Director of Tourism

The Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce (MLCC) exists to promote Jackson County, Alabama as great place to live, play and work. Jackson County is blessed with bountiful resources, welcoming and hardworking people, and ample opportunities. Jackson County is known as the place where the mountains meet the lakes. Our beautiful, ecologically diverse area is experiencing growth and is primed with opportunities to promote our existing destinations and outdoor adventure-based tourism.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the tourism department and visitor center.

· Prepare and administer the annual tourism budget; monitors department expenditures in accordance with the annual budget and purchasing policies.

· Oversee the development, review, purchasing and distribution of tourism-related subjects including attractions, activities, events, facilities, and public relations.

· Oversee the production of the annual visitor planner, both digital and print.

· Coordinate with the MLCC Director of Communications & Marketing to support website and social media engagement (digital and social media content creation, promotion and management).

· Own the MLCC Instagram, TikTok, and other social media accounts as they relate to the direct promotion of tourism, and curate the content in concert with the overall objectives of MLCC.

· Develop and maintain a positive public image of Jackson County through community outreach and media releases.

· Prepare and execute tourism promotion and marketing plans, including, but not limited to, public relations, advertising, trade shows, media orientation, and mailings.

· Assist and support execution of special and annual events collaborating with organizers in municipalities throughout Jackson County.

· Maintain and strengthen tourism knowledge by attending conferences and trade shows, establishing professional networks, and familiarization with tours for journalist, travel agents, and tour operators.

· Represent Jackson County in local, regional, and statewide promotional efforts; develop and maintain a positive relationship with the business community, and maintain a public awareness of tourism issues and advertising opportunities.

· Attend Jackson County assembly meetings and other committee meetings to represent tourism issues when needed.

· Develop and maintain partnerships with local organizations, business community, surrounding communities, regional marketing and economic development boards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Knowledgeable in event planning, hospitality, lodging, sports, recreation, entertainment, lakes, travel, parks & recreation and economic development.

· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret government regulations.

· Adept in Microsoft Office, social media, and industry standard design software.

· Effective oral and written communication skills.

· Basic photography skills would be an asset in this role particularly for social media content creation

· Ability to communicate oral and written monthly reports, business correspondence, department plans and procedures.

· Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from general public.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule, hours, and occasional holidays for special events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in hospitality, tourism, public relations or closely related field.

· Knowledgeable in social media, special event management, economic development, public speaking, graphic design, and media relations.

· Valid Alabama driver’s license.

Work Environment:

· Typical office environment for daily operations, travel in-state and out-of-state for events, meetings, and conferences.

Reporting Relationship: Reports Directly to the Chamber President/CEO

JACKSON COUNTY RESIDENCY

To adequately promote Jackson County, it is desirable that the candidate for MLCC Director of Tourism be a Jackson County resident or be willing to relocate to Jackson County within one year of employment. This factor will be taken into consideration when determining the best candidate for the position.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Application Question(s):

• Are you a Jackson County resident or willing to relocate to Jackson County within one year of employment?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: One location