Position Title:

National Sales Director, California Region

Division:

Sales

Department:

Hotel Meetings

Reports to:

Vice President of Sales

Location:

San Diego, CA

About The San Diego Tourism Authority

The San Diego Tourism Authority’s mission is to drive visitor demand to economically benefit the San Diego Region. In San Diego, we believe tourism is for all. The San Diego Tourism Authority is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and destination where everyone is welcome, valued, and empowered to thrive. Tourism is the second largest segment of San Diego's economy and is vitally important to the economic health of the region. See Why Travel Matters to all San Diegans.

The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation composed of approximately 1,000 member organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry. San Diego Tourism Authority members include tourism-related entities in such categories as lodging, dining, arts, attractions, shopping, and transportation, among others, as well as other companies indirectly involved in tourism.

As a sales and marketing organization, the main objective of the San Diego Tourism Authority is to promote and market the San Diego region as a preferred vacation and meeting destination. The San Diego Tourism Authority also represents and supports the interests of the visitor industry as a whole. The majority of funding received by the San Diego Tourism Authority is derived from San Diego Tourism Marketing District (TMD) Assessment Funds. The San Diego Tourism Authority also receives financial support from member dues and promotional assistance from the membership through donated in-kind services.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Vice President of Sales, the National Sales Director will market and sell meeting space for the non-citywide conventions and meetings in the California region, based in San Diego with a focus on developing in-person relationships to drive demand and sales. Assist TMD hotels in in contracting room blocks to drive San Diego’s Hotel Occupancy Tax and Tourism Marketing District fees.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Sales Performance & Business Development:

Achieve a monthly booking room night goal established by the Vice President of Sales. Develop and execute a comprehensive sales plan to achieve business objectives, including customer retention, new client acquisition, closing strategies, key sales activities, customer-facing events, and participation in relevant trade shows. Generate leads, solicitations, and achieve sales goals through proactive sales efforts within assigned markets, while collaborating with hotel sales teams to secure new business for San Diego.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Meet in person and build relationships with customers to promote and sell San Diego as a premier destination for non-citywide conventions and meetings in the corporate, incentive, and association markets. Act as a strategic consultant to clients, understanding their organizational structure, goals, and objectives beyond meeting space needs, and identifying ways San Diego can support their success. Serve as a strategic collaborator with fellow SDTA team members and the San Diego hotel community to achieve the destination’s desired business results.

Market & Industry Expertise

Maintain in-depth, current knowledge of San Diego, comparable to that of a local resident, including factors that impact meetings and conventions—such as political developments, new businesses and industries, restaurants and nightlife, crime and homelessness, airport updates, transportation, and market trends. Stay informed on key developments in competitive destinations nationwide, including convention center offerings, hotel packages, new developments, airlift, public safety, and other economic and social factors affecting their competitiveness relative to San Diego. Stay current on industry trends affecting both San Diego and the broader meetings & conventions sector, including hotel contracting, housing trends, homelessness challenges, and proactive strategies to navigate sociopolitical developments or disruptions.

Professional Engagement & Process Improvement

Participate in site familiarization programs, attend key national and local industry-related functions and events, participate in sales trips, conduct in-market client events and attend relevant trade shows as determined by the CSO. Continuously seek opportunities to improve sales processes and methodologies to help position SDTA as a “Best in Class” organization. Communicate and connect with the SDTA team to keep consistent messaging and high standard of service in the marketplace.

Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, hospitality management, or a related field—or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 5+ years of sales experience in hospitality, convention, or service sales, with a proven ability to secure corporate, association, and third-party planner business—preferably within the local and California markets. Ability to leverage current client network to drive immediate opportunities for San Diego. Strong understanding of competitive national markets, including emerging destinations. Ability to assess reports, analyze trends, and adjust sales strategies accordingly. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong group presentation abilities, and the ability to build professional relationships with clients and businesses. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and persuasion skills. Strong ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and manage time effectively. Proficiency in CRM software (Simpleview preferred), communication and analytics tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. High integrity, ethical standards & compliance, and self-awareness. Commitment to company values and fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Must be willing to travel as needed, up to 25%. Must be based in San Diego.

Benefits Include

Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Accidental Death and Dismemberment Flex Spending and Dependent Care plans Matching 401k Hybrid Work Schedule Paid Time Off Onsite fitness center Paid parking nearby

Annualized salary range is $85K to $115K DOE plus incentive.

Check us out: https://youtu.be/KYyQpJEA8Ao

Offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactorily clearing background checks.

San Diego Tourism Authority is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status or any other basis covered under applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr