What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Visit Natchez?
The Natchez Convention Promotion Commission (NCPC)/Visit Natchez is seeking applications for the position of Executive Director. Interested candidates should submit cover letter, resume, and references to the NCPC via email to visitnatchezjobs@gmail.com, or via mail to Visit Natchez, Attention: Helen Moss Smith, 500 Main Street, Suite 1, Natchez, MS 39120.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: until filled
VISION: The new executive director of the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission (NCPC), dba Visit Natchez, will be presented with the rare opportunity to build upon the city’s tourism heritage and the energetic legacy of its storied history to propel the tourism industry in the 21st century. This position offers the world-acclaimed cultural and natural beauty of an architectural gem on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, combined with a diversifying tourism product and growing international tourism market.
MISSION: NCPC and Visit Natchez, as the city’s official destination marketing organization, is to increase the economic impact of tourism in Natchez by developing and promoting the city to individual and group visitors.
•Build the Visit Natchez and Miss-Lou regional image
•Maximize overnight hotel stays
•Strengthen stakeholder relationships
•Influence the growth and expansion of Natchez’s travel and meeting products
•Create high-impact marketing campaigns
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: Under the governance of the NCPC board, an incumbent of this position is responsible for leading and directing Visit Natchez and tourism marketing efforts for Natchez and Adams County, Mississippi with fresh, innovative and bold methods that will generate significant visitation to the area and increased overnight stays and for serving as the public face of tourism for Natchez. The director is responsible for NCPC/Visit Natchez day-to-day business operations and development and implementation of marketing strategies, policies and procedures, and promoting Natchez and Adams County and its facilities as a destination for leisure travel, group tours, conventions, conferences, meetings, and special events. The director supervises and provides support to all staff members. Does related work as required.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The scope of responsibility is to direct the NCPC and Visit Natchez as a vital and contributing leader of the team responsible for marketing and promoting all aspects of Natchez as a premier tourism destination.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Duties include, but are not limited to:
•In consultation with the NCPC board, Tourism Marketing Advisory Committee (TMAC), local and state partners, develop strategies and measurable objectives to increase tourism and other visitation in Natchez. Develop a consistent and consensus-built strategic plan for 2024 and beyond. Monitors industry trends.
•Plan and implement the activities of Visit Natchez/NCPC in the areas of marketing and sales, advertising, social media, promotional efforts and materials. Ensures that current programs are consistent with the mission and identifies new programs and methods to accomplish the mission of the NCPC. Drive new marketing strategies that impact sales and attendance with emphasis on electronic media and strategic public relations.
•Responsible for budgetary planning and management of expenditures of the NCPC. Present annual financial plan/budget, including marketing plan, to the NCPC board and the city of Natchez. Works closely with Treasurer and CPA firm to manage monthly financials and ensure fiscally sound operation.
•Supervise permanent and temporary employees and contract workers involved in the operations of the NCPC. Manage and grow staff competency and impact. Develop consistent and precise accountability standards in accord with the human resources policy. Build and maintain a unified and inspired office culture.
•Cultivate and sustain new positive relationships with public officials at all levels, city and county employees, current stakeholders, board and community. Maintain relationships with local hotels, restaurants, and attractions to ensure the NCPC is responsive to the needs of visitor-focused businesses.
•Balance the needs, wants, and aspirations of diverse constituencies to allow the NCPC to lead tourism industry to position of respected leadership.
•Represents Natchez/Adams County and Visit Natchez within the tourism industry by actively engaging in associations and attending appropriate trade shows and functions.
•Works closely with officers and insurance vendors for policy renewals.
•Researches and identifies market opportunities and develops short and long-term strategies with objective of attracting overnight business with staff.
•Monitors the progress of the sales/marketing efforts with all staff.
•Works with staff to develop advertising, including cooperative ads, and packages with tourism partners.
•Works with staff and local hospitality partners to encourage and promote new events/festivals and improve current ones.
•Manage day-to-day operations at the Visitor Center at the Depot which include leading hospitality staff and spearheading visitor experiences.
•Lead the Natchez Film Office by supporting film projects in the city including but not limited to providing production resources, serving as a liaison for production needs, assisting with permits, scouting, etc.
•Prepares monthly reports to the NCPC board.
•Is knowledgeable about Natchez, our area, state and region.
•Performs other duties as required.