Associate Director of Sales | Hotel Interurban

At Hotel Interurban, we rise above with sweeping views of Mount Rainier, blending an unbeatable location with thoughtful amenities and a guest-first mindset. We’re seeking a motivated, relationship-driven Associate Director of Sales to drive revenue growth across assigned market segments through strategic business development, proactive prospecting, and strong client relationship management.

About the role

This role is ideal for a hospitality sales professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is confident in negotiations and closing business, and is passionate about creating meaningful partnerships. The Associate Director of Sales will play a key role in achieving revenue and client sentiment goals, responding to new business opportunities, accurately forecasting revenue, and ensuring a seamless client experience from the initial sales conversation through event execution. Working collaboratively with hotel leadership and all departments, this role will help maximize opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and deliver exceptional experiences for guests, clients, and team members alike.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate annually on the preparation of internal prework, group strategic plans, and departmental revenue and expense budgets, aligning closely with the General Manager to achieve overall property goals.
• Assist in the creation of departmental objectives, team deployment strategies, production goals, and individual performance targets.
• Demonstrate strong leadership with emotional intelligence, conducting regular one-on-one meetings and quarterly evaluations with team members.
• Conduct industry research and property data analysis to forecast future business volume effectively.
• Possess proficiency in contractual language and agreements.
• Ensure the department adheres to accounting standards, including deposits, direct billing, and pre-payments.
• Provide weekly updates on prospecting, inquiries, and activities in the absence of the Director.
• Report monthly achievements when designated, ensuring financial accuracy across P&L, sales and event platforms, and deposits/accounts receivable.
• Uphold departmental standards and implement management systems, including the administration of sales and event platforms.
• Support group sales initiatives, including outreach, negotiations, contract reviews, planning, and service delivery.
• Actively participate in industry associations.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships and open communication across all departments.
• Mentor, coach, and train departmental team members to ensure comprehensive competency in all relevant areas.
• Collaborate to create a monthly training program for the department.
• Conduct assigned monthly departmental meetings.
• Implement corrective actions and provide constructive feedback in a respectful manner when necessary.
• Achieve departmental goals and objectives.
• Contribute to revenue growth across assigned segments at a higher level.
• Engage in client relationship building, including new business development and networking.
• Meet prospecting and sales activity targets.
• Respond to incoming RFPs (Requests for Proposals) within 24 hours.
• Demonstrate skill in client negotiations, closing techniques, and contractual language comprehension.
• Responsible for revenue forecasting.
• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships and open communication with all stakeholders.
• Adhere to Columbia Hospitality Policies and Procedures.
• Perform additional job functions as assigned based on the property’s business needs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4-6 years of hospitality sales experience, or similar environment.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in sales and/or event management with strong sales and negotiation skills.
• Strong leadership influence and critical thinking capabilities.
• Ability to identify opportunities to satisfy customer needs and take an initiative-taking approach to address issues and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to hold others accountable by establishing clear responsibilities.
• Working knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in writing contracts, reports, business correspondence, and operations manuals.
• Ability to present information effectively and respond to inquiries from team members, managers, clients, guests, or the public.
• Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions or approaches.
• Strong personal skills, including time management, information analysis, problem-solving, planning, organizing, decision-making, and delivery of results.
• Strong interpersonal communication with the ability to identify, understand, and anticipate the emotions, concerns, and thoughts of others.
• Strong interpersonal influence skills, including coaching, motivating, delegating, and relationship-building.
• Demonstrates a strong grasp of mathematical operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in all applicable units of measure, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to utilize mathematical skills to assess data, identify trends, and draw meaningful insights that drive strategy and decision-making.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote, and Excel.
• Knowledge of hospitality sales platforms is a plus.
• Proficiency in conducting client research, gathering relevant information, and staying updated on industry trends and developments.
• Strong financial acumen, understanding and creating various financial reports (P&L statement, PACE, budget) with knowledge of dynamic pricing and profitability.
• Ability to present to senior management and clients in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to travel (including air or car, hotel overnight stays, and client entertainment).

Benefits

• Salary Range: $90,000-$95,000 DOE plus incentive eligible
• Cellphone Allowance
• Free Parking
• Get Paid Daily
• Paid Time off & Holiday Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K
• HSA/FSA Plans with employer contribution
• Values-Based Culture
• Referral Bonus
• Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail Plus Third Party Perks
• Employee Assistance Program
• “Columbia Cares” Volunteer Opportunities
• Task Force Work Opportunities
• Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow

About the company

“People never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s famous statement serves as a rallying cry throughout Columbia Hospitality and fuels our collective drive—and success. Our people are our purpose, and our brand is our people. We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from the inside to succeed on the outside. We are a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team and we trust one another to have each other’s backs. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset, and a genuine respect for those around us. We have fun, grow together, and strive to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone we meet.

Where you’ll work

Towering above Seattle Southside's retail core and transportation hub, Hotel Interurban offers unparalleled views, convenience, and innovation. Standing 19 stories high, guests can see the region from a unique vantage point. The hotel is surrounded by entertainment, shopping, and dining, offering exceptional walkability. With 49" HDTVs, classic American plates from Rendition, grab-and-go options from Urban Roast, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indoor saline pool, this hotel combines technology and luxury to offer the best of comfort and convenience.