Position Summary: The Director of Strategic Partnerships leads partner (lodging industry service providers and suppliers) relationship management and execution of partner deliverables with partner contacts (i.e. ensuring regular communication, project facilitation, engagement opportunities, education amp; reporting, partner renewals, etc.) and a select portfolio of Allied+ members. In addition to relationship management of current partners, the Director will also be responsible for facilitating directed outreach to prospective partner companies and engage in regular conversations and negotiations to add to the Premier Partner Program portfolio.
Responsibilities:
- At the direction of the Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships amp; Business Development, identify and conduct outreach to prospective contacts/companies with a focus on those that can engage at the Allied+ and Premier Partner level.
- Work collaboratively with other Strategic Partnerships amp; Business Development team members to facilitate Allied/Combo/Allied+ membership upgrades to higher tiers of membership and sponsorship.
- Develop materials and prepare for prospective conversations and meetings with potential partners and Allied+ members.
- Execute and plan partner deliverables (introductions, committee participation pieces, event recognition and/or attendance, webinar presentations, database management, invoicing, planning leadership meetings, relationship management touchpoints and regular calls)
- Prepare for strategic planning meetings with current partners (logistics amp; scheduling, agenda and content development, follow-up materials, etc.) and in some cases development of co-branded research, products, and/or data.
- Support facilitation and execution of Partner Program materials amp; communications (marketing/collateral, partner recap development, website maintenance, amp; social media)
- Manage a select portfolio of Allied+ members and execute on membership deliverables (onboarding, relationship management, marketing/communications benefits, webinar presentations, database management, invoicing).
- Negotiate Allied+ and partner renewals/upsells and manage contracting with prospective partners into the program.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree, preferably business or hospitality related.
- 5 7 years account/relationship management, strategic planning, sales, and customer service experience; or combination of education and experience
- Current connections with hotel companies and/or vendors/suppliers preferred.
- Knowledge and/or experience in the hospitality industry is preferred.
Skills and Attributes:
- Experienced computer and software knowledge, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); and CRM systems such as Salesforce preferred.
- Ability to create customized presentations in PowerPoint.
- Strong presentation skills via in-person, phone and video conference.
- Self-motivated individual who is also a team player with a high level of professionalism and emotional intelligence.
- Detail oriented individual with exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to handle multiple assignments at once.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; willingness to be coached.
- Excellent relationship management skills (both internal and with external partners) and the ability to maintain highly confidential information.
- Enjoy working in a fun, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively across the organization.
- Positive attitude with customer service orientation and willingness to be flexible to adapt to changing needs and roll up shirtsleeves to get the work done; maintains grace under pressure.
Other:
- Position based in Washington, DC.
- Hybrid - 3 days in office (Mon-Wed. or Tue-Thurs.).
- 20% travel on an as-needed basis for prospecting and relationship-building
- Salary: $100,000-$115,000
AHLA is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
EOE
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental amp; Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary amp; ADam