Executive Director - Position Summary -

Transcription

1 Executive Director - Position Summary - The Hattiesburg Tourism Commission (dba VisitHattiesburg) began operations in the early 1990 s for the purposes of growing the economic impact of visitors to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In 2016, tourism employed over 4,200 persons in the Hattiesburg MSA and brought over $274 million in visitor spending into the local economy. VisitHattiesburg is responsible for the marketing of Hattiesburg as a visitor destination in a highly competitive statewide and regional environment; promoting the development and growth of the tourism industry in Hattiesburg, and enhancing public awareness of tourism and its economic value to Hattiesburg. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and executing a compelling and innovative strategy to grow the economic and cultural value of tourism in Hattiesburg. Under the direct policy direction of the Board of Tourism Commissioners, the Executive Director establishes, implements and executes a creative vision for positioning Hattiesburg as an attractive destination for out-of-town (outside a 50-mile radius) visitors for the purposes of increasing spending in the local economy with new dollars. This position requires tourism industry knowledge, leadership and initiative to drive industry growth, build and enhance brand awareness and reputation, effectively allocate resources of the Commission and provide strategic leadership to staff and the local tourism industry. The Executive Director will innovate, improve and implement initiatives and activities that leverage existing strengths while integrating new approaches to push the local tourism industry to greater value for Hattiesburg. The Executive Director will create cohesive programs and campaigns that grow Hattiesburg s tourism industry through broad-based community initiatives as well as target market-specific programs. The ideal candidate is a visionary and strategic leader, possessing an ability to communicate and implement innovative, creative and effective strategies for VisitHattiesburg and the local tourism industry. The Executive Director is a recognized tourism professional who brings a track record of successful stewardship and growth of resources combined with a deep understanding of traditional as well as nearterm/digital tourism marketing that resonates with all critical and applicable market sectors. With leadership experience, industry respect and knowledge, long-term marketing prowess, and creative capabilities accumulated from contributing to the growth of a highly-respected brand, you are a collaborative leader who enjoys working with a diverse group of professionals, all committed to the vision and success of Hattiesburg s multi-faceted tourism industry.

2 JOB DESCRIPTION: Executive Director DEPARTMENT: Administration LOCATION: Based at the Hattiesburg Visitors Center (within HTC office array). Work requires significant travel locally and statewide. SHIFT: Full-time: Work is in a robust event and industry environment and will require a variety of weekdays, nights, weekends and holidays. (Remember: Our industry works when others play! ) REPORTS TO: Board of Tourism Commissioners SUMMARY: The Executive Director is responsible for the success of the organization and its growth of the local tourism industry. Effective planning, development and implementation of marketing strategies, development strategies, creative initiatives, personnel management, funding and budgetary management are critical. But, success lies in having and implementing a vision for growth for Hattiesburg within the realm of tourism. The Executive Director must develop, present and ensure that the philosophy and culture of the organization is maintained and nourished consistently and constantly. The Executive Director is responsible for the external and internal presentation of the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission. This includes actively participating in and directing the efforts of VisitHattiesburg, its staff, volunteers as well as spearheading the engagement of the local tourism industry. The Executive Director must excel at coordinating strategies and tactical initiatives with private enterprise, governmental stakeholders, and other organizations useful and necessary for success. The Executive Director will review, measure and assess existing initiatives and activities and will develop programs that leverage general area and tourism industry strengths while integrating new approaches and strategies. This position requires constant innovation in a rapidly changing environment. Because of this, the position requires vigilant management and a deep understanding of the national and statewide tourism industry. Creativity, innovation, industry knowledge and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and collaborative environment are required for success in this position. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of: marketing, advertising, communications and public relations activities that enhance and grow Hattiesburg s position in the tourism marketplace and to the general public. on-going brand development that effectively identifies target audiences and generates trackable return on investment. tourism attraction marketing to increase attendance and visitor draw to Hattiesburg. financial inputs and the resulting outcomes into all initiatives. Ensure consistent communication of desired image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external. ~ 1 ~

3 Play a lead role in articulating and communicating the brand identity of the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission and its representation of the Hattiesburg area. Responsible for overall direction, design, production, funding, budgeting and operations of VisitHattiesburg. Oversee VisitHattiesburg staff with a focus on growing talent and skill sets that dynamically push Hattiesburg s tourism product. Act as the official spokesperson for VisitHattiesburg with media, governmental bodies, interest groups and industry organizations. Gather, maintain and interpret industry and market data relevant to the destination and attractions, and integrate said research into long-range plans. Plan and build meaningful metrics into all programs, while monitoring trends and leading staff to inculcate target market requirements into ongoing programs. Serve as State of Mississippi Film Division representative for South Mississippi by assisting in location scouting, crew and services procurement and other film-related duties. Create new opportunities for growth in tourism industry in Hattiesburg. Planning and budgeting Responsible for the creation of a viable and motivational mission. Establish goals and financial objectives combined with evaluation systems that provide data to determine success. Report the same to Board. Prepare and track budgets, new revenue sources, results generated and other data as needed. Present Annual Audits to Hattiesburg City Council. Develop, present and seek approval of annual budget from Hattiesburg Tourism Commission. Create and implement short- and long-term organizational goals and objectives for VisitHattiesburg. Develop, implement and monitor systems and procedures necessary for the smooth operation of Hattiesburg Visitors Center, as well as VisitHattiesburg. Organizational Strategy Work with Board Members, elected officials, state and community leaders, senior staff and others to: develop and maintain a strategic perspective -- based on marketplace and industry needs and satisfaction -- in organizational direction, program and services, and decision-making; and, ensure the overall health and vitality of the organization. ~ 2 ~

4 Managing Ensure that VisitHattiesburg s philosophy, mission and vision are pertinent and practiced. Recruit, train, appraise, supervise, support, develop, promote and guide qualified personnel. Maintain a climate that attracts, retains and motivates top quality personnel. Effectively empower staff so they can take action on behalf of the organization by: a) transmitting the organization s values, vision and direction; b) engaging people in the meaning of VisitHattiesburg; c) respecting and using the skills, expertise, experience and insights of staff members; d) providing direction and resources, removing barriers and helping develop people's skills; articulating expectations and clarifying roles and relationships; e) helping people transform information into knowledge and learning; f) encouraging people to question organizational assumptions and ask strategic questions; ensuring quality decision-making; g) anticipating conflicts and facilitating resolution; h) engaging people in process as well as tasks; i) encouraging people to use their power, practice their authority, and accept their responsibility; j) modeling behavior; and coaching people to success. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Education and Work Experience Bachelor s degree in economic development, business administration, sports management, marketing, or a related field, and a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a senior role in the tourism, hospitality or attractions industry. A thorough knowledge of travel and tourism development and marketing. We are seeking an industry professional who is passionate about Mississippi, Hattiesburg, and the Pine Belt, and who wants to make his or her mark in our tourism and hospitality industry. The ideal candidate will be visionary, capable of exciting others about that vision in large forums and oneon-one settings. The successful candidate will be a recognized industry leader who can serve as a catalyst, innovator, resource and mentor for the Hattiesburg area s tourism industry. In addition, the ideal candidate will be a resource to the broader industry in Mississippi and will have a reputation for exceptional ~ 3 ~

5 results. The position requires travel as needed, superior communication skills and the ability to interact within political, social and corporate environments. The successful candidate will be a passionate self-starter, self-motivated and able to manage many overlapping details. The successful candidate will be creative, detail oriented, knowledgeable and passionate about the tourism industry in the United States, Southeastern Region of the U.S., Mississippi and, of course, the Hattiesburg area. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate others in a flexible and constantly changing environment, is required. Must be able to work collaboratively and constructively with a wide range of co-workers, governmental leaders, community leaders and industry partners, while demonstrating a positive attitude and cooperation with all. Mandatory Licensure or Requirements Must retain a valid Driver s License and meet the eligibility requirements to drive while conducting company business. Must successfully pass background check including financial history. ~ 4 ~