Director, Tourism Partner & Industry Relations

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

At the EDPNC, our most valuable resource is our people. We are committed to building a team that draws strength from a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We value everyone’s individual talents and contributions to our collective accomplishments. By setting our standards high, we aspire to success, while creating positive results for our stakeholders and advancing our state’s economic well-being.

Why Join Us?

• Work with a passionate team dedicated to promoting North Carolina’s vibrant tourism industry.
• Travel and engage with leading media professionals and influencers to tell the state’s unique stories.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization that drives economic growth through tourism.

About The Role

Direct development, coordination, implementation and management of the marketing strategy for all international markets, domestic travel trade contacts and sports events rights-holders to increase awareness and interest in domestic group, sports and business travel, as well as international individual and group leisure travel to North Carolina.

What You’ll Do

• Supervise assigned staff, providing leadership and support, and assisting in ongoing training and development. Responsibilities include employee selection, performance management, performance evaluations, job descriptions, etc., and ensuring that EDPNC policies and procedures are followed. Consult Human Resources as appropriate.
• Manage and oversee the state’s contracted international representation firms and their work.
• Manage and oversee the Outdoor NC initiative.
• Manage and oversee the state’s group travel marketing and promotional activities.
• Manage and oversee the state’s sports event marketing and promotional activities.
• Manage and oversee the state’s certified retirement program to assist communities in their efforts to market themselves as retirement destinations.
• Work with staff to develop and update online and print collateral for above markets.
• Influence international tour operators and travel agents through public relations, tradeshow and partnership development. Target travelers through third-party sellers and travel industry trade suppliers with multiple outreach tactics including trade print, tradeshows and eBlasts.
• Coordinate with PR team to develop new collateral materials to extend the reach of the PR campaign for international visitors consistent with department marketing goals and messages.
• Work with Tourism Research Analyst to produce quality research to help guide international marketing investments and policy decisions.
• Work with TravelSouth to promote North Carolina to emerging and traditional international markets.
• Represent Visit North Carolina with industry partners and clients using sound judgement and professional behavior.
• Add information to the weekly “NewsLink” eNewsletter which provides information to partners on policy issues, market trends, programs and media coverage.
• Build and maintain relationships with key industry contacts including airlines, attractions, CVBs, and corporate offices to encourage participation in international and trade marketing activities.
• Assist in planning and direction of annual Visit NC Conference and Mid-Year Updates, proposing compelling content.
• Manage and oversee items related to the quarterly meetings and various subcommittee meetings of the NC Travel & Tourism Board.
• Renew and refresh content on the office’s international websites.
• Stay abreast of key industry trends, competitive insights and emerging media and marketing technologies; Coordinate Salesforce entries to assist in tracking and evaluating of team performance.
• Support sustainable efforts to protect, preserve and promote the state’s natural, historic and cultural resources.
• Assist tourism team members with other duties as needed.
• Other duties as the supervisor deems necessary.
• Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Requirements:

What We Are Looking For

Key Competencies

• Use sound judgement to make good decisions based on information obtained. Consider all facts before deciding on the most appropriate action
• Maintain high level of productivity, discernment and self-direction
• Complete work in a timely manner taking responsibility for job performance
• Plan and organize tasks and work responsibilities to achieve objectives
• Skilled in relationship building and networking with a diverse population of organizations and associations
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills, including the demonstrated ability to meet timelines and prioritize multiple projects
• Team orientation and ability to work effectively with peers, subordinates and supervisors

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, high school diploma or GED required
• Minimum 5 years marketing experience required
• 3 years in tourism destination marketing fields preferred

Working Conditions

In addition to working in general office environment position will include international, national and statewide travel for partner and agency meetings, industry events, Destination Immersion programs and other functions. These may include evenings and weekends.

Licenses and Knowledge Requirements

Valid driver’s license and passport required.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Normal physical and mental requirements to use equipment mentioned above
• Occasionally carrying and lifting up to 30 pounds
• Driving a car
• Air travel
• Exposure to computer screens for long periods of time
• Frequent bending, kneeling and reaching
• Organizing & coordinating schedules
• Analyzing and interpreting data
• Problem-solving
• Communicating with partners
• Creating written communication