Visitor Services Program Manager (Division Staff Specialist)

The Visitor Services Program Manager is responsible for the marketing and promotion program for Custer State Park by directing the development and delivery of advertising and marketing plans, and informational products and services through several different media outlets to ensure an effective presentation of Custer State Park. The Visitor Services Program Manager is responsible for the management oversight of a marketing budget; developing and implementing contracts and coordinating activities with several advertising agencies; representing the park in local, regional, state and national tourism organizations; and coordination of an extensive customer service training program for regional staff.

Development and implementation of the park’s public information system by establishing or enhancing channels of communication to keep current with key and strategic information required to maximize visitor understanding and satisfaction while visiting the Park and the Black Hills area. The position’s responsible for all social media applications, keeping them up to date with current information and responding to inquiries in a timely manner.

Oversee the development, coordination and implementation of the several special events that take place annually in the park with the largest being the Governor’s Buffalo Round Up and Arts Festival. This entails a three day event with over 20,000 people showing up for the actual Round Up itself.

The Visitor Services Program Manager is also responsible for supervision of the Interpretive Program which includes two visitor centers, one outdoor education center and numerous roadside interpretive displays. There are 3 professional/permanent employees (1 Interpretive Program Manager, 2 Naturalist) 9 seasonals and up to 25 volunteers that work within the Visitor Services Program.

The work is both professional and technical in nature. Work assignments require critical thinking skills, clear decision making, self-motivation and independent short and long term planning. Interaction with local partners and stakeholders requires a knowledge and understanding of tourism, Chamber of Commerce, interpretive services and the interpersonal skills necessary to build support and consensus.

Custer State Park visitation numbers are approximately 1.9 million per year. Highest visitation occurs June Through September.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A bachelor’s degree in marketing, mass communications, public relations, journalism or closely related field and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience is preferred.

Also preferred:

• strong leadership skills, including motivation, team building and supervision;
• strong interpersonal skills – problem solving, mediation and team building skills, strong written and verbal communication skills;
• excellent communication skills;
• have interest in the outdoors and recreational industry.

Knowledge of:

• the principles and techniques of journalism as they relate to writing, editing, illustration, production, and distribution of publications;
• marketing and public relations measurement and reporting;
• mass communication, media resources, and marketing;
• copyright laws and other legal issues related to publishing;
• computer systems, social media platforms, software pertinent to desktop publishing;
• and an understanding of social media platforms and their respective participants with proven examples of success;
• principles and practices of interpretive programming.

Ability to:

• research, write and edit materials for public audiences;
• communicate information clearly and concisely;
• work a flexible schedule to include occasional nights, weekends, and holidays;
• knowledge in the operation of varied audio visual equipment and computer assisted presentation systems;
• to work well individually and as part of a team in a fast paced environment;
• be creative, organized and deadline orientated;
• be ambitious and interested in taking on new challenges;
• bring a positive outgoing attitude and willingness to have fun;
• create and monitor effective benchmarks of measuring the impact of social media programs;
• analyze, review and report on effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to maximize results;
• effectively use all types of media;
• plan, organize and direct the Interpretive Services Program;
• effectively supervise professional/permanent, seasonal and volunteer employees;
• deal tactfully with others;
• make timely and accurate decisions.

Additional Requirements:
To be considered, attach your responses to the questions below. Your responses must be clear, concise, and numbered.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE

The State of South Dakota offers paid employee health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation leave accrual, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information visit
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus/workbenefits.aspx