Visitor Center Manager

This is a full-time, mid-level, professional staff position reporting directly to the City Manager. The incumbent is responsible for developing, managing, leading, evaluating, and continuously improving programs, consistent with the Visitor Centers Mission; which includes the promotion of locations throughout the City as a viable, competitive, & preferred option for local, national, & international meetings, events, and celebrations for business, and leisure.

Examples of Work:

• Spearhead the development, planning, execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement of all aspects of the Center, including but not limited to marketing, merchandising, event planning, and outreach;
  
• Serve as lead Visitor Center liaison responsible for partnering with corporate event planners, tour operators, group planners and local, national or international meeting planners to secure contracted bookings of destination locations in the City;
• Responsible for the development and implementation of a sales & marketing plan, and associated reports, which may include sales call reports, new business leads, and RFP’s responses, booking confirmation reports and correspondence with established and potential accounts/visitors;
  
• Solicit business through direct sales, bids, targeted sales and participation in trade shows and travel industry activity designed to reach consumers, group leaders, meeting planners, corporate planners, sports planners and association planners;
  
• Act as liaison and Visitor Center Champion/Ambassador at major Citywide events such as the Annual Snow-Fest; MCTX Fest; Community Night Out etc.
  
• Research and develop contacts to produce future city-wide events of a tourism nature;
• Prepares cover letters, agenda items, general information for Council and packets and present information during City Council meetings;
• Establish and maintain effective communications with economic development partners, government leaders, business and cultural institution leaders, convention and event planners, and local, statewide, national, and/or international travel and tourism industry.
• Actively participate in industry associations to develop strategic alliances, build customer support, and further staff development and further professional development by attending and successfully completing industry certification programs;
  
• Act as convener, advocate and champion for local hospitality industry stakeholders including hotels, tourism customers, restaurants, retailers, and suppliers;
  
• Build optimal awareness of Missouri City among travelers and the Missouri City community. Provide leadership that unites the hospitality industry and the community;
• Perform other related duties as assigned;
• Subject to 24 hour recall.

Experience and Education Requirements:

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a closely related field and a minimum of two (2) years responsible professional experience in the public assembly/hospitality industry (such as convention sales, planning, and/or organizing), hotel & travel industry, economic development, planning, public administration or a related field strongly preferred.