Group Sales Manager

Company Description The Statler Hotel is a premier collegiate lifestyle hotel located in the heart of Cornell University’s Ivy League campus in Ithaca, NY. As part of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, it serves as the gateway to the university for many visitors and operates as the Ivy League’s only “teaching hotel.” The property features 153 guest rooms, a conference center, four restaurants, and over 16,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Recognized as the area’s only AAA Four Diamond Award-winning hotel, The Statler Hotel is dedicated to crafting personalized guest experiences, cultivating future hospitality leaders, and fostering a culture of collaboration, celebration, and excellence. Role Description This full-time, on-site Group Sales Manager role is based at The Statler Hotel in Ithaca, NY. The Group Sales Manager is responsible for proactively identifying, qualifying, and securing group business for the hotel’s guest rooms, meeting spaces, and banquet facilities. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing a sales pipeline, conducting site visits, preparing proposals and contracts, and negotiating group rates and packages in alignment with revenue goals. The role collaborates closely with catering, events, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of group bookings and delivery of high-quality guest experiences. The Group Sales Manager also maintains relationships with corporate, university, association, and leisure clients, participates in networking and industry events, and reports on sales performance, market trends, and competitive activity. Qualifications Demonstrated group sales experience in hotels, resorts, or conference centers, including prospecting, account management, and contract negotiation. Strong skills in relationship building, client communication, and customer service, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders. Proficiency in sales planning, forecasting, and revenue optimization, including familiarity with sales and CRM systems. Ability to coordinate with operations, events, and catering teams to ensure accurate details, smooth handoffs, and successful group events. Solid organizational, time management, and follow-up skills, with attention to detail in proposals, agreements, and reporting. Comfort with data analysis and market research to identify new business opportunities and respond to competitive conditions. Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, marketing, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience in an upscale hotel environment is preferred. B.S. degree in Hotel Administration or equivalent experience required. Three to four years of hospitality, corporate, conference or convention sales experience. Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Proven organizational, interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills. Effective sales and negotiating skills. Knowledge of sales software, spreadsheet and database applications on PCs. Must be proficient with Windows operating systems Must be able to convey information and ideas clearly. Must be able to evaluate and select among alternative courses of action quickly and accurately. Must work well in stressful, high-pressure situations. Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure. Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary. Must have the ability to assimilate complex information, data, etc. from disparate sources and consider, adjust or modify to meet the constraints of the particular need. Must be effective at listening to, understanding, clarifying and resolving the concerns and issues raised by coworkers and guests. Must be able to work with and understand financial information and data, and basic arithmetic functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr