Executive Director

SUMMARY: Manage Red Wing Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) staff – Manage the day-to-day operations including development, creation, management, and placement of all content as it relates to tourism and marketing for the organization and local events; handle multiple projects simultaneously; develop and implement annual budget and marketing plans; assist all staff with communicating the organization’s values, vision, and direction; plan and recommend policies and programs to achieve VCB goals; oversee the development of all marketing materials, including collateral and marketing pieces.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote the city of Red Wing as a travel destination; support tour groups by providing visitor and community information.
• Develop and execute marketing and promotional strategies to increase visitor traffic, length of stay and spending of visitors.
• Develop annual marketing plans for the city including media schedules, travel schedules, public relations plans and sales plans.
• Help develop a strategic plan to define the organization and set the organization-wide future goals with the Board of Directors.
• Develop the agenda for monthly Board of Directors meetings with board chair of the VCB, plan and recommend programs to achieve the goals of the VCB, update the board on organizational performance and keep board members informed on regional and national programs that are applicable to tourism in our community.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors and Office Manager to ensure a fiscally sound operation; develop and implement annual budget.
• Represent the city within the tourism industry by actively engaging in associations and attending appropriate trade shows and functions.
• Identify partnerships to grow and increase sales and tourism through innovative marketing and PR strategies.
• Work with local government officials and legislators to keep them aware of the tourism industry and its impact on the community.
• Work with partners and stakeholders to promote conventions, tourism, tours and general tourism in the city of Red Wing.
• Serve as the official spokesperson for the VCB for any media inquiries and develop a positive relationship with local and statewide media.
• Serve as a liaison for hoteliers and industry partners – Maintain communications with the local tourism industry (hotels, restaurants, museums, festivals, etc.) and assist when reasonable. Coordinate and participate in educational/hospitality training seminars for industry-related employees. Work closely with all local partners including other community development organizations. Participate and actively engage in matching local, state, and federal grant programs by writing and developing grant proposals for projects that promote our city and our county.
• Represent the VCB within the Red Wing community.
• Be knowledgeable about Red Wing, our area, state and region.
• Perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, or combination of experience and certifications
• Experience in the hospitality/tourism industry
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft suite, social media platforms, database use and current marketing software programs
• Ability to relate positively with employees, board members, clients, local and state partners as well as local, county and state officials
• Ability to work nights and weekends
• Ability to travel on behalf of the VCB
• Ability to make individual and group presentations
• Ability to exercise judgment, initiative, tact and diplomacy in a wide variety of public situations
• Ability to think analytically and critically
• Possess strong facilitation skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups

The Red Wing VCB Board of Directors reserves the right to modify all job descriptions based upon the needs of the Bureau.

To apply, please email your resume with three references, along with two letters of recommendation in pdf format, to rwvcbhiring@gmail.com. The deadline to apply is November 30th. This position posting does have a preferred candidate. Qualified candidates will be considered.

Search Committee Schedule

Applications due by November 30, 2023

Interviews December 11-14, 2023

Position offer December 15, 2023

First Day in Position January 1, 2024