Director of Sales

Are you fueled by a passion for hospitality and eager to grow your career with one of the industry's most iconic brands? The AC Hotel by Marriott Chicago Downtown is seeking a Director of Sales & Marketing to lead our dynamic team. In this key leadership role, you'll oversee all revenue-generating initiatives—including Business Travel, Group, and Banquet Sales—along with marketing efforts that elevate the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown brand. You'll set the strategic direction for sales and marketing, ensuring alignment with brand standards, market positioning, and revenue goals. As a vital member of the executive leadership team, you will design and execute strategies across corporate, leisure, group, and banquet segments to maximize occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR while leading a high-performing sales and events team. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in a stylish, fast-paced environment—where creativity, collaboration, and genuine hospitality are at the heart of everything we do.

Nestled just steps from the iconic Magnificent Mile, our 224-room AC Hotel is among the first of its kind in the U.S., setting the standard for sleek, modern hospitality. As part of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, we thrive on crafting unforgettable experiences for travelers who seek style, substance, and seamless service. Here, our team isn't just about hospitality—we embody the rhythm of the city, catering to guests who embrace an "on-the-go" lifestyle. If you're ready to redefine hospitality, elevate guest experiences, and lead with passion, we invite you to join us and bring your artistry, excellence, and innovation to our dynamic team.

What will you be doing?

·       Lead, coach, and develop the Sales, Banquets, and Event Services teams to achieve revenue and performance goals.

·       Oversee market segmentation, account strategy, and contract approvals in alignment with hotel and brand standards.

·       Drive proactive sales strategies across corporate, group, leisure, and banquet segments to maximize revenue.

·       Cultivate strong client relationships through networking, site visits, and account management to generate repeat business.

·       Partner with Revenue Management to optimize pricing, inventory, and distribution strategies.

·       Collaborate with Marriott marketing and PR teams to enhance brand visibility through campaigns, events, and digital initiatives.

·       Oversee sales materials, social media, and promotional efforts consistent with AC Hotels' brand aesthetic.

·       Analyze market trends, forecasts, and performance reports to adjust strategies and ensure department profitability using Delphi, ProfitSword and other Marriott reporting tools.

·       Partner with operations to ensure seamless execution of group and banquet events and maintain forecast accuracy.

·       Represent the hotel within the community and industry associations to strengthen partnerships and market presence and other duties as assigned.

What are we looking for?

·       Minimum 5 years progressive hotel sales leadership experience, including 2+ years at the Director level (preferably in an upscale or lifestyle brand). 

·       Experience with Marriott International systems (Delphi, ProfitSword, CI/TY, MARSHA, OneSource) strongly preferred.

·       Proven track record of achieving or exceeding revenue goals across multiple market segments.

·       Motivated self-starter with a focus on customer loyalty and identifying new business opportunities.

·       Strong business acumen with the ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and make strategic financial decisions.

·       Exceptional communication, presentation, prospecting, and negotiation skills.

·       Strong leadership abilities, including team motivation, emotional intelligence, and performance management.

·       Knowledge of digital marketing, social media, and brand positioning within the lifestyle hotel segment.

·       Ability to travel locally and regionally to represent the hotel and attend key industry events and flexibility to work varying schedules, including weekends and evenings, based on business demands.

What's in it for you? 

·       Eligible for customary Executive Committee perks and annual Executive Committee bonus 

·       Room discounts at Marcus Hotels & Resorts and Marriott worldwide locations

·       Discounts at Marcus Hotels & Resorts restaurants, cafes, lounges, golfing, skiing, and spa

·       Free parking

·       "Two for one" movie theater coupons at Marcus Theatres

·       Ability to grow your career and transfer from one property to another 

·       Paid time off

·       Flexible scheduling

·       Medical, dental, and vision insurance (offered after 30 days of employment), company-paid life insurance, employee assistance program offer, and 401k with employer match

·       And more  

Salary Estimate: Starting at $115,000 - $125,000 plus bonus

About Us:

A division of The Marcus Corporation, Marcus Hotels & Resorts has a rich 60-year history of operational and service excellence. We are "People Pleasing People" who strive daily to create extraordinary experiences for guests and associates alike. Focused on expanding our U.S.-based portfolio of 16 hotels and resorts, our properties are known for their unique character and style.

Note\: This document describes the general nature and level of work required of people in the job. It is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, duties, and skills. 

The AC Hotel Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.