Senior Director, Sales & Marketing

Lonely Planet, the world’s leading guidebook publisher, is seeking a Senior Director of Sales & Marketing, North America to lead the company’s commercial operations across the United States and Canada. This senior leadership role will set the vision for North American growth, build long-term strategies that expand Lonely Planet’s market presence, and deliver ambitious revenue results.

As the senior-most commercial leader for the region, the role requires a strategic, forward-looking operator with deep publishing and retail expertise who can maximise the value of our 3rd-party Sales & Distribution partners while also maintaining direct relationships with key accounts. This is an opportunity to represent one of the world’s most iconic travel brands at a time of investment and innovation.

What You’ll Do:

• Set Vision & Strategy
  
  • Define and deliver a multi-year sales and marketing roadmap for North America, aligned with Lonely Planet’s global strategy.
  • Identify and pursue transformative growth opportunities across traditional retail, online platforms, and new distribution channels.
• Drive Commercial Outcomes
  • Set and hit ambitious revenue targets across U.S. and Canadian markets.
  • Establish scalable processes and data-driven frameworks to optimize sales performance, marketing ROI, and operational efficiency.
• Lead Partnerships & Representation
  • Build senior-level relationships with key retail partners, distributors, and industry stakeholders.
  • Represent Lonely Planet at major trade, retail, and publishing events as a senior spokesperson.
  • Negotiate and evolve 3rd-party sales and distribution agreements to maximize cost/revenue balance.
• Inspire & Develop Talent
  • Lead, coach, and develop a sales and marketing team, ensuring a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
  • Actively mentor and build the next generation of Lonely Planet commercial leaders.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner closely with Publishing and Marketing to translate market insights into product development and impactful campaigns.
  • Influence company-wide strategies by contributing North American perspective to global leadership forums.

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years of progressive sales and marketing leadership, with at least 5 years leading at a regional/national scope. Background in publishing strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of book retail, both physical and online, and strong networks across the trade publishing ecosystem.
• Track record of managing managers, building high-performing teams, and developing future leaders.
• Proven ability to set vision, align cross-functional teams, and influence executive-level stakeholders.
• Skilled at balancing strategic priorities with operational rigor; able to establish scalable processes while driving immediate results.
• Dynamic and persuasive communicator, confident public speaker, and strong storyteller using data-driven insights.
• Consultative, curious, analytical, and entrepreneurial, thriving in high-performance, fast-changing environments.
• A genuine enthusiasm for travel, publishing, and Lonely Planet’s mission to inspire and guide global exploration.

Compensation: 

• Cash Compensation Range: $150,000 - 200,000 + bonus & commission incentive
• New York City Cash Compensation Range: $187,500 - 250,000 + bonus & commission incentive

*Note actual salary is based on geographic location, qualifications, and experience 

Additionally, the following benefits are provided by Red Ventures, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Health Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Bonding Benefit Program
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO): We believe time to rest and recharge is essential.  That’s why we offer a generous and flexible PTO policy.  Full-time employees accrue 20 days of PTO for a full calendar year annually, with an increase to 25 days after five years of service.

Who We Are:

Founded in 2000, Red Ventures (RV) is home to a diverse portfolio of industry-leading brands and businesses, strategic partnerships and proprietary technology, including Bankrate, Lonely Planet, The Points Guy, BestColleges and more. Together, RV helps millions of people worldwide make