Business Development Specialist – Meetings & Sports Tourism

Full Job Description can be found at https://www.explorebuttecounty.com/about/careers

Company Description

Explore Butte County is a non-profit destination marketing organization focused on growing and sustaining a thriving and diverse tourism economy in Butte County, California. The organization promotes the region’s unique attractions, events, and visitor experiences to increase overnight stays and visitor spending.

It collaborates with local partners, hospitality businesses, and community stakeholders to strengthen tourism-related initiatives. Team members contribute directly to elevating Butte County as a premier destination for leisure travel, meetings, and sports events. The work environment values collaboration, community impact, and data-informed marketing strategies.

Role Description

Explore Butte County is excited to open recruitment for a Business Development Specialist – Meetings & Sports Tourism. This is a full-time, on-site role based in Chico, CA, focused on establishing destination awareness and attracting overnight meetings, conferences, and sporting events that drive economic impact throughout Butte County.

In its crucial first year, this position will focus heavily on elevating Butte County’s profile in the regional and national marketplace to kickstart a brand-new lead development and sales strategy.

As a dynamic, results-driven professional, you will proactively identify new group business opportunities, represent the destination at major industry trade shows, and manage the seamless hand-off of qualified leads to local hotel and venue partners.

Key Responsibilities and Day-to-Day TasksLead Development & Sales Execution (45%): Develop and execute a targeted sales strategy to prospect, solicit, and generate destination-level leads. Manage the end-to-end RFP process, compile hotel partner submissions, and maintain a meticulous sales pipeline inside the CRM with rigorous follow-up tracking and activity reporting.

Destination Awareness & Trade Show Representation (25%): Serve as the primary ambassador for Butte County to build regional and national brand awareness. Own the entire trade show lifecycle—from pre-show client outreach and scheduling face-to-face appointments, to managing booth logistics and producing official Meeting and Sports Planning Guides.

Partner Liaison & Lead Distribution (20%): Cultivate collaborative relationships with local Hotel Directors of Sales, event managers, and venue operators. Act as the primary destination resource during site selection, distribute qualified leads equitably to hotel partners, and manage hospitality committee meetings.

Client Site Inspections & Event Services (10%): Organize and conduct personalized client site inspections and familiarization (FAM) tours. Provide on-site event activation support (welcome packets, signage, pre-event meetings) and handle post-event auditing to track room-block data and measure economic impact.

Administrative & Organizational Excellence (Ongoing): Develop organizational policies and best practices to support DMAP accreditation standards (such as lead distribution rules). Manage branded inventory/swag fulfillment for planners and influencers, and provide general administrative support to the broader team.

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism/Hospitality, Sports Marketing, Business, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field is preferred, but not required.1–3 years of experience in hotel group sales, destination marketing, event coordinating, or a highly relevant sales support role.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is required.A passion for travel, culture, and storytelling that translates into compelling content.

Performs related work as required.

Skills

• Attributes: Highly self-motivated, sales-oriented, and enthusiastic about promoting Chico and Butte County as a premier travel destination.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Time management and Organization: Ability to manage time effectively and maintain workflow organization
• Collaboration and Adaptability: Capable of working effectively independently and as part of a team, and comfortable in in-person and virtual work environments.
• Strategic Thinking: Able to think strategically while also focusing on tactical execution and demonstrates proactive problem-solving abilities.
• Communication Style: Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must possess strong business etiquette and a high level of comfort presenting to external clients and hospitality partners.
• Market Research: Knowledge of market research techniques and methodologies.
• Data Analysis: Strong analytical skills to interpret data and identify trends.

Essential Functions

• Must be willing and able to travel out-of-market frequently to represent the county at multi-day domestic trade shows and conventions.
• Must possess a valid class C California driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends during active event windows or travel periods.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift, carry, pull, or push up to 40–50 lbs occasionally to manage trade show materials, booth transport, and promotional swag shipments.
• Must be able to climb stairs, walk on inclines, and walk on uneven terrain to capture content and meet with stakeholders.