Destination Services Manager

ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS

At Meet Minneapolis, our mission is to positively impact the economic and social prosperity of our Minneapolis community by attracting visitors, meetings and events that directly support jobs and local businesses, generating critical revenues.

We believe in our shared passion to support the diverse community of Minneapolis through our values of Service, Collaboration, Inclusion, Passion and Integrity. We recognize it's the unique contributions of all of us at Meet Minneapolis that drives our success, and we're committed to building a culture where everyone can thrive and find meaning in their work.

Position/Title: Destination Services Manager

Department: Destination Sales & Services

Reports To: Senior Director, Destination Services

Status: Full-time; Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Destination Services Manager serves as a primary resource and trusted partner to meeting planners, providing comprehensive destination support for assigned groups, including citywide conventions utilizing the Minneapolis Convention Center. This position works closely with meeting planners, hotels, venues, restaurants, convention center staff, and Meet Minneapolis partners to coordinate destination services and help ensure a successful Minneapolis experience for attendees.

The Destination Services Manager builds strong client and community relationships, identifies opportunities to showcase Minneapolis, and connects meeting planners with the resources, services and experiences available through Meet Minneapolis and its partners.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary Meet Minneapolis contact for assigned meeting planners, typically beginning approximately 18 months prior (or less) to the event and continuing through the event dates.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with meeting planners and key destination partners throughout the planning process.
• Coordinate and conduct planning site visits based on meeting planner needs, including developing itineraries and coordinating appointments with hotels, venues, restaurants and other partners.
• Support meeting planners in promoting Minneapolis to their attendees and identifying opportunities to enhance attendance and engagement.
• Consult with meeting planners regarding Meet Minneapolis services and coordinate offerings such as welcome banners, microsite development, service notices, extended Skyway hours and other services.
• Provide destination welcome presentations to groups during their meeting dates, as requested.
• Coordinate all-hotel pre- and post-convention meetings when requested, including communication with participating hotels and meeting planners.
• Conduct pre-promotes (travel year prior) as requested by the meeting planner.
• Manage smaller group bookings and related destination services assignments as designated.
• Assist with the coordination and servicing of services-only groups booked directly through hotel partners.
• Maintain accurate and timely information in the iDSS CRM system, ensuring client and group information is current and complete.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Minneapolis hotels, venues, restaurants, attractions, transportation providers and other destination resources.
• Maintain accurate files and current information related to assigned groups, services and destination partners.
• Foster positive and collaborative relationships among Meet Minneapolis partners.
• Represent Meet Minneapolis at various meetings, industry or client events as requested.
• Identify opportunities to connect clients with Minneapolis experiences, businesses and partners that align with their meeting objectives and enhance the attendee experience.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines and providing a high level of client service.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, tourism, event management, business or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• 2+ years’ experience in hospitality, meetings and events, destination services, tourism, or a related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of the Minneapolis area, including hotels, venues, restaurants, attractions and other destination resources, preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with clients, meeting planners and hospitality partners preferred.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/ATTRIBUTES

• Embodies a strong “spirit to serve” and understands the importance of responsiveness, professionalism and delivering an exceptional client experience.
• Demonstrates strong project management skills, sound judgment and the ability to independently identify solutions and effectively manage challenges.
• Familiarity with destination services, meetings and conventions terminology, processes and best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with meeting planners, clients, partners, suppliers and colleagues.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication and active listening skills, with the ability to understand client needs and communicate effectively with a diverse range of audiences.
• Strong organizational, coordination and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and maintain accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team, while building productive relationships across a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities, timelines and client needs may change frequently; able to remain flexible and solutions-oriented.
• Proficient with standard office technology and comfortable learning and utilizing CRM systems and other technology platforms.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential, sensitive or proprietary information.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to Meet Minneapolis’ organizational values of Respect, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Accountability.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hybrid office environment (60% in-office requirement; 40% remote option if schedule and business needs allow)
• Conferences/Seminars
• Some travel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to:

• Walk, sit, bend and squat
• Talk and hear
• Grab, pull or bend items
• Lift and/or carry up to 25 lbs.
• View items at a close and distant range
• Sit, stand and/or walk for extended periods of time
• Use computers for extended periods of time

SALARY

• $50,000 - $70,000 starting range for annual base salary plus annual incentive potential.

BENEFITS

• Meet Minneapolis offers a generous benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, 401(k), vacation, sick time, parental leave and personal volunteer time for employees who are benefits eligible.

Note: Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than as “at will” relationship.

Meet Minneapolis is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation details: 50000-70000 Yearly Salary

PI9a978302cb97-37344-41733000