What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tourism Manager position at City of Jacksonville NC?
About Us: Jacksonville is the commercial hub of Onslow County and home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. The City has grown rapidly since 1941, when Camp Lejeune was established and possesses a rich history dating back to 1731.
More than 72,000 people call Jacksonville home, making it the 14th largest metropolitan area in the state. Jacksonville consistently ranks among the youngest cities in the United States, with an average age around 23, which is attributed to the large military presence. This once quiet farming community has grown into the business, retail, medical, banking, and cultural center of Onslow County.
To learn more about our organization's work culture, click HERE!General Description
The Tourism Manager position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to promote Jacksonville as a premier travel destination. It requires a dynamic leader with strong operational expertise, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a passion for enhancing the local tourism industry. The Manager will work collaboratively with hospitality partners, local businesses, and community stakeholders to raise awareness of Jacksonville’s unique attractions and experiences. Performs difficult professional and administrative work in support of the Jacksonville Tourism Development Authority; does related work as required. Work is performed under the supervision of the Assistant City Manager.
The salary posted is the full salary range for this position. The starting salary is expected to be in the range of $50,027.34 - $65,035.55 depending on qualifications.
Coordinates and promotes the City as a travel destination, plans and implements special events that draw travelers to Jacksonville, and works with community stakeholders to increase public, private, and non-profit collaboration related to tourism. (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Strategic Planning and Development:
- Collaborate with local stakeholders to shape the long-term vision for tourism growth and development in alignment with the City’s mission.
- Conduct market research to identify key tourism trends and perform competitive analysis to inform strategic planning.
- Work with organizations and boards to develop and implement a comprehensive tourism strategy that enhances Jacksonville’s appeal as a travel destination.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for tourism development within the local area.
Marketing and Promotion:
- Serve as the main point of contact for VisitJacksonvilleNC, ensuring effective representation and communication.
- Manage and maintain content on the VisitJacksonvilleNC website, ensuring it is engaging, accurate, and up to date.
- Create and manage social media content (Facebook & Instagram) to increase followers, enhance engagement, and track performance statistics.
- Collaborate on the development and distribution of the Visitors Guide and other promotional materials.
- Work with marketing and public relations teams on media placements, messaging, and collateral materials.
- Identify and engage travel influencers whose interests align with Jacksonville’s unique assets and offerings, coordinate and host their visits to showcase the destination.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with military reunion planners through the Military Reunion Network, attending its annual summit to promote Jacksonville as a premier destination. Provide support to planners throughout their decision-making process and visits.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Develop and maintain working relationships with local hospitality managers, attractions, and other partners to enhance the visitor experience.
- Build strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations to foster collaboration and support for tourism initiatives.
- Work with event coordinators to enhance events that drive visitor interest and increase overnight stays, to include identifying new event opportunities.
Administrative and Operational Duties:
- Oversee and effectively manage the tourism budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic goals.
- Create and maintain a comprehensive catalog of Jacksonville’s tourism assets and ensure a working knowledge of their features.
- Manage the Visit Jacksonville NC database and distribute e-newsletters to engage with potential visitors.
- Represent Jacksonville at industry events, including the VisitNC annual conference, to network and build partnerships.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in hospitality and tourism, communications, marketing, or related field and two years of professional experience, preferably working with a North Carolina Tourism Development Authority.
Thorough knowledge of methods, approaches, and procedures involved in tourism industry promotion; thorough knowledge of advertising and tourism marketing techniques, practices, and methods; ability to create promotional materials; ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, associates, visitors, and the public.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Jacksonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, religion, or disabilities unrelated to the essential function of the position.
Salary : $50,027 - $80,044
