Director of Sales & Marketing

What's in it for you...

• Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1!
• Paid time off available from DAY 1!
• Holiday pay available from DAY 1!
• 401(k) enrollment after 30 days!
• Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations!
• Professional development and promotion opportunities!

About this job...

This is not your average Hilton Garden Inn.

Set inside one of downtown Milwaukee's most distinctive historic buildings, Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown combines timeless architecture, modern hospitality, and an unbeatable location near the Third Ward, RiverWalk, entertainment, dining, and major business demand generators.

We are looking for a bold, relationship-driven Director of Sales & Marketing who can turn that story into results.

This is an opportunity for a creative commercial leader who knows how to build demand, grow market share, inspire a sales team, and position a truly unique hotel as the place to stay, meet, and connect in downtown Milwaukee.
What You'll do...

• Develop and execute a strategic sales and marketing plan that drives revenue, profitability, and market share.
• Proactively identify and secure new business across corporate, group, association, government, leisure, and social segments.
• Build strong relationships with local businesses, meeting planners, community partners, and Milwaukee organizations.
• Use market data, competitive insights, and booking trends to uncover opportunities and adjust strategy.
• Partner with Revenue Management on pricing, group thresholds, market mix, need dates, and deployment strategies.
• Lead compelling site tours that showcase the hotel's historic character, location, and guest experience.
• Create partnerships, promotions, and sales initiatives that differentiate the hotel in a competitive downtown market.
• Lead, coach, and motivate the sales team to exceed goals and maintain a strong, accurate pipeline.
• Negotiate contracts that create value for the client while protecting hotel profitability.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Revenue Management, Marketing, and First Hospitality's corporate commercial team to deliver an exceptional client experience.

What Success Looks Like...

• Revenue and market share goals are consistently achieved or exceeded.
• New accounts, partnerships, and revenue streams are developed.
• The hotel has a strong and visible presence throughout the Milwaukee community.
• The sales pipeline is active, accurate, and continuously growing.
• Clients view the hotel as a trusted partner, not simply a place to stay.
• The hotel's history and location become true competitive advantages.

What You Bring...

• Five or more years of progressive hotel sales experience.
• Previous leadership experience as a Director of Sales, Director of Sales & Marketing, or senior hotel sales leader preferred.
• Proven success developing business, leading teams, and achieving revenue goals.
• Strong understanding of hotel sales strategy, revenue management, forecasting, segmentation, and account development.
• Excellent communication, presentation, networking, negotiation, and closing skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with the energy to create opportunities, not wait for them.
• Milwaukee market knowledge and relationships are highly valued.
• Hilton experience is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, marketing, sales, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

The Leader Who Will Thrive Here...

You are strategic, competitive, and highly connected. You understand the numbers, but you also know that great sales results begin with strong relationships.

You are polished, curious, and comfortable building strategy one moment and picking up the phone to pursue business the next.

Most importantly, you know how to sell more than rooms.

You know how to sell a story, a destination, and an experience.
About First Hospitality...

Founded in 1985 and based in Chicago, First Hospitality is a hotel development, investment, and management company focused on creating value through excellence, innovation, and an openness to doing things differently.

We believe hospitality begins with people. We are committed to building a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive workplace where associates are respected, supported, and empowered to make an impact.

First Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer.