Vice President of Business Development | Columbia Hospitality

About the role

Columbia Hospitality is seeking an accomplished Vice President of Business Development to accelerate our national expansion and drive the continued growth of our third-party management portfolio. This role represents a strategic investment in Columbia Hospitality's future as we continue our evolution into one of the country's premier hospitality management companies. This leader will be expected to leverage an established and highly influential network of hospitality owners, developers, institutional investors, family offices, private equity firms, asset managers, architects, lenders, brands, and industry advisors to create opportunities. The successful candidate will serve as Columbia Hospitality's executive presence within their region while working closely with the executive leadership team to expand the company's national portfolio.

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.

This is more than a business development position. It is an opportunity to help shape Columbia Hospitality's national growth strategy and expand one of the industry's most respected independent hospitality management companies. Don't meet every qualification? We recognize exceptional leaders come from diverse backgrounds and encourage you to apply.

Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic and nurturing work environment for team members.

Benefits

• Salary Range: $175,000 to $200,000 DOE
• Cellphone Allowance
• Incentive Eligible
• Commuter/Parking Allowance
• Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday)
• Paid Time off & Holiday Pay
• Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K
• HSA/FSA Plans with employer contribution
• Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE)
• Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives)
• Referral Bonus (Get Paid to Recruit)
• Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail
• Employee Assistance Program “Columbia Cares”
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Committee Participation Opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion)
• Task Force Work Opportunities (Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe)
• Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow
• Third Party Perks (Including discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions & more)

Responsibilities

• Lead the national pursuit of third-party management opportunities across branded hotels, independent resorts, lifestyle properties, mixed-use developments, golf resorts, private clubs, luxury hospitality, and destination assets.
• Expand Columbia Hospitality's managed portfolio by cultivating relationships with owners, developers, family offices, REITs, private equity firms, institutional investors, lenders, and asset managers.
• Develop and execute a strategic market growth plan focused on expanding Columbia Hospitality's presence in emerging hospitality markets.
• Leverage an existing network of hospitality decision-makers.
• Build trusted relationships with major hotel brands, franchise development teams, architects, designers, consultants, and development partners.
• Position Columbia Hospitality as the preferred long-term operating partner for hospitality owners.
• Lead management contract pursuits from initial introduction through signed agreement.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop customized management proposals and operating strategies.
• Coordinate internal feasibility, financial underwriting, operational planning, and transition resources.
• Lead executive negotiations while balancing owner objectives with Columbia Hospitality's strategic interests.
• Represent Columbia Hospitality at national hospitality conferences, investment forums, brand meetings, and industry associations.
• Serve as a visible thought leader and brand ambassador.

Requirements

• 8+ years of hospitality development, investments, owner relations, asset management, or third-party management experience.
• Demonstrated success securing hospitality management agreements.
• Extensive national network of owners, developers, family offices, brands, architects, lenders, consultants, and asset managers.
• Executive presence with exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of branded and independent hotel operations.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout North America.