Job Description

The Ven at Embassy Row, Washington, D.C., a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott is seeking an accomplished Director of Sales & Marketing. The Ven Embassy Row Hotel blends the neighborhood’s ambassadorial heritage with stylish and comfortable amenities. The Ven, Danish word for friend, welcomes guests to the hotel as we would welcome a friend to our home. The hotel is Scandinavian inspired. Our restaurant “Fred & Stilla” celebrates diplomacy by combining the Scandinavian word for its desired outcome—peace, or Fred— with a variation on the Scandinavian word for "style"— Stil becomes Stilla. At Fred & Stilla, we invite guests and travelers to connect with the world through the power of food. Our fare, like our space, is simple and modern—letting the natural beauty of globally inspired comfort foods shine through—but plated to impress.

At Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we understand what it takes to be a part of something great. We will encourage you to bring your true self to work every day, we will celebrate you and we will cheer you on as you shine bright in your career journey. Whether it be our health & wellness programs, best in class learning and development or our travel discounts that ‘feed your inner explorer’, we work hard to create and deliver on what YOU need. We are ready for you to start your journey with us where You Belong. We Care. Shine Bright.

We are committed to providing you with:

• Highly competitive annual salary of $123,000 - $130,000 with bonus eligible based on achieving set goals
• An exceptional and comprehensive benefit plan for you and eligible family members to include Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Other voluntary benefits include Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance, Identity Protection and Commuter Benefits
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days, and Holidays
• 401(k) with Employer Matching
• Hotel discounts at Marriott Hotels globally and Crescent managed properties in North America for you & your family members
• A 50% discount at the hotel's on-site restaurant for managers

What are my essential job functions and responsibilities?

• Collaborate with fellow revenue responsible team members to lead divergent strategic tactics that drive profitable results.
• Coordinate ongoing research of the travel industry to detect market trends and related information for development of new marketing strategies.
• Recognize areas of opportunity and make reasonable recommendations to improve potential from various markets.
• Direct and participate in the in-person and virtual solicitation efforts through innovative and effective communication
• Oversee rate, date and space commitments for group room sales within the hotel.
• Build strong partnerships within property as well as clients and community.
• When appropriate rebuild sales team interviewing, hiring, training, and instilling Crescent sales culture throughout team and property
• Hold team members accountable, recommend performance evaluations, resolve problems, provide open communication and recommend discipline and/or termination when appropriate.
• Ensure training programs are conducted regularly and Crescent standards of performance are met. Give guidance and counsel staff toward improvement.
• Compile and/or direct the preparation of reports pertaining to the operation of the Sales Department to include, but not limited to the annual and monthly Forecast, Marketing Budget, Lead Management System, Booking Report, star reports and Sales Meeting minutes.
• Develop and conduct persuasive in person and virtual sales presentations to prospective clients.
• Internally promote Crescent programs and standards
• Represent property, meet with and entertain clients some of which will require travel.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing to provide clear direction to the staff.
• Initiate preparation of computerized annual Sales & Marketing Plan and execute plans as outlined, critically examining and adjusting as deemed necessary by current market conditions.
• Organize and/or attend scheduled Sales Department and related meetings.
• Requires at least 2 years previous experience in Director of Sales and Marketing role with similar sized, full service hotel. 5 years’ experience in progressive sales management role(s) with full service hotel. Brand experience helpful.
• Strong knowledge of travel industry, current market trends and economic factors. Extensive skill in development and delivery of sales presentations both in person and virtually.
• Self-starting, energetic persistent personality with an even disposition. Maintain a professional appearance and manner at all times. Can communicate well with peers, subordinates and guests. Must be willing to “pitch-in” and help co-workers with their job duties and be a team player.
• Ability to access, understand and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system. Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers and staff, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to diffuse anger, collect accurate information and resolve conflicts.
• Must have the ability to communicate in English. Ability to stand and move throughout the hotel property and continuously perform essential job functions.

What are we looking for?

We believe the success in this role will demonstrate itself through the following attributes and skills:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years progressive hotel sales experience
• Minimum 2 years hotel sales leadership experience or equivalent.
• Marriott experience including in CI/TY preferred
• Ability to execute a Sales and Marketing Plan to enhance revenue
• Established relationships within the agency community
• Negotiation/interpretation of contracts skills
• Business communication skills both written and verbal
• Proficient in Microsoft Suites
• Experience with major Hospitality Sales CRM systems.
• Present confidence and a professional appearance.

What’s it like working for us?

At Crescent Hotels & Resorts we strive to create a great place to work where associates at all levels of our organization are respected for their differences, just like the guests and owners we serve. That’s why we are dedicated to creating an environment that facilitates open and honest conversations about race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. By examining our own beliefs and behaviors, we can create change through training, recruiting, and promoting diverse talent to strengthen our culture.