Columbus Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau Director

OVERVIEW

The Columbus Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the marketing agency for the Columbus area. The primary role of the CVB Director is to create and market the Columbus Area as a destination for leisure/business travelers and to increase occupancy (overnight stays) in local lodging facilities. The Bureau’s mission is to attract, promote and encourage people to visit and utilize tourism facilities in Platte County.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The Columbus Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Director (CVB Director) is an employee of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, reports to the Chamber President, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Columbus Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The incumbent is an experienced leader who understands the role of destination marketing, hospitality and business development and will work to improve the economic impact of tourism in the Columbus Area. The CVB Director is a visible community leader with political wisdom and strong advocacy skills to bring people and organizations together to create tourism success. The Director can balance and integrate the interests of the County, Chamber, a CVB Advisory Committee, visitors, service providers and the community.

The Director will:

• implement a sales and marketing plan which promotes, encourages, and attracts visitors to come to and stay overnight in Platte County, Nebraska.
• partner with the Columbus Sports & Activities Council to attract and promote sporting and other activities to the area;
• produce and distribute marketing materials which promote attractions, tours, restaurants, entertainment, hotels, motels, convention services, and other tourism related entities available in the County;
• develop and place media advertising, trade show booths, promotional displays and audio visual materials;
• manage promotional and registration materials, hospitality suites, visitors’ bags, entertainment, and other reasonable expenses necessarily incurred in connection with state, regional, and national conventions; and
• operate a tourist information center.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

The CVB Director shall solicit, coordinate and staff conventions, tourism activities, and events that bring visitors/tourists to the Columbus area and carry out the general purposes of the Nebraska Visitors Development Act.

The Director will coordinate a strategic planning session with the CVB Advisory Committee, as well as administer monthly meetings of the Committee for the purpose of reviewing grant applications and implementing the CVB’s marketing plan.

The CVB Director will work with the CVB Advisory Committee to develop and submit an annual budget (with the fiscal year beginning July 1 of each year) to the County and account for all funds received and disbursed by the Platte County Visitors Bureau.

The CVB Director will develop an annual report and shall, on a quarterly basis, provide a written report to the County detailing services, expenses, and other income received by the Chamber through grants and other means in supporting the programs.

The Director will give his/her opinion on any matter, communicating with the advisory committee, as well as, the Platte County Board of Supervisors on all relevant issues either orally or in writing as may be required.

The CVB Director shall keep accountable records of any and all receipts and disbursements for the use and expenditure of all funds collected and expended in carrying out the marketing plan.

The CVB Director will support general Chamber operations and may participate in and/or attend Chamber committees and task forces on occasion, the work of which is related to tourism, convention and events planning.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

The CVB Director must have or develop:

• an understanding of travel and tourism, in addition to a background in event planning, marketing, advertising and/or graphic design.
• possess outstanding written and oral communications skills.
• work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders and volunteers in a collaborative manner
• have good knowledge of business operations and either possess or develop a complete knowledge of the Columbus area.
• have good knowledge of common computer software packages and the ability to learn to use additional packages.
• exhibit enthusiasm and share ideas which promote the County, the Columbus community and the organization.
• a strong focus on external relationships and partnership building.
• strong organizational skills.
• positive relationships with various media outlets in order to enhance the image of tourism and its development throughout the region.
• cultivate positive relationships with elected and appointed government and agency officials as well as all represented entities of the tourism industry both in and outside of Platte County.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Starting salary for the position is $47,000, negotiable, based upon experience. The Chamber also offers general benefits, including vacation, personal days, paid holidays, and sick leave.

Position will remain open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $47,000.00 /year

Experience:

• community promotion or outreach: 1 year (Preferred)

Additional Compensation:

• Other forms

Work Location:

• One location

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

This Job Is Ideal for Someone Who Is:

• People-oriented — enjoys interacting with people and working on group projects
• Adaptable/flexible — enjoys doing work that requires frequent shifts in direction
• Detail-oriented — would rather focus on the details of work than the bigger picture

This Job Is:

• A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply
• A job for which all ages, including older job seekers, are encouraged to apply
• Open to applicants who do not have a college diploma

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends required