Director of Destination Experiences

Director of Destination Experiences

(Client Strategy • Sales Leadership • Program Direction)

At Spark By Design, we create experiences that feel as seamless as they are stunning. As a destination management and event design company rooted in the Carolinas, we blend thoughtful logistics with elevated design to deliver unforgettable programs grounded in authentic Southern hospitality.

The Director of Destination Experiences is a senior, client-facing leadership role responsible for driving revenue growth, managing client relationships, and leading destination program strategy across Spark’s Destination Management division.

This role is equal parts sales leader, client strategist, and program visionary—owning and growing client accounts while guiding programs from initial inquiry through execution.

You will serve as the primary client relationship lead, partnering closely with our Director of Event Design and internal operations teams to carry each program vision through to a seamless, high-impact experience.

This is a destination specialist role requiring a deep, lived understanding of North Carolina and surrounding regions.

You bring:

• Strong knowledge of regional differences (Charlotte, Asheville, Triangle, Coast, Triad)
• Familiarity with venues, restaurants, and experiences—both established and emerging
• Understanding of travel logistics, including airports, drive times, and regional flow
• Ability to match destination and program structure to client goals and group dynamics

Candidates must have meaningful, long-term familiarity with the region and be able to guide clients with confidence from day one.

• Serve as the primary client contact; own and grow accounts
• Lead client discovery conversations, guide destination decisions, and maintain high-touch communication
• Build long-term relationships that drive repeat and referral business

• Drive new and repeat business across Spark’s DMC services
• Lead proposal conversion and overall revenue growth
• Identify and execute upsell and cross-sell opportunities across Spark’s offerings
• Build and present proposals with clarity, speed, and strategic insight
• Track and manage pipeline activity in alignment with company goals

• Lead complex, high-level program development including destination selection, activities, dining, offsite activities, and transportation flow
• Conduct and lead site inspections, client tours, and destination previews
• Maintain strong relationships with CVBs, hotels, venues, and regional partners

• Own proposal strategy, messaging, and structure
• Direct the internal Coordinators in sourcing, pricing, and building decks
• Ensure proposals are compelling, accurate, and financially aligned
• Partner with internal teams to ensure operational feasibility

• Partner closely with the Director of Event Design to align client vision with execution
• Stay engaged throughout planning and run on-site event management as client lead
• Collaborate with operations and logistics teams without owning day-to-day execution

You lead destination strategy, client guidance, and overall program direction

Design and operations teams lead execution

• Build and maintain strong relationships with venues, hotels, CVBs, and vendor partners
• Stay current on new venues, restaurants, and experiences across Spark’s service regions
• Represent Spark at networking events, site visits, and industry functions
• Identify opportunities for growth within existing accounts and new markets

• A confident, polished communicator with strong sales instincts
• Experienced in client management, account growth, and program development
• Strategic in your thinking and decisive in your recommendations
• Highly responsive and comfortable in a fast-paced, client-facing environment
• A natural relationship builder with a strong sense of hospitality
• Collaborative and respectful of creative and operational expertise

• 5+ years in DMC, hospitality, events, or related industry
• Proven experience in destination sales, client management, and program development
• Strong track record of revenue generation and proposal conversion
• Experience leading site inspections and client presentations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, Monday.com, and related systems
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including some weekends

• Full-time, salaried position with performance-based bonus/commission structure
• Senior-level role with significant growth opportunity
• Hybrid: office, client meetings, on-site execution, and regional travel

LOCATIONS

This position would be based in Charlotte, NC at the Spark By Design headquarters. Spark operates events in a variety of premier destinations, including:

- Charlotte Metro: Concord, Mooresville

- Blue Ridge Mountains: Asheville, Boone, Gatlinburg (TN), Roanoke (VA)

- Triad Region: Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point

- Triangle Region: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill

- Coastal Areas: Wilmington, Outer Banks

- Upstate South Carolina: Greenville, Spartanburg

• Send cover letter and resume to: ignite@sparkbydesign.events