Overview

OVG is seeking a highly connected, results-driven VP, Business Development, to accelerate growth and strengthen long-term partnerships within the U.S. convention center sector. This executive will serve as a market-facing leader and trusted industry voice, responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and deepening client relationships across the portfolio. The ideal candidate is a proven dealmaker and relationship builder, with both breadth and depth of connections across the convention center ecosystem—including public authorities, venue operators, city stakeholders, and industry influencers.
This role requires a strategic leader who can originate opportunities, shape winning pursuits, and convert relationships into long-term partnerships, while also safeguarding and expanding existing business through proactive, high-touch client engagement.

This role pays an annual salary of $145,000-$175,000 and is commission eligible.

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).

This position will remain open until October 2, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead a proactive business development strategy focused on new account acquisition and revenue growth within the convention center sector.
• Leverage an established network to identify, influence, and convert new business opportunities ahead of formal procurement processes.
• Stay deeply informed on industry trends, competitive dynamics, and public-private development activity to position OVG as a preferred partner.
• Serve as a visible presence in the market, representing OVG at industry events, conferences, and key networking forums.
• Build and maintain deep, trust-based relationships with decision makers and influencers, including municipal leaders, venue executives, and consultants.
• Act as a senior client partner and advocate, ensuring strong alignment between client goals and OVG’s service delivery.
• Develop and manage a robust pipeline of relationships and opportunities, continuously expanding OVG’s reach and relevance in the market.
• Leverage relationships to create early insight into upcoming opportunities and competitive positioning.
• Drive the end-to-end sales process, from opportunity origination through contract execution.
• Shape and oversee the development of compelling, differentiated proposals and presentations aligned with client priorities.
• Partner closely with finance and operations to develop a deep understanding of cost structures, deal economics, and operational delivery, ensuring all pursuits are strategically sound, competitive, and aligned with long-term profitability.
• Lead complex negotiations in partnership with senior leadership to secure profitable long-term agreements.
• Maintain disciplined pipeline management and forecasting, ensuring visibility into performance and growth trajectory.
• Lead a relationship-first retention strategy, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and long-term partnership stability.
• Proactively identify at-risk accounts and partner with operations leadership to develop and execute retention plans.
• Expand existing partnerships by identifying new revenue streams, extensions, and strategic growth opportunities.
• Partner closely with operations, marketing, and executive leadership to align business development efforts with enterprise strategy.
• Ensure seamless handoff from sales to operations, maintaining continuity and strength in client relationships.
• Serve as a connector across the organization, ensuring client insights and market intelligence inform decision-making.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive business development, sales, or client leadership experience within hospitality, convention centers, venues, or related industries.
• Bachelor's degree required. MS preferred.
• Demonstrated success originating and closing complex, high-value deals.
• Deep understanding of the convention center landscape, including public-sector dynamics and procurement processes.
• Well-established, credible network across the convention center ecosystem, with the ability to open doors and influence outcomes.
• Recognized as a trusted partner and industry connector, with a strong reputation and professional presence.
• Exceptional ability to build rapport, earn trust quickly, and sustain long-term relationships.
• Entrepreneurial, growth-oriented leader with a hunter mentality and strong ownership of results.
• Strategic thinker who can translate market insight into actionable growth strategies.
• Highly skilled communicator and negotiator, capable of engaging senior stakeholders at all levels.
• Willingness to travel extensively and maintain a strong presence in key markets and industry forums.