National Account Executive

ABOUT DISCOVER NEWPORT

As the region’s official destination marketing organization (DMO), Discover Newport is committed to the promotion of Newport and its eight adjacent coastal municipalities across Newport and Bristol Counties, Rhode Island. Our reach encompasses Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Warren.

By partnering with hospitality stakeholders, Discover Newport positions the region as a world-class choice for both professional and recreational travel. In 2025, tourism activity drove $339.7 million in lodging revenue, $163.1 million in dining expenditures, and $52.3 million in retail commerce. For more information visit .

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Account Executive drives regional economic growth to Newport and Bristol Counties’ by promoting the destination to assigned market segments. This role executes sales strategies, manages trade show presence, and plans site visits to convert interest into business.

Additionally, this position maintains CRM database accuracy, generates actionable leads for local partners, and actively participates in key tourism associations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Market Management & Direct Sales Execution

• Executes active monthly outreach by completing prospecting calls/emails to target new pipeline accounts, along with solicitation calls/emails to existing contacts to capture repeat and referral business.
• Coordinates and hosts client engagement opportunities and site visits monthly to convert interest into contracted business and drive year-over-year increases in organic pieces of business.
• Upon contracting, transitions booked business to the Destination Experience Manager with complete account details, and remains engaged as the client’s sales contact through the event and post-event follow-up.
• Attends trade shows and follows up on leads received from trade shows and other sources by disseminating requested information to the hospitality industry and assisting with special requests.
• Generates routine sales activity, forecasting, and pipeline health reports to monitor conversion metrics, goal progress, and competitive market trends.
• Develops, coordinates, and implements sales missions, sales calls, sales plans, site inspections, and client events for assigned markets.
• Partners with the Familiarization Tour Manager by securing FAM tour participants, sharing market priorities to inform tour itineraries, attending tours as the sales lead, and converting participants into booked business.
• Utilizes a wide range of available internal and external electronic tools and systems to prospect for new clients.
• Maintains continuing communication with travel-related partners and other entities to sell the area as a leisure and group destination.
• Prepares monthly sales and activity reports, presentations, and other activities as requested.

Market Specific Sales Activities & Tradeshows

• Active attendance, appointment schedules, and booth presence at targeted industry trade shows and local/regional networking events.

Market Specific Memberships and Affiliations

• Maintain active professional memberships in market relevant industry associations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of successful sales experience in hotel sales, resort sales, or a Destination Marketing Organization/ Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or equivalent field experience.
• Proficiency in destination CRM software (Simpleview experience preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Deep appreciation for Newport and Bristol Counties.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with meeting planners, regional tourism partners, municipal contacts, and local hospitality industry partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Skilled in planning, coordinating, and executing high-impact sales activities, including trade show presences, client events, site inspections, etc.
• A collaborative work style with curiosity and creativity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

• Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibility.
• Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment.
• Physical Demands: Standard desk environment. Requires prolonged periods of screen time, sitting, and computer usage.
• Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position and the employee must work at least 35 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Normal operating hours are Monday-Friday, 9AM- 5PM. However, based on demands, you may need to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Travel: Frequent travel required outside of the local area and overnight.

Discover Newport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person