Senior Director of Sales & Marketing

Savannah Convention Center

At the Savannah Convention Center (SCC), a Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) managed facility, we aim to be the event venue of choice, driving economic growth and showcasing the uniqueness of Savannah, Chatham County and the State of Georgia.   It’s what sets us apart and what fuels our vision to be the premier event destination delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences.

Our team members, regardless of role or responsibility, are dedicated to bringing this commitment to life every day. If you are result-oriented, passionate about customer service, believe in teamwork, and possess an unwavering commitment to quality, then a career at GWCCA at the Savannah Convention Center could be your calling. 

The Savannah Convention Center is currently seeking an experienced, proven, creative, organized, and assertive sales & marketing professional to join our family as Senior Director of Sales & Marketing.  Be a part of our team of the newly expanded 660,000 square foot Savannah Convention Center located directly across from historic Savannah on the Savannah River. 

The Senior Director of Sales & Marketing will lead and implement the strategic sales, marketing and communications vision for the Savannah Convention Center. This position will be responsible for driving revenue growth and economic impact and developing and cultivating long-term relationships with the local hospitality community and SCC clients. Reporting to the General Manager, the Senior Director will manage a dynamic team and collaborate with internal departments to position the Savannah Convention Center as a premier event destination.

The ideal candidate is a result driven, transformational sales leader with exceptional communication skills.  Successful employees at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority embody our core values: We are Accountable. We are Authentic. We are One!

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets and drive economic impact.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities, including but not limited to conventions, trade shows, corporate events, meetings, consumer events and social gatherings.
• Build and maintain relationships with Visit Savannah, key clients, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Generate accurate sales forecasts, pipelines, and other reporting metrics (i.e. booking pace reports; lost business reports; trends analyses; etc.); Analyze various reporting metrics and develop or adjust sales strategies accordingly.
• Manage the event calendar to maximize revenue generation.
• Hire, train, lead, mentor, and inspire the Sales & Marketing team.
• Set performance goals, provide ongoing feedback, and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing team culture.
• Represent the SCC at trade shows, industry meetings, and networking events.
• Develop and manage the sales, marketing and communications annual budget.
• Develops annual sales & marketing plan.
• Collaborate with operational departments to deliver exceptional client experiences.
• Collaborate and coordinate with marketing and communications staff, designers, PR firms and other vendors and partners in the development, implementation and facilitation of marketing and communications plans to elevate brand awareness and market presence.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to identify growth opportunities.
• Performs other duties, special projects and responsibilities as assigned which may or may not be directly related to job specifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of sales, yield management and revenue management as it pertains to the hospitality industry—specifically in the convention center and hotel space
• Knowledge of and proven track record of facilitating effective yield management strategies
• Convention center market knowledge- maintain and be current on our core competitive set’s features and benefits while maintaining a steady eye on emerging markets
• Proven track record of leading teams in meeting or exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth
• Ability to generate accurate sales forecasts, pipelines, and other reporting metrics (i.e. booking pace reports; lost business reports; trends analyses; etc.)
• Ability to analyze various reporting metrics and to develop or adjust sales strategies accordingly.
• Ability to prioritize tasks & to manage workload using own initiative
• Ability to multi-task & work under pressure with limited resources
• Ability to manage budgets and drive profitability
• Ability to inspire confidence, lead by example, and gain credibility across the organization
• High degree of integrity and compliance
• Thoroughness in task approach, follow-up and completion
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
• Excellent computer skills; Proficiency in CRM software, analytics tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Executive level self-awareness 
• Assess, weigh and manage risk in the face of uncertainty
• Research and interpret relevant information from a range of sources
• Use appropriate technology to find and process information, while continuously looking for innovative ways to enhance our performance

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, hospitality management, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in sales, preferably in the hospitality, events, or convention center industry
• Combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience working with convention and visitors’ bureaus (CVBs).
• CMP or CMM designation desirable.
• Must be willing to travel up to 25%
  
  
  
  

The Savannah Convention Center is managed by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA)

BENEFITS

Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes extensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, paid vacation, paid state holidays, Flexible Spending Account options, a 401(k) plan with 5% match, free on-site parking, plus discounted prices on auto insurance, home insurance, pet insurance, technology, travel, attractions and much more!

The GWCCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such does not discriminate in hiring, promotions, or on terms or conditions of employment because of race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, eligibility for military service, disability, or for any other illegal purpose.

About Savannah Convention Center

The Savannah Convention Center, offers a unique and memorable venue for your next successful meeting, tradeshow or special event. The Savannah Convention Center is a 660,000 sq. ft. waterfront complex on the Savannah River featuring 200,000 sq. ft. of divisible exhibit space, 27 meeting rooms, 5 executive board rooms, 40,000 sq. ft. ballroom in addition to the existing 25,000 sq. ft. ballroom, 367-seat auditorium and 1,500 parking spaces onsite, including a new 900 space parking garage. The building also features 3 new dining outlets and zoom rooms. Located on Hutchinson Island, the Savannah Convention Center has complimentary access via the Savannah Belles Water Ferry to the world-renowned historic district. The Savannah Convention Center is adjacent to the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. The historic district includes the Hyatt Regency, Savannah Marriott Riverfront, Hilton Savannah Desoto accompanied by many other eclectic and unique lodging options for conference attendees.

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