Visitor & Convention Services Manager

Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each application section, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Arlington Economic Development (AED) Department is seeking an energetic and creative Visitor & Convention Services Manager for the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS) Division. This employee will report to the ACVS Director of Sales supporting the meeting and group sales process and managing day-to-day visitor and convention services following the closing of the sale through each event’s completion.

ACVS promotes Arlington as a dynamic destination to stimulate economic growth. As part of AED, ACVS collaborates internally with the Business Investment Group, Cultural Affairs Division, BizLaunch and other AED teams, as well as other County departments, on place-based brand development that promotes visitation, while also reinforcing business recruitment and retention.

Responsibilities

• Managing all aspects of fulfillment for tourism, print collateral, promotional items, welcome materials, etc., including ongoing communication and coordination with the fulfillment vendor and ACVS Sales and Marketing teams. Using Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to input client information and report/analyze performance metrics;
• Gathering requirements and conducting research to assist Sales team and clients with group dining and event arrangements;
• Coordinating with Sales team to connect clients with local meeting service providers, including special-event venues, receptive operators, transportation companies, entertainment/talent agencies, caterers, audio/visual companies, speakers bureaus and more;
• Collaborating with Sales and Marketing teams and clients to guide the creation of customized event landing pages on StayArlington.com, including information for attendees on hotels, neighborhoods, event agendas, and links and more;
• Assisting Sales team with arranging and leading escorted Arlington site inspections and FAM tours for clients and stakeholders to learn about local venues, attractions and other offerings;
• Serving as ACVS team’s lead ambassador to local hospitality businesses for relationship building and maintenance, education, information sharing, promotional opportunities, etc. Responsible for ensuring ongoing communication between businesses and the ACVS team;
• Coordinating Self-Serve Information Displays and On-Site Convention Services with Sales team, meeting clients and hotels; and
• Collaborating with Sales and Marketing teams to assist clients in promoting Arlington to event attendees through photos, videos, promotional copy, logos, etc.
  
  

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and proactive team player with a solid working knowledge of the hospitality industry in Arlington and the U.S. capital region. Excellent communication, organization, prioritization and time-management skills are essential, along with extensive MS Office experience and the ability to multi-task and be flexible when priorities change.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in tourism/hospitality marketing, public administration, or public relations, or related field; and
• Some experience providing sales, marketing, customer service, or communications at a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), tourism-related organization (i.e. hotel, tourist attraction, event venue, restaurant group), or chamber of commerce or business improvement district.
  
  

Substitution: Additional directly related experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with experience with one or more of the following:

• Use of a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and/or Content Management System (CMS); and
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook).
  
  

Special Requirements

Please attach a Resume to this application.

A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Additional Information

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a hybrid office policy requiring employees to be in office at least three days a week. The employee must be able to travel and attend local, state, and national events even if outside normal working hours.

The official title for this position is AED Specialist II.

As an Employer of Choice, Arlington County offers a generous benefits package. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits, click here .

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.