Director of Group and Leisure Sales

## Description The Director of Group and Leisure Sales is responsible for leading and executing the group and private event sales strategy, overseeing lead generation, pipeline development, contract negotiation, and the successful handoff of clients to the event services team. They will bring a big-picture mindset and tactical execution to generate incremental revenue and expand the resort’s presence in adventure travel market. With a focus on corporate retreats, premium ski clubs, and destination wedding, the Director of Group and Leisure Sales will lead the group sales strategy and mentor a team of Sales Managers to elevate performance, target higher-value business, and build long-term client relationships. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of growing sales in premium resort or adventure travel environments, with deep experience in strategic pipeline development, client engagement, and team leadership. **Essential Job Responsibilities:** - Develop and execute annual group and leisure sales strategy aligned with resort-wide goals and seasonal business objectives. - Lead and manage weekly pipeline reviews, forecasting, and pacing analysis while maintaining a deep understanding of market trends, competitor performance, and group travel behavior - Manage the Group Sales Budget and set revenue targets, pricing strategy, and sales KPIs in collaboration with VP of Sales & Marketing. - Lead a team of Group Sales Managers and Coordinators, providing coaching, performance feedback, and development plans to support individual and team growth. - Oversee inbound lead management and outbound prospecting strategies, including lead nurturing, cold outreach, and tradeshow evaluation and follow-up. - Manage third-party partnerships, platforms, lead generators, and agencies (i.e., iVvy, CVENT, The Knot, and The Wire).\ - Serve as a senior-level client contact for high-value or strategic accounts. - Collaborate with Sales Managers and the Marketing Team on all marketing and sales collateral, including advertising, sales decks, rate sheets, menus, and prospecting email templates. - Support the team in proposal creation, negotiation strategies, and contract finalization. - Maintain oversight of pricing integrity and policy adherence during contracting. - Ensure smooth and accurate handoffs to the Private Events Manager and Catering team for post-contract planning, ensuring group execution meets client expectations. - Facilitate pre- and post-season reviews to analyze performance and identify areas for improvement. - Develop relationships with Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and travel planners to expand leisure group business. - Regularly analyze booking patterns and adjust strategies to optimize off-peak occupancy. **Personal Skills:** - Strong leadership skills and entrepreneurial mindset. - Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture and manage a nimble, high-performing team while also driving tactical execution. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. - A team player who can both lead and coach a sales team while also contributing to direct selling. - Strong personal character and commitment to Taos Ski Valley, Inc.’s Vision, Purpose, and Values. - Provides a guest experience that exceeds expectations. - Ability to accept criticism and opportunities gracefully and humbly for growth. - Ability to stay positive, focused, and constructive when faced with setbacks, challenges, and while working in an ever-changing environment. - Demonstrated ability to build long-term relationships with group and leisure travel decision-makers. - Cultural awareness and sensitivity to international leisure group markets. **Qualifications/Knowledge:** - Bachelor’s degree with strong preference for master's degree in sales or marketing focus - 5+ years of experience in sales leadership roles in hospitality, resorts, or destination events. - Deep knowledge of group sales lifecycles - Demonstrated ability to lead a r…