Employment Opportunities

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 Sales to provide leadership, direction and
accountability for the development of group sales initiatives, including new market
development and retention of current clients.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

SALES
• Develop annual and long-range sales strategies and execute the sales plans for target
markets, including joint sales initiatives with Iowa State University departments and
partners
• Lead and direct the sales 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 sales 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 sales initiatives and campaigns to increase the awareness of
Ames and ISU as a conference, and meeting destination
• Oversee and maintain the sales database

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
• Develop and oversee the annual sales 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 sales team
• In collaboration with the Visitor Experience team, provide service on events and ensure
event success
• General and overall assistance with administration and sales as requested

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum five years 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

APPLICATION PROCESS
All applications should be submitted via email and include:
• Cover letter with salary requirements
• Resume
• Three professional references including names and contact information

All documents should be directed to jobs@discoverames.com
Deadline for consideration is January 18, 2023
Questions should be directed to President/CEO, Kevin Bourke, kevinb@discoverames.com or
515-460-8870

Why Discover Ames?

An internship with Discover Ames will give you a hands-on opportunity to learn about the development, planning process, coordination and execution of meeting, convention and sports events that occur in Ames and at Iowa State University. You will be working alongside our sales and service team to assist some of the events hosted in Ames this spring and summer! Event Highlights – Special Olympics Iowa, Iowa Games, Iowa High School State Golf Championships, and other events taking place in our community. Our interns are paid through a monthly stipend during their internship.  

When: May – July 28, 2023

• Flexible date based on finals week

Description of duties:

Services:

• Prep & Deliver VIP & Welcome Bags
• Help organize and process hotel lead sheets
• Assist at event registration/check in tables
• Help coordinate event logistics such as shuttles, signage, and Ambassadors
• Volunteer recruitment through outreach via email, phone, and mailing to local service groups for volunteers to assist with specific events such as Iowa Games & Special Olympics
• Other duties as needed

A successful candidate will possess the following:  

• Availability to work 30-40 hours per week, depending on class schedule and specific event needs.
• Flexible schedule required. Will include non-traditional business hours, including weekends.
• Previous experience in event planning-related field
• Excellent organizational skills, detailed oriented, strong communication skills
• Willingness to jump into any task given to them or where they see a need
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Products, knowledge with Canva

Important dates that will be required to work:

• May 22-27 (due to multiple events)
• July 7-28 (due to multiple events)

How to apply:  Please send resume, cover letter and contact information for three references.

Deadline to apply: February 1, 2023

Submit to:

Veronica Tarello, Visitor Experience Coordinator

veronicat@discoverames.com | 515-817-6314 (o)

The internship will be located off campus at the Discover Ames Office in the Aspen Business Park and is accessible by CYRide.