Director of Sales & Marketing

Raleigh, NC | Full-Time | On-Site

Base Salary: $130,000–$150,000 + Annual Performance Incentive

Relocation Assistance Available

The Opportunity

Gecko Hospitality is seeking a Director of Sales & Marketing for a full-service hotel in Raleigh, North Carolina. This opportunity offers an experienced hotel sales leader the chance to develop a team, strengthen group business, and guide the commercial strategy through a significant property transformation.

The hotel is preparing for a comprehensive renovation and repositioning. The Director of Sales & Marketing will play a central role before, during, and after that transition—maintaining customer relationships, building future business, and preparing the property for its next chapter. This is a permanent leadership position reporting to the General Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, with a strong emphasis on group, association, citywide convention, catering, and business travel opportunities.

• Build a forward-looking sales pipeline that supports current business needs and future demand following the property’s transformation.
• Maintain client confidence and market visibility throughout renovation, communicating clearly about the property’s evolving offerings and availability.
• Coach and develop the sales team, establishing clear expectations for prospecting, account management, productivity, and results.
• Evaluate team capabilities, address development needs, and help shape the department’s future structure.
• Develop relationships with meeting planners, association executives, convention partners, corporate accounts, and brand sales contacts.
• Represent the hotel at trade shows, industry events, sales appointments, and other business development activities.
• Partner with the General Manager, revenue management, and corporate commercial support teams to align sales priorities with hotel revenue goals.
• Guide marketing strategy and positioning with corporate support, including preparations for the property’s relaunch.
• Eventually oversee a dedicated marketing manager as the hotel approaches reopening.

What We’re Looking For

• Hotel sales leadership experience with demonstrated success securing group business and developing productive sales teams.
• Experience with citywide conventions and large associations, including an understanding of how these opportunities differ from individual corporate group accounts.
• A record of proactive business development, strong customer relationships, and measurable revenue results.
• The ability to motivate, teach, and hold a developing team accountable.
• Experience navigating a hotel opening, renovation, repositioning, or another significant disruption to the sales process is strongly preferred.
• Marriott experience and relationships with brand global sales teams are preferred; candidates from other hotel brands will also be considered.
• Current knowledge of hotel marketing practices and the ability to guide strategy with support from corporate specialists.
• Strong communication, organization, and change management skills.

Established Directors of Sales & Marketing and accomplished Assistant or Associate Directors from larger hotels or markets are encouraged to apply. Prior Raleigh market experience is not required. Candidates relocating from other markets are welcome.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $130,000–$150,000, based on experience.
• Annual performance incentive with a 25% target and earning potential up to 50% of base salary, tied to team productivity and total hotel revenue.
• Health insurance beginning on the first day of employment.
• 401(k) and health care spending benefits.
• Relocation assistance.

Apply Confidentially

If you enjoy developing people, pursuing group business, and shaping a hotel’s future, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Contact Megan Applegate at megan@geckohospitality.com with your resume and interest.

The hotel and management company will be disclosed during the confidential recruiting process.