Tourism Manager

PURPOSE OF THE CLASSIFICATION:   

The Tourism Manager is responsible for the management and implementation of all initiatives, activities and programs designed to increase tourism for Muskogee.  This position serves as a representative for all Tourism activities with local businesses, and the community at large. This position serves as a member of the Exposition Events team.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

Management and Administration

• Works with the Director to guide the development, implementation and execution of an annual Tourism budget.  Works daily within the confines of that budget;
• Works with the marketing manager to develop the annual Advertising Budget within the established Tourism budget;
• Works with the Director of Tourism & Exposition, City Manager, and others to set goals and objectives for the Tourism program and ensures those goals and objectives are achieved.

Community and Public Relations

• Serves as a representative to the Muskogee Hotel and Lodging Association and any other ad-hoc Boards to further tourism;
• Ensures positive relations with local hoteliers, attraction and event staff, as well as other key stakeholders in Muskogee’s tourism industry;
• Fosters relationships with tourism professionals at state and national levels by attending association meetings, networking events and educational sessions when assigned
• Responds to social media inquiries or posts that require acknowledgement; communicates concerns and pertinent information from social media;
• Provides oversight to the needs of the local tourist information centers;
• Manages all aspects of the Community Support grant application process;

Marketing and Advertising

• Provides marketing and advertising consultation and assistance to community partners, organizations and tourist attractions;
• Works with the Marketing Manager to provide all Tourism marketing and promotions via media, buying, writing and design of articles and ads, design of print materials, broadcast announcements, obtaining photographs, writing press releases, and other miscellaneous media;
• Develops press releases to all media contacts to publicize Tourism related events and other promotions;
• Manages the development of Muskogee Tourism’s social media plan by working with any contracted agencies (when applicable), and monitors the effectiveness through evaluation of analytics, other usage and feedback;
• Coordinates the promotion and communication efforts on behalf of Muskogee Tourism events such as festivals, conventions, fishing tournaments, races and other activities that are expected to bring large numbers of tourists to Muskogee;
• Assists Marketing Manager in updating the Tourism website information on a regular basis to ensure accuracy and thoroughness including posting agendas and new information, and responding to web site inquiries;
• Attends selected trade and sport shows, including set-up and tear-down of booth, to exhibit promotional materials designed to attract tourists and conventioneers to the area;
• Attends additional meetings and Tourism functions as directed by the T&E Director

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Tourism Manager reports directly to the Director of Tourism and Exposition.

The Tourism Manager does not have any direct reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:  College degree preferred but not required and five (5) years of experience working in tourism, sales, marketing or related fields is required. 

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: 

• A strong work ethic and the ability to initiate contacts without supervision.
• Experience and demonstrated success in working to meet specific goals and deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to make cold calls to recruit groups to come to Muskogee.
• Knowledge and experience of advertising and marketing required.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to work in a collaborative and team environment.
• Must have a general working knowledge of the tourism industry and how to meet goals and measure success.
• The ability to work outside of general office hours on an as needed basis.
• Must be organized and have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including building community relationships, attending meetings and administrative office work.
• Must have the willingness and ability to balance accountability to multiple boards, organizations and individuals.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn and manage new software, navigate web site edits, use different forms of social media, and effectively use the internet.

Physical Requirements:  The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  On a case-by-case basis, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, arm and hand steadiness and finger dexterity will be needed enough to use a key board and telephone.  Occasional sitting and standing is required.  Occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to twenty (20) pounds.  Occasional reaching, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, twisting, handling and repetitive movements.  Vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform essential tasks.  Punctuality and reasonable attendance is essential.     Must submit to drug screening and fitness to work physical exam.

Licenses and Certificates:  Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D driver’s license is required. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:    Work in this classification is primarily indoors in an office environment.  Will travel to other City locations as required. 

WORK HOURS:  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Requires ability to work nights, weekends, holidays and irregular hours.