Essential Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or higher with major case work in journalism, business administration, marketing and/or communications
• A minimum of 7 years experience at the executive level within the tourism industry
• Experience working with boards and/or multiple stakeholder groups, including local elected officials
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Knowledge of use of hotel occupancy tax is preferred
  • Knowledge of tourism sales, marketing and techniques is preferred
  • Knowledge of overall community attractions, hotels and venues is preferred
  • Knowledge of procedures for scheduling trade shows, meetings and events is preferred

Essential Job Functions

• Leads the development of an annual sales and marketing plan including yearlong supervision of its deployment
• Establishes and maintains ongoing effective communication with state and local government leaders, local tourism partners, business leaders, travel trade professionals, convention and event planners, and with regional and national industry leaders
• Represents the organization at appropriate local, state, regional and national industry meetings, conferences and events
• Oversees all administrative, operating and programming functions of the organization
• Directs the CCVB’s daily operations and manages all aspects of staff selection, training, direction, evaluation and terminations. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for providing the staff with a safe, secure and comfortable environment as well as the resources, information and tools to perform their jobs
• Provides support and leadership to the board of directors, giving directors the tools and information they need to make wise decisions about the organization
• Strategically develops an internal budget based upon staff input to be presented to the finance committee and board of directors for approval.
• Develops and maintains effective organizational policies and procedures and internal controls to ensure all activities are implemented within established policies, guidelines, laws and ethical standards
• Accountable for building and leading a high-performance sales team to implement and monitor key metrics to ensure sales team goals are met
• Creates an environment of accountability and transparency
• Fosters an environment of innovation, identifies opportunities, and introduces creative new ideas and strategies to the board, staff and community
• Works with area tourism partners, business leaders and organizations to build support for the CCVB and its programs, specifically:
  • Works collaboratively and in close coordination with the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center General Manager in planning, marketing, and scheduling events including conferences, conventions, trade shows, sports and others. Meets on a regular basis with General Manager and fosters intra-staff relationships and coordination between CCVB and CCCC
  • Further develops strong alliances and relationships with national, regional and state travel and tourism associations as well as with other CVBs. Looks for innovative ways to partner with these organizations and take advantage of opportunities to meet the goals of the CCVB
  • Works to establish and maintain strong communications with local businesses and community organizations throughout the City of Charleston and the surrounding area with a goal of heightening involvement in the programs and activities of the CCVB and to increase the ROI for as many segments of our local economy as possible
  • Works closely with area hoteliers and others in the local hospitality industry to coordinate and align the services needed to provide excellent customer service in order to attract events, bring them to our area and to retain them in the future
  • Maintains strong lines of communication between city, county and state elected officials and keeps them regularly updated on the work of the CCVB and seeks opportunities to partner and coordinate with governmental entities
• Serves as a catalyst to identify and build community resources that enhance the area's viability and competitiveness to attract leisure, meeting and convention business
• Monitors proposed legislation that will affect the tourism industry, the Charleston area and the CCVB.