Director of Sales and Marketing

About the Property & Employer 

The Blackstone, Autograph Collection is proudly owned and operated by Vinayaka Hospitality (VH). As the managing company, VH serves as the employer and is responsible for all employment-related decisions, including hiring, compensation, benefits, and workplace policies. 

Vinayaka Hospitality was founded in 2008 on a foundation of innovation, intelligence, and compassion. With a passion for hospitality and a practical, results-driven approach to hotel management, VH collaborates with leading global brands—including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and Wyndham—to successfully manage a growing portfolio of properties across diverse markets. 

We are proud to welcome The Blackstone Hotel to our portfolio as part of our continued expansion. Located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, The Blackstone is one of the city’s most iconic historic hotels. Originally opened in 1910, it has long been recognized as a landmark in Chicago hospitality, known for hosting presidents, dignitaries, and distinguished guests from around the world. Today, it offers a unique blend of timeless character and modern sophistication. 

At VH, we are committed to growth—both for our properties and our people. We take a proactive and agile approach to sales, marketing, and revenue strategy, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. Equally important, we invest in our associates by creating an environment where individuals can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact. 

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply—you may be a great fit for this or future opportunities within VH. 

Benefits

Eligible team members may have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

· Medical, dental, and vision insurance

· Paid time off (vacation, sick time, holidays)

· Six paid company holidays and one floating holiday 

· 401(k) with company match (up to 4%)

· Life and disability insurance

· Employee assistance programs

· Employee discounts (hotel and travel discounts)

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on position, employment status, and tenure.

JOB SUMMARY

Implement a successful solicitation strategy to targeted guests in order to meet and/or exceed revenue goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Achieve and exceed budgeted room nights and revenue goals annually.
• Analyze and estimate total value of each piece of business and negotiate best situation for achieving optimum revenue for the hotel while ensuring excellent customer service.
• Utilize the marketing plan in order to uncover new and potential business.
• Ensure accuracy for forecasting of revenues with most updated information.
• Recruit, direct, manage, train and counsel sales staff.
• Assist Sales/Catering/Convention services in obtaining necessary customer information and closing business, as requested.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the manager based upon the particular requirements of the hotel:

• Professionally represent the hotel in community and industry organizations and events. 
• Participate as team player with other key executive members.
• Provide constructive feedback to all departments and to hotel sales and marketing staff.
• Be a leader and role model to all employees.
• Additional duties as necessary and assigned.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Requires 5 or more years of Director of Sales & Marketing Experience. 
• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.
• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Most tasks are performed in a team environment with the employee acting as a team leader. There is minimal direct supervision.
• Must possess basic computational ability.
• Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Delphi.
• Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required.
• Extensive knowledge of sales skills.
• Ability to assess/evaluate employees’ performance fairly.
• Extensive knowledge of revenue management.
• Ability to recruit, supervise, train and motivate multiple levels of managers.
• Knowledge of hotel and competitive market.
• Ability to analyze data and establish appropriate action plans.

AVAILABILITY

This company operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Generally, the position works Monday through Friday with hours varied based on business demand. At times it may be necessary to move you from your accustomed work day, to include Saturdays and Sundays, or time of work if business or task assignments demand. In addition, it should be understood that business needs determines the amount of hours that you work.