THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH

INVITES YOUR INTEREST IN THE POSITION OF

Convention & Tourism Representative II

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW This position works within the Convention Sales & Marketing Division - Sports Mar- keting Unit of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Sports Mar- keting Unit is responsible for the recruitment and booking of participatory sporting events throughout the entire City. Sports Marketing utilizes Virginia Beach’s vast array of fantastic venues to book these events, including the Virginia Beach Conven- tion Center, Princess Anne Sports Complex, and even the Resort Area’s amazing beach. Come work for an award-winning team!

POSITION SUMMARY Under occasional supervision, the successful candidate will plan and execute sales strategies on prospects to maximize chances of successfully closing "sales", espe- cially as it relates to the booking of sports tourism venues, the Virginia Beach Con- vention Center, group travel, trade shows and off-season business. This position also identifies a target account list and develops a tailored marketing plan inac- cordance with sales goals and booking guidelines. Researches and develops mar- keting strategies to include prospecting, the planning and execution of sales mis- sions, presentations (local and national), site visits , familiarization tours (fams) and tradeshows resulting in leads/tentatives and ultimately bookings for the City of Vir- ginia Beach, making optimum use of resources. Performs convention and trade show solicitation and sales promotions in assigned market territories with the abil- ity to close and book business in the national, regional and state arenas. Travels; identifies new niche markets for approval to expand the base of sports events, na- tional sports related conventions and tradeshows. Promotes the City through local, regional and national sales promotions and takes advantage of sales contact oppor- tunities. Serves as a liaison with hoteliers and industry partners and maintains good working relations. Accurately prepares monthly reports and other documents as needed in a timely and efficient manner. Works as part of a team for special pro- jects and/or goals as directed.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will have fluent knowledge of sports market/ meeting industry and its terminology, along with a minimum of four (4) to six (6) years of national experience successfully selling to the Sports Association meetings/events market, particularly with regard to direct sales efforts in CVBs, convention centers, hotels and other hospitality-related venues. The idea candidate will also have experience and skills in coordinating and soliciting new business; sending leads to hotel and convention center sales; and packaging citywide opportunities, rate negotiations, special deals, rebates, and other negotiating tools to develop business proposals and presentations. Also beneficial is experience with the formal bid process, making presentations, and maximizing re- turn on investment; as well as demonstrated experience showing successful conversion of direct sales efforts, a robust portfolio of strong customer relations in the national sports sales arena, keen ability to multi-task, and an ability to effectively maintain and prepare records. The ideal candidate will be an excellent oral and written communicator with the ability to make minor decisions and come up with solutions within established guidelines; function as a team player; have high energy and strong customer rela- tions skills; as well as have solid Microsoft Office application and sales software management system (USI specifically) skills.

At minimum, candidates must have any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to eight (8) years in fields related to marketing, sales or business administration in the participatory sports market, convention cen- ter, tourism, hotel or meeting industries. Additional physical and availability requirements are listed in the job posting.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE The salary range is $53,854.32—$80,781.60. The City offers an excellent benefits package with includes health, dental, and life insurance; retirement and savings plans; holidays, paid time off; as well as access to the Beach Municipal Federal Credit Union, a non-profit service agency which is owned and operated exclusively for City employees and their dependents.