Hospitality & Tourism Sales Director

Department:

Special Events and Group Sales

Location:

Chicago, IL

Position: Hospitality & Tourism Sales Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Department: Special Events and Group Sales

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond

The Field Museum seeks a dynamic, results-driven Sales Director to lead two critical revenue-generating areas: Special Event Venue Rentals and Tourism & Group Sales. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in sales leadership, hospitality or event management, and tourism market development—paired with a passion for cultural institutions and the Museum's mission.

Essential Function and Responsibility

The Hospitality & Tourism Sales Director is responsible for developing and executing strategies to maximize earned revenue, enhance client experiences, and strengthen the Museum's position as a premier destination for both private events and group & tourism.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Growth

• In partnership with the Sr. Director of Business Enterprise develops and implements multi-year sales strategies to achieve annual revenue targets across special events, venue rentals, and tourism/group segments.
• Identify and cultivate new market opportunities in corporate, nonprofit, wedding, cultural tourism, and educational travel sectors.

• Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and visitor data to inform pricing, packaging, and promotional strategies.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, visitor services, and operations teams to ensure seamless delivery of client experiences.

• Work alongside and partner with exclusive museum caterer(s) as it relates to special event sales and venue rentals.
• Partner with Sr. Director of Business Enterprise to track KPIs, forecast revenue, and monitor budget performance.

Client Relations & Business Development

• Serve as a high-level point of contact for VIP clients, key partners, and industry organizations.
• Supports the Sr. Director of Business Enterprise in contract negotiation and partnership agreements that align with Museum policies and maximize revenue.
• Represent the Museum at industry events, tradeshows, and networking opportunities.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure all sales processes, policies, and client touchpoints reflect the Field Museum's commitment to quality, inclusivity, and sustainability.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, client feedback, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• The Senior Special Events Account and Marketing manager will report to this role to ensure cohesive marketing and sales strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, hospitality, tourism, or related field required; or equivalent work experience can apply
• 7+ years of progressive sales leadership experience, preferably in cultural institutions, destination venues, or hospitality/tourism industries.

• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding multi-million-dollar revenue goals.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies.
• Creative problem-solver with a client-first approach.

• Familiarity with CRM systems, event management software, and ticketing platforms.

• Hybrid work flexibility, with frequent on-site presence required, and about 20% travel

• Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required based on event and tourism schedules.

Supervision Received:

Receives general supervision by Sr. Director of Business Enterprise .

Supervision Exercised:

Provides supervision for the Senior Special Events Account and Marketing Manager

Work Hours and Shift:

35 hours per week

Hybrid Eligibility:

Eligible

Location:

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605

Union Representation: Not Applicable.

Other working conditions: 10% - 20% of time will be traveling, locally and nationally

Pay Range: $98,000 - $100,000

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us