maintains close working relations with area hotels and convention facilities and serves as liaison between the client and these facilities; conducts monthly meetings with hotel sales professionals in Charleston / Kanawha County regional Area.
• Developes sales strategies promote the Charleston / Kanawha County regional Area.
• Develops cooperative programs, familiarization trips, and sales missions with area hotels and hospitality industry to market Charleston region.
• Develops and initiates new accounts, manages priority sales accounts; assigns all new accounts.
• Produce reports including but not limited to sales metrics, quantifiable together with reports requested by city officials/departments, internal reports for AGM, GM or Corporate office and as directed on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Gather reports/data for annual reports and marketing plan as well as prepare an analysis for upcoming budget preparations and projections.
• Make written or in person presentations to boards of directors, convention delegates or site selection committees as directed to secure business for Charleston.
• Develops and maintains an accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge of the capabilities of the Kanawha Valley and Charleston area and effectively uses this knowledge as a sales tool and teaching module.
• Develop relationships and build partnerships with local businesses, attractions, and hotels relative to Charleston’s hospitality industry. Maintain up-to-date records and communicate regularly to maintain good relationships with the lodging facilities, convention center staff, attractions, and other agencies to collect information for maintenance of meeting planner’s kit and collateral.
• Develop and maintain relationships with professional membership organizations, local businesses, industries, institutions, and the public at-large to further to goals and mission of the Charleston CVB
• Represent Destination Charleston/ Charleston CVB in area, regional and state organizations such as WVACVB, TEAMS, CONNECT, SGMP, or other organizations/associations when appropriate.
• Attends tradeshows to promote the Charleston, WV region as a convention, meeting, and tourist destination.
• Conducts regular sales meetings with department staff to discuss goals and prospecting efforts, upcoming conventions, meetings, outstanding leads, and special projects.
• Plans and oversees all Familiarization Tours and site inspections conducted by the department.
• Routinely reviews departmental communications, sales proposals, contracts and recommends improvements.
• Often works extended/irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Other duties as assigned by the General Manager or AGM.

• Minimum 7+ years of responsible sales experience in a convention center, conference center or other similar facilities
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Prior Supervisory experience preferred.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Professional presentation, appearance, and work ethic.
• Follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively with others in both in an oral and written form.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of convention sales management and hospitality industry with understanding of marketing, sales techniques and meeting management.
• Strong sales team leadership experience
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Remain flexible and adjust to situations as they occur.
• Maintain an effective working relationship with clients, customers, employees and others encountered during employment.
• Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Ability to solicit and secure business.
• Willing and able to work evenings, weekends and holidays based on client and office demands.
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Bachelors’ degree required (relevant experience may be considered)
• CMP certifications desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, computer proficiency, and ability to learn specialized computer software as needed.

EEO Statement:

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

DEI Statement:

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference.

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is routed in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Updated Vaccination Statement as of 3/17/2022:

We are committed to ensuring all our buildings and office locations are the safest in the world for artists, teams, employees, and fans. Based on recent encouraging trends in the U.S. and Canada, we highly encourage our employees to continue to get vaccinate and boosted against COVID-19. Should circumstances change, we may need to reinstate vaccination requirements, in whole or in part, to safeguard the health of our employees, guests, performers, athletes, and partners.