Join Our Team - Director of Tourism

To apply, please email your information to aguzzi@clevelandmschamber.com with "Director of Tourism Application" in the subject line.

Overview of Position:

Reports to:  Executive Director, Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce

The Director of Tourism fills a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing the tourism experience of Cleveland and Bolivar County. The position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to attract visitors, increase tourism revenue, and showcase the unique attractions and offeringsof our community.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Tourism Promotion: Develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote our community as a desirable tourist destination. This includes creating compelling advertising materials, managing social media accounts and tourism related websites, and collaborating with local businesses to highlight attractions and events. Additionally, the Director will work closely with publications, freelance writers and social media influencers to showcase Cleveland in their publications or media efforts.
  • Visitor Services: Provide assistance and information to tourists, including recommendations for accommodations, dining, and activities. Serve as a point of contact for inquiries and feedback, ensuring visitors have a positive experience while exploring our town. Create and manage itineraries for FAM tours and other professional visits to the community.
  • Event Coordination: Organize and facilitate tourism-related events and activities, such as festivals, guided tours, and cultural celebrations. Work with community partners and stakeholders to plan engaging events that attract visitors and showcase our town's heritage and culture.
  • Partnership Development: Work with Chamber of Commerce colleagues to foster relationships with local businesses, attractions, and hospitality providers to enhance the overall tourism experience. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop tourism packages and excursions, special promotions, and cooperative marketing initiatives.
  • Visitor Research and Analysis: Conduct market research and gather data on visitor demographics, preferences, and trends. Use insights to identify opportunities for growth and improvement within the tourism sector, and adjust strategies accordingly.  Provide this analysis and planning, as well as, tax revenue trends to appropriate parties.
  • Budget Management: Work with the Executive Director to develop and manage the tourism budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support promotional efforts, events, and visitor services. Monitor expenditures and seek out opportunities for cost-saving measures where possible.
  • Sales Missions:  Prospect and recruit small meetings, conferences, group tour operators and travel agencies to host meetings, tours, and travel to our community.

Job Requirements:

  • Proven experience in tourism promotion, marketing, or event management.
  • Strong marketing, public relations, graphic design, and advertising skills. 
  • Strong writing skills, as it relates to grants, monthly reports, press releases, blogs, news articles, etc.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, both in an independent and team environment.  
  • Effective interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution skills.
  • Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a passion for promoting tourism and showcasing local attractions.
  • Must be able to work with a wide variety of internal and external customers, citizens, and officials. 
  • Display a high degree of sound business judgment and ethical conduct.
  • Proficiency in cloud-based web applications, digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media, website management, and email marketing, spreadsheets and CRM systems.
  • Proficiency in graphic design tools and platforms, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and other programs on the Adobe platform.
  • Knowledge of the local area and its attractions, as well as an understanding of tourism trends and best practices.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's degree in tourism management, marketing, hospitality, communications, or related field (preferred).

Salary:

Determined based on qualifications and experience.