National Sales Manager - Midwest +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:  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 

• 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 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• 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. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• 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. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 

• 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.