Position Title: National Sales Manager, Midwest & IL Corporate
Department: Sales
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Chicago - Hybrid (In office 3 days per week)
Reports to: Vice President, Hotel Sales
Effective Date: August 2026
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization for our city, promoting Chicago as a global visitor destination to business and leisure travelers.
POSITION SUMMARY
National Sales Manager-Hotel Sales is a role suited for a self-starting individual who is ambitious, assertive, organized and passionate about Sales. This role will focus on development of the Midwest region (MN, IA, WI, MI, IN, OH, & IL Corporate), for meetings 400-2,999 rooms on peak night. This role will carry a definite room night production goal and a net-new target account goal. We are looking for a go-getter who enjoys moving the needle in and has a proven track record in sales. Extensive travel is required, and the ideal candidate should have previous sales experience in a hotel or CVB.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Responsible for booking definite business from the Midwest region (MN, IA, WI, MI, IN, OH, & IL Corporate) for in-house, focusing on Mid-size and smaller collection conventions.
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Ideal candidate will possess strong history in selling to the mid-size, in-house market.
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This individual will work closely with VP of Hotel Sales to develop an annual business/market plan, grow and assist in closing business for our member partners.
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Develop and maintain a high profile at relevant industry events and trade shows. Current involvement within industry associations is a plus, MPI, PCMA, etc.
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Experience working in a collaborative and competitive work environment with a strong team component will be beneficial.
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Ideal candidate will have well-developed presentation skills and need to be capable of clearly articulating Chicago’s benefits and points of differentiation from other competing cities.
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Working knowledge of hotel capabilities in the Chicago metropolitan area is a plus.
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Comply with established policies and guidelines applying Bureau operations and employee conduct.
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Develop feasible short and long-term plans and strategies for achieving goals and objectives; anticipate critical obstacles and issues.
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Schedule work activities to ensure that deadlines are met and goals are achieved in a timely manner
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On own initiative or as assigned, assist with, and participate in, Bureau projects, functions and special events
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Achieve weekly sales activity targets as established by VP Hotel Sales.
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Perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
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3-5 years in a Sales role at a hotel, GSO/NSO or CVB.
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Proven knowledge of sales market, communications and negotiation techniques and strategies.
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Proven track record in managing clients from assigned segments.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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Proficient in using workplace AI technologies and automation tools to improve efficiency while maintaining strict adherence to data privacy, confidentiality, and company policies.
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Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with a strong knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation
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Must be able to speak publicly and give presentations to organizations and community groups
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Ability to represent Choose Chicago in a professional manner while interfacing with internal and external clients, excellent telephone skills
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Knowledge of the City of Chicago, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, and shopping is desirable
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Possess good organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
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Self-starter, ability to travel and work independently and be flexible as necessary given it is a new role.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
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Ability to travel by air or ground transportation is required. Depending on location of the individual, extensive travel may be anticipated for 30% - 40% of the time.
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Ability to perform computer work for extended periods of time.
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Ability to work in-office a minimum of three (3) days per week.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 3-5 years of sales experience at a hotel, GSO/NSO, or CVB
- Proven knowledge of sales markets, communications, and negotiation techniques and strategies
- Proven track record managing clients from assigned segments
- Proficiency with workplace AI technologies and automation tools
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to speak publicly and deliver presentations
- Ability to travel independently by air or ground transportation
- Ability to work in-office at least three days per week
What We Do
Choose Chicago is Chicago’s official destination marketing organization, promoting the city to regional, national, and international business and leisure visitors. Its mission is to generate economic benefit for Chicago, the local community, and its members by attracting out-of-market travelers and conventions. The organization also provides destination information and services for meeting professionals, supporting tourism, hospitality, and visitor-related business across the city.
