Partnership Sales Manager

The partnership sales manager is a key representative in the SE Wisconsin business and non-profit community to connect, develop, and recruit inclusive member partnerships to the benefits of VISIT Milwaukee’s impactful promotion and destination sales for business meetings, events and leisure tourism. Responsibility includes assessing opportunity and utilizing internal and external resources to solidify relationships that will increase revenues to meet budget objectives. The partnership sales manager oversees partner prospecting, advertising sales, sponsorships, and developing new revenue-generating programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partner Sales & Prospecting

• Create and implement an inclusive partnership recruitment and sales strategy in alliance with department revenue goals.
• Using strong networking and research techniques, stay informed of industry trends for opportunities and challenges to inclusive partner recruitment.
• Assess market opportunities in greater Milwaukee area and develop strategy for sales of new partnerships.
• Develop a business plan and system to solicit partners through proactive outreach, programs, and advertising sales.
• Develop recruitment materials, sales plan, and progress reporting mechanism.
• Ensure that VISIT Milwaukee’s sales materials and partner resources and tools are always up to date and readily available on the partnership section of VISITMilwaukee.org.
• Maintain detailed customer relations records of current and prospective partner account records on VISIT Milwaukee’s customer relations management software.
• Work with department team to develop online partner recruitment, service, and renewal efficiencies.
• Onboard new partners to partnership benefits and marketing opportunities. Regularly audit and review the new partner welcome packet to ensure information is accurate and helpful to onboard new partners. Work with the digital director and partnership coordinator on executing automated triggered emails to engage with new partners regularly throughout the first calendar year and ensure they are aware of the resources and partner benefits.
• Attend industry and partner networking events to further develop existing and potential partner relationships.

Advertising & Sponsorship Sales:

• Lead advertising sales for all of VISIT Milwaukee’s programs, including but not limited to selling advertising in printed collateral, digital channels (website, newsletters, emails), and new programs/services.
• Develop annual revenue goals for advertising sales and establish a plan to reach those goals.
• Establish a communications plan for partner outreach and any relevant sales materials.
• Oversee partnership coordinator in tracking partners participation in advertising programs, solicitation of ad materials, and recap reports on ad’s performance.
• Develop and maintain project timelines and track revenue progress and ensure successful completion on deadline.
• Collaborate with graphic designer (printed collateral) and marketing coordinator (digital advertising) to ensure that all participating advertisers have submitted their materials. Support marketing team in any partner outreach necessary to secure outstanding materials or to handle any advertiser questions.
• Oversee collaboration cross-departmentally to develop robust sponsorship and advertising opportunities.
• Seek out opportunities for new initiatives, additional revenue, sponsorships, and more Work with marketing team on ongoing basis to create communications to partners of new VISIT Milwaukee promotional opportunities to advertise, market and promote their business.
• Concept, write, and produce sales materials as needed (sell sheets, handouts, flyers, and presentations) to solicit advertising and sponsorship sales. Advise the marketing department of the best sales strategy, advertising packages, pricing structure, and terms. Work closely with the marketing and administrative departments to ensure partner sales efforts are aligned with marketing offerings and include necessary accounting and financial language.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in sales, marketing, or related field, or
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of related experience with a professional background of working in an association/membership-based position, including sales and customer relations.
• Previous experience within the tourism and/or hospitality industry preferred.

Required skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Strong, diverse network throughout the community and professional social media presence.
• Analytical and creative ability to research business prospects, strategize recruitment and retention plans.
• Goal-oriented and good time manager team player that uses individual strengths to build, sustain, and grow relationships.
• Social media proficiency with Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Instagram.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of Visit Milwaukee mission, audience segments, services and support functions as well as an understanding of the local hospitality industry and other areas such as the private, public and government entities, and the community at large.
• Strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective business relationships and strategic partnerships.
• Ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically, racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.
• Ability to write persuasive proposals, grants, reports and business correspondence.
• Passion for utilizing technology and business systems to improve processes and increase work efficiency.
• Ability and desire to stay current on technology tools and trends.
• Demonstrated experience working with CRM databases, record keeping and reporting.
• Possess an attention to detail, ability to foresee needs and resolve obstacles.
• Must have excellent interpersonal communication and customer service skills and the ability to convey information in a positive manner.
• Motivated self-starter that can work independently, on a team, and cross departmentally.
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends. Travel in personal automobile and airplane will be required for company business.
• Knowledge of the hospitality or tourism industry is a plus.