Raven N Dawson
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Experienced hospitality professional seeking professional growth through the utilization of operational, training, and leadership skills. Proven track record of achieving budgeted and forecasted revenues, with a talent for mastering technology. Adaptable and diplomatic in interactions with professionals and non-professionals at all levels, handling sensitive and confidential records with ease. Produces accurate and timely reports that meet company guidelines. Maintains a sense of humor under pressure and transcends cultural differences. Excels in deadline-driven environments and team-building. A leader with experience overseeing complex operations and driving strategic initiatives. Known for fostering collaboration, delivering measurable results, and creating an adaptable work environment. Skilled in project management, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement. Valued for decisive leadership, effective communication, and a goal-oriented mindset.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Complex Director of Revenue Management
Highgate Hotels
09.2024 - Current
- Develop and implement strategies in both group and transient segments focused on maximizing revenue and profitability, increasing RevPAR and growing market share
- Collaborate with Property Team members to develop annual marketing plan
- Create and manage revenue/yield strategies encompassing all facets of pricing, demand analysis, yield management, market segmentation, business mix, selling strategies and tactics in accordance with Hilton and Marriott best practices
- When necessary or appropriate, communicate with group contacts and/or housing bureaus
- Manage the input of data and report generation in the Revenue Management systems
- Manage/monitor Central Reservations System, Global Distribution Systems and third-party sites to maintain consistency with property level inventory strategies and align with the Best Available Rate (BAR) pricing philosophy
- Manage relationships with key online partners including Expedia and Booking.com
Complex Director of Revenue Management
Highgate Hotels
12.2022 - 09.2024
- Utilized advanced analytics tools to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making processes related to hospitality offerings.
- Enhanced profitability by conducting regular competitor analysis and adjusting pricing accordingly.
- Incorporated customer feedback into pricing strategy adjustments, enhancing overall guest satisfaction while maximizing revenues.
- Participated in industry conferences and events, staying current on best practices in Revenue Management methodologies.
- Conducted comprehensive performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement in revenue management strategies.
- Implemented inventory control measures, maximizing room revenue during periods of high demand.
- Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to develop targeted campaigns for revenue growth.
- Managed reservations systems effectively, optimizing stay patterns to increase room occupancy rates.
Director of Revenue Management (Pre-Opening)
The Candler Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Formulated and deployed transient/group inventory restrictions and pricing strategies, utilizing Strategy Reports and Rate Strategy Analysis, designed to maximize revenue from a rate and occupancy perspective
- Analyzed data and recommended strategies to the group and implemented agreed upon changes as soon as possible after the meetings
- Managed group block activity
- Was responsible for management of group cutoff dates, securing and reviewing all rooming lists, monitoring group block activity (i.e., pickup, wash)
- When necessary or appropriate, communicated with group contacts and/or housing bureaus
- Managed the input of data and report generation in the Revenue Management systems
- Continually monitored actions of competitive hotels (product quality improvements, supply changes, pricing strategies, service offerings, etc.)
- Prepared a three-month market segment outlook and maintain on a daily basis by monitoring actual results versus forecast for plan achievement
- Ensured Team Members had updated knowledge of all relevant processes, policies and promotions, as necessary, to perform their duties
- Implemented dynamic pricing strategies that responded to real-time market conditions, maximizing profit margins in a competitive environment.
Complex Director of Revenue Management
Washington Park Hotel/Sagamore South Beach
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Established hotel pricing levels in all segments
- Was responsible for the daily room inventory management process and daily pricing process
- Monitored competitor rates, positioning, strategies and data; maintain understanding of the dynamics of the local market and demand generators and present appropriate action plans to management
- Monitored and communicated fluctuations in occupancy to operational departments so they can effectively manage staffing requirements and increase efficiency
- Analyzed local events and activities and project the effect of the opportunities they create
- Managed the macro and micro-economic variables affecting supply and demand in the local marketplace, and used this knowledge to create accurate operational and financial room revenue forecasts
- Oversaw the process for evaluating all opportunities for contracted business (group, wholesale, corporate negotiated, etc) presented through the Sales department
- Ensure the process enables high speed of response while maximizing profits
- Chaired weekly Revenue Strategy meetings in order to formulate and disseminate strategies and tactics
- Ensured that prior decisions were re-visited in this forum in order to evaluate their effectiveness and promote learning
- Prepared and presented quarterly presentations to ownership
- Was responsible for Internet Marketing such as pay per click campaigns, e-mail blasts, GDS
- Performed market and competitor analysis to create strategies to enhance positioning
- Utilized effective marketing tactics to maximize resort occupancy and rates
Director of Revenue Management
WYNDHAM NEW ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Developed specific strategies and tactics to maximize revenues by performing analysis of demand, current production, price-value comparison, business mix, and STR comp set
- Monitored and managed rates and inventory to ensure the property is properly priced in the market
- Established rate structure/tier pricing by season
- Managed availability of rates/rates tiers
- Managed inventory restrictions
Education
Bachelor of Business -
DEVRY UNIVERSITY
Atlanta, GA01.2013
Skills
- Develop Pricing Strategies
- Report Development
- Effective Written Communication
- Skilled in Opera PMS
- IDEAS (GRO)
- One Yield
- Service Excellence
- Accurate Forecasting
- Market Share Strategy Development
- Hilton Systems Proficiency
- Establishing Business Partnerships
- Effective Communicator
- Financial Budgeting
Timeline
Complex Director of Revenue Management
Highgate Hotels
09.2024 - Current
Complex Director of Revenue Management
Highgate Hotels
12.2022 - 09.2024
Director of Revenue Management (Pre-Opening)
The Candler Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
01.2019 - 01.2022
Complex Director of Revenue Management
Washington Park Hotel/Sagamore South Beach
01.2018 - 01.2019
Director of Revenue Management
WYNDHAM NEW ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER
01.2014 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Business -
DEVRY UNIVERSITY
Similar Profiles
Samantha BowlesSamantha Bowles
General Manager at Highgate HotelsGeneral Manager at Highgate Hotels
Michele BeckfordMichele Beckford
General Manager at Residence Inn Marriott/Highgate HotelsGeneral Manager at Residence Inn Marriott/Highgate Hotels
Brice KiserBrice Kiser
Front Desk Agent/Front Desk Supervisor/Server Lead at Highgate HotelsFront Desk Agent/Front Desk Supervisor/Server Lead at Highgate Hotels
America HuertaAmerica Huerta
Group Sales Manager at Highgate HotelsGroup Sales Manager at Highgate Hotels
Paul ComriePaul Comrie
Stream Manager at Nokia USA IncStream Manager at Nokia USA Inc