DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

ABOUT DISCOVER AMES 

Team members at Discover Ames have a passion for Ames and Iowa State University. It’s our responsibility to bring visitors to Ames and provide excellent service. We do this through a team that takes initiative, a team that is innovative and a team that values working together to provide the best experience for our visitors. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Discover Ames is seeking a dynamic Director of Business Development to provide leadership, direction, and accountability for the development of group sales initiatives, including new market development and retention of current clients.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

• Develop annual and long-range business development strategies and execute the development plans for target markets, including joint initiatives with Iowa State University (ISU) departments and partners 
• Lead and direct the business development team to accomplish annual and long-term goals and objectives 
• Create and execute lead generation strategy for attracting conferences and events 
• Represent the Discover Ames and ISU at industry-related meetings, tradeshows, and local, state and national associations 
• In collaboration with the Visitor Experience team, work to ensure annual and biannual event contract renewals 
• In collaboration with the Visitor Experience team and ISU Conference Planning & Management, produce and submit proposals to new and returning business 
• Along with Visitor Experience Team, coordinate development efforts of hospitality partners, including familiarization tours, sales campaigns, tradeshow participation, and regular sales calls 
• With support from the Marketing & Communications team, develop collateral materials specifically designed for development and sales initiatives and campaigns to increase the awareness of Ames and ISU as a conference, and meeting destination 
• Oversee and maintain development and sales database

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

• Develop and oversee the annual development budgets 
• Seek revenue and grant opportunities to assist, enhance, and grow sales incentives and initiatives.

LEADERSHIP 

• Actively participate on the Discover Ames leadership team in providing input towards organizational vision and goals 
• Lead, manage, and hold accountable the Discover Ames business development team 
• In collaboration with the Visitor Experience team, provide service on events and ensure event success 
• General and overall assistance with administration, business development, and sales as requested 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum five years business development, sales and/or marketing experience, preferably in the travel and hospitality industry 
• Five years of work experience in a supervisory role, effectively leading and managing a team 
• Managerial experience with budgetary responsibility 
• Proficiency with computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, database management and social media 
• Willingness to work some nights and weekends to accommodate events, meeting schedules, site visits and attending tradeshows

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Exceptional communication skills with ability to execute effective sales presentations 
• Committed to be a team player 
• Highly self-motivated and ability to be self-directed and lead others 
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail 
• Committed to relationship-building with strong interpersonal skills 
• Excellent leadership skills 
• Exceptional listening skills and the ability to anticipate business needs 
• Work from the Ames office location 

APPLICATION PROCESS 

All application documents should be submitted via email to jobs@discoverames.com and include: 

• Cover letter with salary requirements 
• Resume 
• Three professional references including names and contact information 

First consideration if applied by March 23, 2023  

Questions should be directed to President/CEO, Kevin Bourke, kevinb@discoverames.com or 515-460-8870.