Job Openings

Visitor Information Specialist

Hours: Part-time, 10 – 20 hours week

Position Summary: VisitNorfolk is looking for a dynamic, outgoing individual to represent Norfolk and the surrounding Coastal Virginia area to tourists, visitors and local residents alike from our brand new, state-of-the-art Mobile Visitor Center. This position requires the operation of a company owned motor vehicle and extensive knowledge of the local area; specifically, the amenities and attractions that the City of Norfolk has to offer. Work involves providing detailed and accurate directions to area hotels, restaurants, attractions and businesses with the use of maps and/or the internet, as well as preparing, stocking and selling merchandise.

This position requires daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday availability based on event, festival, and conference schedules.

Qualifications: Must be at least 21 years old to apply and have a valid driver’s license. Good communication skills and an outgoing personality are necessary as well as the ability to lift up to 50lbs and stand for extensive periods of time. General knowledge of Apple i-products and other basic technology preferred. Customer Service skills and retail experience also preferred.

To Apply: Send your current resume and cover letter to Sarah Carroll, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources, at scarroll@visitnorfolktoday.com or fax to 757-622-3663 or mail to 232 E Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.

Sales Manager

VisitNorfolk is now hiring a Sales Manager to join our team of dedicated, service-oriented professionals. This position is responsible for promoting and selling Norfolk as a convention and meeting destination to the client base for accounts headquartered in the Northwest and Midwest territories. We are looking for a polished professional with strong hotel and/or destination sales experience, who has demonstrated the ability to manage a sales territory, and a large account base. Must have exceptional customer service skills, be able to foster relationships, and work with a wide variety of people. The ideal candidate will also have comprehensive knowledge of the Norfolk area, have a strong service approach with all whom they interact, and be a creative problem solver with endless energy and enthusiasm for promoting Norfolk and our partners.

Essential job functions:

• Effectively promote and sell Norfolk, Virginia as a convention and tourism destination. Maintain a positive and professional image and build an effective rapport with existing and prospective clients. Research and qualify prospective group opportunities, actively solicit convention business to produce sales leads and secure bookings for destination hotels or off-site venues.
• Meets or exceeds individual sales benchmarks established for room night sales goals, leads, prospecting and solicitation goals in assigned market and territory. Emphasis will be on larger groups and or citywide opportunities.
• Produce effectively written proposals and custom bid presentations to solicit events to be held in hotels or venues throughout the city. Use department customer relationship management (CRM) application system to maintain shared record of past, current, and prospective clientele; coordinate sales activities, identify need periods and work within various entities to target and book new opportunities.
• Plan and conduct sites inspections and familiarization tours for meeting professionals and coordinate with the appropriate personnel of hotels/motels, ground tour operators and local support organizations. Effectively promote Norfolk as a convention and tourism destination by showcasing hotels, venues, attractions, and partners in the city.
• Develop and maintain accurate key contact listing for new or existing clients through research, sales missions, tradeshows, referrals, and other industry resources.
• Develop interest in Norfolk, Virginia as a convention destination through sales presentations, trade shows, sales missions, and familiarizations tours. Make compelling verbal presentations and clearly present the distinct features and advantages of Norfolk as a convention destination.
• Actively maintain professional national association memberships and involvement specific to designated market segments. Use affiliation as a catalyst for making key connections, destination exposure possibilities and uncovering new opportunities for the city.

The successful candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Any combination of experience equivalent to (8) years in the field related to hotel or destination sales utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Detailed knowledge of positive features and limitations of the facilities and amenities in Norfolk, Virginia as well as competing convention destinations; effective selling techniques; methods for preparing and making effective sales presentations; and human psychology as it relates to selling. In addition, must be knowledgeable of the meetings and convention market with preferred background in DMOs.
• Exceptional capacity for developing sales leads and new sales contacts through a variety of methods including phone, letter, and personal contacts and by recruiting local/regional/national members of various associations and organizations to assist in the solicitation efforts: developing rapport with clients and prospective clients.
• Skilled in professional and persuasive communication including verbal and written, as well as in person and virtual presentations and public speaking. Strong proficiency in financial management and budgeting. Ability to master new software programs and applications.
• Ability to perform consistently in a fast-paced multi-task environment. Flexible and able to work outside traditional office hours.

To Apply: Send your current resume and cover letter to Sarah Carroll, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources, at scarroll@visitnorfolktoday.com  or fax to 757-622-3663 or mail to 232 E Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510.

Internship Opportunities Available