Area Director of Sales

Overview:

Are you a sales and marketing executive with a passion for leadership, innovation, and driving results? Lake Nona Hotels are seeking an Area Director of Sales & Marketing to lead our teams. This opportunity requires a leader who can inspire and motivate a creative team of sales professionals. This leader will also be comfortable overseeing a blend of independent and chain properties with strategic direction and planning, business plan execution, analysis, and overall revenue generation. We're looking for someone who shares our passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences, driving innovation, and building strong connections with our communities.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and establish the Sales & Marketing team for one independent property and four Marriott-flagged hotels, driving market positioning and sustained revenue growth across the Lake Nona portfolio.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to benefit all hotels, including revenue, marketing, e-commerce, PR, and business planning.
• Coach and lead the Area Director of Group Sales, Area Director of Sales, Area Marketing Manager, and Area Director of Catering & Conference Services, fostering high performance and alignment with CoralTree Hospitality's culture and values.
• Act in a consultative capacity to GMs and Executive Committees on sales and marketing strategies; provide strategic direction and ensure optimal marketing effectiveness.
• Actively engage with ownership to deliver on the vision of Lake Nona Hotels.
• Participate in executive and leadership committees, CoralTree S&M activities, and CoralTree Home Office programs to foster cross-property synergies.

Sales & Revenue Generation

• Build and accelerate group, corporate, and luxury leisure travel sales, leveraging culture and integrity to establish dominant brand positioning in a competitive, seasonal market.
• Leverage chain affiliations, distribution networks, and strategic partnerships to maximize revenue opportunities.
• Develop and execute deployment strategies based on market analytics to optimize penetration in key territories and customer segments.
• Provide direction to enhance group booking pace, backlog, rate and pattern management, identifying opportunities to maximize group sales contribution.
• Lead recruitment and development of top sales talent with established relationships in the meetings and corporate travel sectors.
• Evaluate competitive markets, assess defined competitive sets, and continuously identify new market opportunities with high revenue potential.

Marketing, Branding & Communications

• Executive responsibility for managing and evolving the Wave Hotel brand and the Lake Nona portfolio, including creative image, web presence, and promotional tools.
• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing plans, targeted strategies, and ROI-driven tactics to drive revenue and performance across all properties.
• Oversee websites, electronic media campaigns, luxury consortia agency marketing, social media strategy, and digital distribution channels for both leisure and group segments.
• Drive marketing and positioning of hotel amenities (F&B, social catering, recreation, creative programming) for both in-house guests and the local community.
• Build strong community ties and foster relationships with key political, community, and industry figures to strengthen brand positioning.
• Provide strategic direction to third-party agencies (PR, creative, advertising, web) and manage partnerships and promotional events.
• Ensure ongoing management of online marketing and sales channels, public relations functions, and crisis PR preparedness.

Business Planning & Financial Performance

• Develop and manage financial performance budgets, including rooms, F&B, and conference revenue, in collaboration with property GMs.
• Use financial and quantitative data to establish realistic budgets, measure results, and support strategic decision-making.
• Write annual marketing plans, quarterly partner reports, and monthly analyses detailing S&M efforts, performance, and future metrics.
• Constantly explore new products, services, and initiatives to enhance ROI and hotel positioning.
• Ensure expense budgets and percent-of-revenue targets are met or exceeded.

Industry Engagement & Representation

• Represent Lake Nona Hotels and CoralTree Hospitality at trade shows, exhibitions, tourism agencies, political venues, and client events.
• Actively participate in leadership roles within key industry organizations to enhance visibility and influence.
• Support and champion CoralTree Hospitality's portfolio-wide sales and marketing initiatives to drive innovation and team synergy.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of hotel sales and marketing, and team leadership experience.
• A degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• Well-versed in suburban & remote market settings.
• A true entrepreneur that thrives in ever-changing environments.
• Organized, personable, and confident communication skills.

As a valued member of the CoralTree team, you'll receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.
• Participation in a pre-tax flexible benefit plan for healthcare and dependent care reimbursement.
• An employee assistance program.
• Paid time off/sick time.
• Participation in a 401(k) plan with a company match.
• Team member free room night program.

Join us in creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, building vibrant communities, and shaping the future of travel and hospitality.