Town of Killington JOB DESCRIPTION Economic Development & Tourism Director
Summary The Director is responsible for planning, marketing, organizing, management, and directing of the economic development, events and tourism activities, plans, programs and services for the Town. The Director’s work is performed within the general policies, philosophy and long-range plans established by the Economic Development & Tourism Commission, the Town Manager and the Select Board. Essential Job Functions Develops a strategic plan for economic development and tourism development for the Town of Killington with established goals, objectives and strategies and implements this plan to retain existing businesses, attract new businesses and increase the economic impact of the visitor to Killington. Develops goals and plans for the Department and monitor schedules to ensure effective and timely implementation of plans and programs. Develops marketing plan and strategy for the Town. Coordinates placement of print media and web-based marketing initiatives to increase the awareness of Killington as a destination for the consumer, tour and travel and meetings markets. Works with a marketing contractor to select media buys, work with creative designers at publications and design firms, account representatives, secure pricing and process invoices. Coordinates efforts for and production of brochures and web sites promoting Killington as a destination. Establishes guidelines, meet with graphic designers, oversee input of information, contract with printers and web site designers, proof read and complete final product. This includes visitor guides, niche publications and tourism websites. Provides the private sector with information of cooperative marketing opportunities and participate in new cooperative initiatives with the region and the state. Administers and writes grant requests. Proactively seeks out grants and financial incentives that promote economic development, revitalization, and infrastructure development projects for the Town. Plans and coordinates infrastructure development projects for the Town. Works with engineers and contractors to complete infrastructure projects. Interacts with other departments including the Planning, Public Works and Recreation & Parks Departments to advance infrastructure projects. Develops public outreach and education efforts required for infrastructure development projects. Develops new tourism initiatives. Determines if new markets (such as International, agri-tourism, activity based, nature tourism, etc.) are appropriate by conducting research and compiling data. Coordinates programs and activities with other tourism organizations and associations, including the Killington Chamber of Commerce, the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Visitor and Convention Bureau and the Vermont Department of Tourism. Actively markets and sells Killington as a tourist destination. Promotes tourism through public speaking, national advertising, festivals, national and regional marketing events and development of promotional and information brochures and other materials based upon annual marketing plan. Works with the Chamber to respond to develop materials to inquiries regarding travel and relocation information and related matters. Participates in regional and national travel shows. Serves as liaison to private industry, government agencies and other organizations with regard to tourism; works with the Events Producer to facilitate the creation of special events designed to attract visitors; maintains contact with area attractions and tourist/visitor services. Negotiates contracts. 10/7/2009 2:32 PM EDT Director Position Description
Director of Economic Development & Tourism Page 2 Prepares and administers department budget. Includes tracking of expenditures. Prepares annual and monthly report of activities. Contact with local, state and federal legislators regarding tourism legislation. Plans and implements special events and programs. Other Duties Performs related work as required. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills (These are pre-employment KASs that apply only to Essential Job Functions.) Knowledge of-- The concepts and practices of economic development as applied to the development and promotion of tourism. - Tourism and marketing networks, media and advertising. - Professional product design and copy development. - Graphics/computer/IT programs and presentations. Ability to-- Plan and coordinate efforts to market area tourist attractions and to promote, organize and coordinate events and activities in support of such efforts. - To establish and maintain effective cooperative working relationships with local, regional and statewide businesses and tourist attractions. - Research, develop and recommend tourism sites and destinations with appropriate funding needs and sources identified. - Work well with competing priorities and achieve consensus and support for the department’s initiatives. - Pursue and acquire grants and other revenues to achieve program objectives. Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and experience that provides the above Knowledge, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.) Training and/or Education: Bachelor's degree. Leadership ability supported by management and marketing skills. Experience: Five years of experience in tourism and economic development. Licenses or Certificates: Valid driver's license. Special Requirements: None Physical Demands: The work generally requires light physical activity, and is performed in office surroundings. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 50 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. Unusual Demands: Employee is subject to work beyond normal scheduled work hours.
10/7/2009 2:32 PM
EDT Director Position Description