Director of Partnership Development

Job Title: Director of Partnership Development

FLSA Status: Exempt (Full-Time)

Position Reports To: Executive Director Revised: May 2022

The Director of Partnership Development actively manages existing partners while also focusing on acquiring

new marketing partners. This position is key in sharing knowledge of the mission and vision of GO Laurel

Highlands and how, as a DMO, the organization plays a key role as an extension of a tourism business’s own

marketing efforts. The opportunity to create new initiatives exists and is welcome as a means to grow our

organization.

Essential Job Functions:

• Sell Basic Marketing Packages to tourism-based businesses within the three county region of the Laurel

Highlands. Concentrated sales will be within the Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties.

Develop positive relationships with newly acquired businesses to maintain their partnership in GO

Laurel Highlands and to expand upon their marketing buy-in. This includes personal contact via telephone, written correspondence, e-mail, and individual visits. This position requires outside sales with a minimum of 2-3 days (outside the physical office) prospecting new business. Maintain call reports in order to provide monthly sales update to fellow GO LH team members.

• Enter any new Marketing Partner information into the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for website upload. Accuracy is essential. Photographs must be resized in Photoshop as needed.

CRM data should include sales call information.

• Develop and be consistent in sharing new partner information with the internal GO LH staff and to our seasonal visitor center staff so everyone is aware of a new business to showcase and be accurate in sharing their story.
• Maintain postings on GO Laurel Highlands Facebook page of new Marketing Partners by uploading photo(s) and description of business to Asana. Event partner listings also need to be loaded.
• Conduct quarterly New Partner Orientation.
• Responsible for yearly sales of all advertising.
• Represent the organization at consumer shows as necessary. Weekend travel will be required. This is an opportunity to represent the region and our partners and to gauge how the region is perceived beyond our borders.
• Write description and provide photography for “New Members” section of seasonal newsletter

“Happenings”.

• Host monthly: 30 minute podcast “Laurel Highlands Happenings.” An interactive opportunity to feature one of the region’s signature tour sites, or a hidden treasure. Responsibilities include securing guests, developing key questions for conversation, and conducting the interviews.
• Manage the brochure distribution program including solicitation of partners to participate in the program. Maintaining inventory in the warehouse and in the forward-facing Visitor Center space at 113

East Main Street. Coordinating fulfillment to partners, AAA offices, PA Welcome Centers for order fulfillment. Maintaining regional brochure racks may fall to this position as well.

• Assist with the GO LH Annual Dinner.
• Assist with assigned tasks for GO LH PourTour as needed.
• Maintain an active role in Chambers of Commerce and other organizations as deemed necessary (and approved) that prove vital in providing growth and lead base for new marketing partners.
• Participate in state-wide, regional and national organizations as a representative of the Laurel Highlands as instructed by the Executive Director.

• Work with the Executive Director on a yearly budget for the Sales Division. Maintain awareness of annual budget guidelines including, but not limited to goals and expenses. Complete monthly expense and credit card reports and provide receipts for all expenses.
• Provide professional presentations at reservation call centers, seminars, workshops, and community events upon request.
• Contribute content for blogs, editorial, and newsletters upon request.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s Degree or 4 years related sales experience.
• Minimum 3 years direct sales experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Should also have working knowledge of Photoshop.
• Working knowledge of current social media platforms and feel comfortable in working within all that are utilized by the organization. Includes, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Cold calling skills highly desired.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work well with peers and develop solid relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize projects and multi-task.
• Previous supervisory experience. Minimum 2 years.

Desired:

• Knowledge of the travel and tourism industry.
• Knowledge of database management program.

Physical Requirements/Work Conditions:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license. A yearly driver report will be required upon request. This is a reimbursable expense.
• Must maintain monthly expense reports with receipts for all purchases.
• Must be able to travel for sales calls, promotional projects, trade shows, and seminars. Travel could be up to 70%. A company vehicle is available for use, but when unavailable, mileage reimbursement is provided.
• Limited evening and weekend hours. Overnight and weekend travel required for trade shows.
• Dress must be appropriate for work environment and professional as required.
• Lifting is required. Ability to lift a minimum of 35lbs.

This job description identifies the major responsibilities of this position. It does not include all aspects of this position such as potential additional duties assigned by the supervisor and the requirements for flexibility in helping others for the company’s overall benefit.

All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual

orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition,

military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage or any other protected

classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. When completing a formal

application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering

outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success of the organization, its clients,

and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons.

Those applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact

a management representative.

Please submit a cover letter and resume for consideration to to Ann Nemanic.

GO Laurel Highlands / 113 East Main Street / Ligonier PA 15658

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location