National Sales Manager + IL Corp

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:
October 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.

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.

• 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.
• Ideal candidate will possess strong history in selling to the mid-size, in-house market.
• 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.
• Develop and maintain a high profile at relevant industry events and trade shows. Current involvement within industry associations is a plus, MPI, PCMA, etc.
• Experience working in a collaborative and competitive work environment with a strong team component will be beneficial.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of hotel capabilities in the Chicago metropolitan area is a plus.
• Comply with established policies and guidelines applying Bureau operations and employee conduct.
• Develop feasible short and long-term plans and strategies for achieving goals and objectives; anticipate critical obstacles and issues.
• Schedule work activities to ensure that deadlines are met and goals are achieved in a timely manner
• On own initiative or as assigned, assist with, and participate in, Bureau projects, functions and special events
• Achieve weekly sales activity targets as established by VP Hotel Sales.
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience
• 3-5 years in a Sales role at a hotel, GSO/NSO or CVB.
• Proven knowledge of sales market, communications and negotiation techniques and strategies.
• Proven track record in managing clients from assigned segments.

• Proficient in using workplace AI technologies and automation tools to improve efficiency while maintaining strict adherence to data privacy, confidentiality, and company policies.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with a strong knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Must be able to speak publicly and give presentations to organizations and community groups
• Ability to represent Choose Chicago in a professional manner while interfacing with internal and external clients, excellent telephone skills
• Knowledge of the City of Chicago, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, and shopping is desirable
• Possess good organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-starter, ability to travel and work independently and be flexible as necessary given it is a new role.

• 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.
• Ability to perform computer work for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in-office a minimum of three (3) days per week.