National Account Director

Position Summary

Are you inspired by the opportunity to bring the nation's most influential meetings and conventions to Washington, DC? Do you take pride in driving business that fuels the city's growth and connects people, ideas and innovation in the heart of the nation's capital?

As the National Account Director for the Association and SMERF (DC and Northeast) markets, you will lead efforts to secure new meetings and conventions for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the metropolitan hotel community. You will represent Washington DC, as the connected capital, where access, innovation, and collaboration transform gatherings into powerful experiences.

Based in Washington DC Metropolitan area, you will be dedicated to developing and nurturing relationships within the Association and SMERF markets across the DC and Northeast regions. If you are a strategic, results-oriented sales professional who is passionate about driving business to the city and delivering measurable success for its partners and community, we want you on our team.

Reports to

Director of Convention Sales

Responsibilities

• Generate new citywide and in-house bookings for Washington, DC in alignment with the organization's annual sales and marketing goals.
• Promote Washington DC as a premier meetings and convention destination through direct sales efforts, client engagement, and participation in industry trade shows and promotional events.
• Produce and distribute qualified sales leads to hotel partners and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to ensure cohesive destination representation.
• Follow up on all lead sources generated through inquiries, trade shows, client outreach, and industry publications.
• Convert leads into confirmed business by preparing customized proposals, coordinating with hotels and the convention center, and overseeing client site visits.
• Develop comprehensive bid packages and destination presentations that highlight Washington, DC's strengths and value proposition.
• Represent Destination DC at sales missions, client meetings, industry functions, and association events to strengthen relationships and generate new opportunities.
• Lead persuasive destination presentations to clients, boards, and site selection committees.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Washington, DC's convention facilities, hotels, attractions, and services to effectively position the destination.
• Monitor market trends and competitive destinations to anticipate client needs and identify opportunities for growth.
• Execute all other duties as assigned by the Director of Convention Sales and Senior Vice President of Convention Sales & Services.

Qualifications

• You are located in Washington DC Metropolitan area.
• Minimum 3 (three) years sales management experience in related field is required, preferably convention bureau, facility or hotel sales in large market full-service property.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and destination management software systems required.
• Demonstrated success in achieving or exceeding room-night goals.
• Willingness to travel seasonally and to work evenings or weekends as required for client engagement.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining client relationships that result in repeat and referral business.
• Ability to read, analyze, articulate, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals and technical procedures.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Bachelor's degree (B.S./B.A.) from four-year college or university in management, sales, marketing or related field preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Washington, DC's convention product, hotel community, and visitor assets preferred.

Accountabilities & Measures

• Annual Room Night Goals (subject to determination by the Director of Convention Sales and Vice-President of Convention Sales and Services).
• Annual Leads generated varies by target market (subject to determination by the Director of Convention Sales and Vice-President of Convention Sales and Services).
• Annual Sales Call and Trip Goals (subject to determination by the Director of Convention Sales and the Vice-President of Convention Sales and Services).
• Periodic performance evaluations gauging quantitative and qualitative performance against identified goals.

To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume with salary requirements to

Equal Opportunity Statement

DESTINATION DC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. We welcome all to apply and are committed to retaining, hiring, developing, and promoting diverse talent. We recognize and celebrate cultural differences within our organization by establishing opportunities for education and allyship. Please reach out to us if you need accommodations with an application.

About Destination DC

Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of nearly 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism, and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities.