About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) stands as one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, boasting over 7,400 hotels and more than 625,000 rooms across 45 countries and territories. As a leader in midscale and extended stay segments and a bold challenger in upscale hospitality, Choice Hotels offers a diverse portfolio of 22 brands. Iconic names like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson cater to every traveler's needs, from economy stays to full-service upper upscale properties. The award-winning Choice Privileges loyalty program and co-branded credit card enhance guest experiences with fast rewards and personalized perks. At Choice Hotels, our cultural values—Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious, and Show Integrity—fuel loyalty, growth, and the true hospitality spirit. Managed properties like the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Downtown exemplify our commitment to excellence.

Role Overview

Join the renowned team at Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Downtown as Director of Sales and Marketing. Nestled in the architectural marvel of Aqua Tower in Chicago's vibrant downtown, this upscale hotel seeks a results-oriented leader to spearhead sales efforts. As an executive leader in the property's sales department, you will drive top-line revenues through strategic leadership, revenue management, and innovative marketing. Guide a high-performing sales team, elevate market position, and collaborate with hotel leadership, revenue experts, and marketing partners. This role demands passion for curating extraordinary guest experiences while leveraging data-driven strategies to maximize performance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sales Leadership

Lead all sales processes, contracts, and platforms, acting as the primary liaison for commercial collaborations. Develop and execute comprehensive sales and business strategies aligned with hotel and RHGA objectives. Direct sales segments to surpass revenue and market share goals, ensuring sustained top-line growth.

Revenue and Market Optimization

Harness data from STR insights, sales technologies, and analytics to inform revenue decisions and yield strategies. Oversee marketing deployments across advertising, digital platforms, and customer-engagement channels. Optimize sales tools, processes, and team productivity for peak efficiency.

Planning & Performance Management

Craft annual business plans, budgets, and marketing calendars. Establish and track sales goals, call activities, and team performance metrics to drive accountability and results.

Team Leadership & Engagement

Recruit, train, coach, and develop sales team leaders. Partner with HR on performance management and employee engagement to foster a motivated workforce.

Communication & Community Engagement

Deliver clear business updates to the Executive Committee, corporate partners, and ownership. Represent the hotel at networking events, community initiatives, and brand-building activities to enhance visibility.

Qualifications & Requirements

To thrive as Director of Sales and Marketing at Choice Hotels, candidates need a proven track record in hospitality sales. Minimum requirements include five years of sales management experience within the hotel industry and at least two years at an upscale brand in the past five years. General knowledge of contract laws, experience managing owner relationships, and the ability to resolve conflicts with guests, supervisors, and employees are essential. Strong collaboration skills, expertise in interpreting STR reports, TravelClick/Kalibri Labs, GDS audits, and online booking tools are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Delphi/Opera (including Catering and Convention Services), and understanding of hotel operations—such as business planning, budget forecasting, quality assurance, hospitality law, and long-range planning—are critical. A high school diploma is required, with a bachelor’s degree preferred. Occasional travel is necessary.

Benefits & Perks

Choosing Choice Hotels means accessing exceptional benefits. Enjoy employee discounts on thousands of hotels across brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Radisson. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive package including health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and auto insurance. Additional perks include an Employee Assistance Program, employer-paid accident insurance, HSA contributions, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan. This role also qualifies for an annual bonus under the Hotel Management Incentive Plan (HMIP), rewarding top performance.

Career Growth

At Choice Hotels, career advancement is a cornerstone. As Director of Sales and Marketing, you'll gain exposure to executive leadership, corporate partnerships, and global brand strategies. Our focus on development through training, coaching, and performance initiatives positions you for progression into higher roles within our expansive portfolio. Leverage RHGA objectives and upscale properties like Radisson Blu to build a lasting hospitality career.

Why Join Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels offers unparalleled opportunities in a dynamic industry. Work with beloved brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Radisson at premier locations such as Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Downtown. Benefit from a supportive culture emphasizing integrity, curiosity, and bold action. Drive revenue in a market-leading franchisor while enjoying competitive pay ($106,000–$160,000 base, plus bonuses), hotel discounts, and robust benefits. Inspire loyalty and embody the hospitality spirit in Chicago's heart.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range? The annual base salary is $106,000–$160,000, with eligibility for HMIP bonuses based on performance.

What brands does Choice Hotels manage? Our managed portfolio includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, alongside franchises like Comfort Inn and Quality Inn.

Is travel required? Yes, occasional travel is part of the role.

What experience is needed? 5+ years in hotel sales management, including 2+ years at upscale brands.

Are there employee perks? Yes, including discounts on thousands of hotels, full health benefits, 401(k), and more.