Area Director of Sales & Marketing

The Indianapolis Marriott Center is entering a transformational moment—and we are seeking a dynamic, visionary Area Director of Sales & Marketing to lead the relaunch of one of the city’s most significant hospitality assets. This senior executive role offers a rare opportunity to shape the commercial strategy for a three‑hotel meetings campus featuring nearly 500 guest rooms and 85,000 square feet of flexible event space, anchored by the 315‑room Marriott Indianapolis East, now completing a comprehensive multi‑million‑dollar renovation that will deliver an effectively brand‑new product.

This is a career‑defining position for a high‑potential sales and marketing leader ready to step into full executive ownership of a complex, in a high‑visibility operation.

Position Overview

The Area Director of Sales & Marketing (DOSM) serves as the chief architect of the complex’s commercial success. This leader will design, implement, and oversee the full sales and marketing strategy for all three hotels, with a mandate to drive occupancy, expand market share, elevate brand presence, and maximize total revenue performance across group, transient, and catering segments.

This role offers the unique opportunity to build and shape a newly structured sales & marketing department—one aligned to your vision, your leadership style, and the needs of a fully refreshed meetings campus poised for aggressive growth.

Why This Role Is Exceptional

A Senior Executive Platform

This is not a traditional DOS role. It is a senior‑level executive position with broad strategic influence, high visibility with ownership, and full responsibility for the commercial relaunch of a major Indianapolis meetings complex.

A Reimagined, Newly Renovated Product

The Marriott Indianapolis East is completing a sweeping renovation—guest rooms, public spaces, meeting venues, and food & beverage experiences—positioning the complex as one of the premier group and convention options in the region.

A Build‑Your‑Own‑Department Opportunity

You will have the autonomy to design the sales & marketing structure, deploy talent, and implement systems and processes that reflect your strategic vision.

A Compensation Package with No Ceiling

The DOSM will be equipped with the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed. With strong performance, this role has the potential to be the highest‑compensated DOSM position in the Indianapolis region.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are seeking a rising star or proven leader who is ready for the next step:

A current #2 sales & marketing executive at a full‑service or group‑focused hotel, ready to step into top leadership; or a current Director of Sales & Marketing at a group house seeking a larger, more complex platform.

Experience with Indianapolis group business, key accounts, and market dynamics is a significant advantage.

A strategic thinker with strong analytical skills, polished communication abilities, and a track record of building high‑performing teams.

A leader who thrives in high‑visibility, high‑expectation environments and excels at driving results through vision, influence, and disciplined execution.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Commercial Vision

- Lead the full sales & marketing strategy for the three‑hotel meetings complex, ensuring alignment with ownership goals and market opportunities.

- Develop and execute the annual sales, marketing, and revenue plans, including budgets, forecasts, deployment strategies, and performance metrics.

- Establish a proactive, data‑driven approach to market penetration, account development, and revenue optimization.

- Relaunch & Market Repositioning

- Architect and execute the commercial relaunch of the newly renovated Marriott Indianapolis East and the broader meetings complex.

- Elevate brand presence through targeted marketing, public relations, digital strategy, and community engagement.

- Build new demand channels and re‑energize existing accounts through innovative sales initiatives and relationship‑driven outreach.

Team Building & Department Creation

- Design and lead a newly structured sales & marketing department tailored to the needs of the complex.

- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team across group, catering, and transient segments.

- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

- Sales Execution & Client Engagement

- Maintain strong visibility with key accounts, industry partners, and community organizations.

- Conduct strategic sales calls, site tours, and client entertainment to drive new and repeat business.

- Oversee contract negotiations, ensuring terms that maximize revenue while protecting the hotel’s interests.

- Operational Collaboration

- Partner closely with the General Manager, Revenue Management, Food & Beverage, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution of group and event business.

- Act as the General Manager’s delegate when needed, representing the property with professionalism and authority.

Qualifications

- 6+ years of progressive hotel sales experience preferred, or a combination of education and relevant experience.

- Proven success in group‑focused environments; experience with full‑service or meetings‑heavy hotels strongly preferred.

- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

- Strong analytical capability and strategic planning expertise.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.

- Demonstrated success leading diverse teams and building strong internal and external relationships.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with hospitality sales systems.

- Valid driver’s license required.

About the Indianapolis Marriott East

Located minutes from downtown Indianapolis and major event venues, such as the Lucas Oil Stadium, the complex offers a newly renovated flagship Marriott, two adjacent select‑service hotels, and a combined 85,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. With refreshed guest rooms, modernized public areas, upgraded technology, and enhanced food & beverage offerings, the complex is positioned to become one of the premier group and convention destinations in the Midwest.