Director of Sales and Marketing

& Employer

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is proudly owned and operated by

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is proudly owned and operated by Vinayaka Hospitality (VH). As the managing company, VH serves as the employer and is responsible for all employment-related decisions, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and workplace policies.

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. With a passion for hospitality and a practical, results-driven approach to hotel management, VH collaborates with leading global brands—including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Wyndham to successfully manage a growing portfolio of properties across diverse markets.

We are proud to welcome The Blackstone Hotel to our portfolio as part of our continued expansion. Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, The Blackstone is one of the city’s most iconic historic hotels. Originally opened in 1910, it has long been recognized as a landmark in Chicago hospitality, known for hosting presidents, dignitaries, and distinguished guests from around the world.

Today, it offers a unique blend of timeless character and modern sophistication.

At VH, we are committed to growth—both for our properties and our people. We take a proactive and agile approach to sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Equally important, we invest in our associates by creating an environment where individuals can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—you may be a great fit for this or future opportunities within VH.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, sick time, holidays)
• Six paid company holidays and one floating holiday
• 401(k) with company match (up to 4%)
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Employee discounts (hotel and travel discounts)

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on position, employment status, and tenure.

Implement a successful solicitation strategy to targeted guests in order to meet and/or exceed revenue goals.

• Achieve and exceed budgeted room nights and revenue goals annually.
• Analyze and estimate total value of each piece of business and negotiate best situation for achieving optimum revenue for the hotel while ensuring excellent customer service.
• Utilize the marketing plan in order to uncover new and potential business.
• Ensure accuracy for forecasting of revenues with most updated information.
• Recruit, direct, manage, train and counsel sales staff.
• Assist Sales/Catering/Convention services in obtaining necessary customer information and closing business, as requested.

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the hotel:

• Professionally represent the hotel in community and industry organizations and events.
• Participate as team player with other key executive members.
• Provide constructive feedback to all departments and to hotel sales and marketing staff.
• Be a leader and role model to all employees.
• Additional duties as necessary and assigned.

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Requires 5 or more years of Director of Sales & Marketing Experience.
• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.
• Requires good communication…