Director of Sales

Job Overview

Director of Sales for Courtyard Newark – University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.

• Lead all sales, marketing, and catering efforts for the hotel.
• Develop and execute strategic sales plans designed to maximize revenue, occupancy, and market share.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate accounts, university departments, athletic programs, government agencies, associations, community organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary liaison for ownership-related housing and lodging needs.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and develop strategies to capture new business.
• Conduct direct sales activities, prospecting efforts, site visits, networking events, and client presentations.
• Manage booking pace, forecasting, production reporting, and sales performance metrics.
• Develop and manage annual sales and marketing budgets and strategic marketing plans.
• Attend chamber events, trade shows, civic functions, and industry organizations as a representative of the hotel.
• Collaborate closely with Revenue Management, Operations, and other department leaders to ensure an exceptional guest experience.
• Lead, coach, and develop members of the Sales and Catering team while fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and service excellence.
• Participate in Manager-on-Duty shifts and operational support as needed to ensure overall hotel success.

Success in this role will be measured as much by relationships as by revenue. The ideal candidate understands that stakeholder trust, community engagement, exceptional client service, and long‑term partnerships are just as important as achieving sales goals.

• Minimum five years of progressive sales experience, preferably within the hospitality industry.
• Strong understanding of hotel operations, revenue generation, and sales strategy.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience preparing budgets, forecasts, sales action plans, and production reports.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong computer and sales technology proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Professional demeanor and the ability to represent the hotel positively in all settings.

• Previous hotel sales leadership or supervisory experience.
• College degree preferred.
• Familiarity with the Newark, Delaware market and surrounding region.
• Experience with Marriott‑branded hotels.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

• A natural connector who enjoys building relationships and creating opportunities.
• Comfortable engaging with executives, university leadership, community partners, clients, and guests.
• Strategic, organized, and driven by results.
• Equally comfortable developing long‑term plans and executing day‑to‑day sales initiatives.
• Accountable, adaptable, and solutions‑oriented.
• Passionate about hospitality and committed to delivering exceptional service.
• Willing to step in wherever needed to support the success of the hotel and your team.

This position is primarily a weekday leadership role; however, hospitality is not a traditional 9‑to‑5 business. The successful candidate should expect occasional evening, weekend, and holiday responsibilities to support clients, special events, networking opportunities, and hotel operations.

The Courtyard Newark – University of Delaware offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of hospitality, higher education, athletics, and community engagement. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the hotel’s success, help shape its future, and represent one of Delaware’s most recognizable hospitality partnerships.