Vice President of Business Development

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To be considered for this position, please upload your resume and cover letter. Only candidates submitting both resume and cover letter will be considered.

Position Summary:

The Vice President (VP) of Business Development leads the strategic direction for the department in alignment with Explore Asheville's strategic imperatives, organizational values, market research and broader economic development goals. This role is accountable for sales goals, departmental budgets and management of the business development, sales, and services functions of the organization. The department leader inspires the team to generate direct spending throughout Asheville and Buncombe County through attracting groups, events, and conferences as well as tracking hotel roomnight production, bookings, and sales leads for room tax-collecting properties. Serves as a member of the executive leadership team, providing support to the CEO by assisting in strategic planning and administration of organization policy, implementing the organization's vision, mission, strategic imperatives, and key objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Business Development & Sales Leadership

• Direct the annual sales plan development, implementation, and communication of the plan including setting of sales goals and employee performance plans for the department staff.
• Develop and evolve sales strategies to improve performance based on market research, industry trends, and competitor analyses.
• Develop topline objectives and key business initiatives to meet goals.
• Formulate and implement short-term and long-range marketing/sales strategies with demonstrated ability to tie plans and tactics to specific results.
• Analyze new business opportunities by business sectors, market segment, seasonality, patterns, and overall value of accounts.
• Analyze, monitor, and provide sales reports on department and individual performance, including direct spending by groups, leads, confirmed bookings, lost business, etc.
• Evaluate and fine tune operational processes for effective use of human and financial resources.
• Represent Explore Asheville with key industry groups and accounts; serve on committees and boards as appropriate and participate in various industry events, trade shows, and sales and marketing missions.
• Lead and engage the Asheville Business Events Council to identify, attract, sponsor, or create events that deliver a strong return on investment through direct spending and reputation building.
• Collaborate with community leaders through tourism and economic development. Serve on local organization boards and committees to assist with area marketing efforts as identified and assigned.
• Host quarterly director of sales meeting with key industry partners to keep the industry partners abreast of Explore Asheville initiatives, activities, and partner opportunities.
• Manage the financial budget for the department, including the approval of sales expenditures.
• Utilize data and reporting capabilities of the CRM.
• Compile and prepare performance reports that are presented monthly to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA).
• Accurately manage data in the Simpleview CRM database using standard operating procedures. This includes account maintenance and sales reports.
• Keep the CEO informed of sales activities and issues as they arise.

People Leadership

• Effectively lead and inspire a total team of ten, including five direct reports: Director of Sports, Film & Entertainment, Director of Sales, Groups Service Manager, Group Service Coordinator and Sales & Marketing Assistant.
• Build a cohesive, effective, and accountable department. Promote an inclusive work environment by valuing employee differences and contributions, providing opportunities for employees to be heard, and ensuring decisions that affect the team are transparent and equitable.
• Set and communicate department priorities in alignment with the executive team. Provide daily work direction, performance management, onboarding and training, oversight/approval of absences and overtime, and recommendations related to employment decisions in support of organizational priorities. Oversee the team's involvement with industry and consumer communication efforts.
• Ensure accountability with empathy. Provide coaching, mentoring, and feedback to employees in support of improved performance, growth, and employee engagement.
• Delegate to, involve, and communicate transparently with employees to foster a connected, collaborative organization.
• Position, develop, and involve employees to best promote collaboration, application of their knowledge, skills, and abilities, and individual/ team development.

Executive Leadership

• Develop and maintain local and industry partnerships in support of Explore Asheville's strategic imperatives and priorities.
• Create, manage, and monitor an average estimated annual budget of $2 million.
• Work with executive leadership team to ensure organization-wide collaboration and integration.
• Ensure proper financial and human resources deliver on the business plan. Oversee contract development, vendor selection and work conducted by contractors as appropriate to deliver the best outcomes for Explore Asheville, BCTDA and the community.
• Represent the organization, as necessary, at industry and community meetings and functions and to professional organizations. Provide strategic counsel, support, and assistance to internal and external stakeholders to elevate the development efforts across the destination.
• Model leadership approach aligned with organizational values for all employees.
• Make decisions that serve in the best interest of the organization's purpose and develop systems and processes that enable interdepartmental and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Collaborate with the executive team in the production of the annual business plan and reports.

Other Responsibilities:

This is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. There may be times where this position is asked to help other team members with their work, completing tasks outside of this description.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of progressively more responsible experience. Preferred degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or other related sales/hospitality field -OR- any combination of education, coursework, and/or technical training necessary to meet position requirements.
• Minimum of eight years of progressive sales/management experience with a destination marketing organization (DMO) or in hotel sales, including team management and supervision, hands on experience with CRM systems, budgeting and planning and public speaking is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of people management experience, including team management and supervision.
• Commitment to delivering measurable results and achieving established goals.
• Demonstrated capabilities in managing and motivating a dynamic team.
• Commitment to delivering measurable results and achieving established goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, written/verbal communication, organization, planning, and budget management skills.
• Appreciation for Buncombe County's travel and hospitality community.
• Must be able to use sound judgment and discretion.
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• High attention to detail.

Physical Environment & Working Conditions:

• The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work involves working alone on the computer, collaborating as part of a team, or working closely with others by computer or over the phone.
• Most work tasks are performed indoors.
• Must be able to sit or stand at a desk for up to 7.5 hours per day.
• Requires grasping, writing, being mobile, repetitive motions, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.
• Attendance of outside work functions after hours are required.
• Position is expected to spend time in the community on a regular basis.

Travel:

Some local travel, generally within Buncombe County, is required, but not extensive. Must have a valid driver's license, current automobile insurance and own or have access to an automobile when needed.

EEO Statement:

Explore Asheville provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Explore Asheville strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization. We are actively seeking a diverse pool of candidates from a variety of abilities, backgrounds, and cultures.

About Explore Asheville:

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) oversees the work of Explore Asheville, which develops and carries out advertising, marketing, public relations, and group sales plans to inspire leisure and business travelers to visit Asheville and Buncombe County. In 2021, the BCTDA adopted strategic imperatives that are informing and guiding the direction of Explore Asheville's program of work and community investments going forward. These strategic imperatives include:

• Delivering balanced & sustainable growth
• Encouraging safe & responsible travel
• Engaging & inviting more diverse audiences
• Promoting & supporting Asheville's creative spirit

In addition, the Explore Asheville staff has adopted and embraced the following core values:

• Innovate & Evolve - We seek out new ideas and are open to change.
• Leadership & Collaboration - We focus on the truly important priorities to make the most positive impact.
• Equity & Empathy - We respect and embrace differences recognizing real progress requires inclusion.

What we offer:

Explore Asheville offers a competitive benefits package that includes a Paid Time Off program with 19 days to start, 11 annual paid office holidays, employer-provided medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, plus 401k with a company match, and employee wellness benefits.

Salary Range: $130,000 - 140,000 with the opportunity to earn an annual incentive of up to 15% of your annual salary

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $130,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities

Work Location: In person