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Director of Research

Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT)

Position Description

Job Title: / Director of Research / Division: / Research
Date: / January 2016 / Reports to: / Director

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The purpose of this position is to oversee the development and implementation of research programs in support of the agency’s program of work; 5-year strategic plan; and long-range strategic collaboration with the Arizona tourism industry. Responsibilities include: management of AOT's role as a central clearinghouse for tourism related data; conducting primary and secondary marketing research analysis related to key strategic marketing initiatives and tourism related indicators; compiling agency data and internal performance measurement reports; and all other data requested as needed. This position is responsible for management of the division budget and program performance of staff for the Research Division as assigned. Director of Research has the responsibility to collaborate effectively and regularly with all agency staff to achieve agency goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·  Oversee all responsibilities related to management of AOT’s role as a central clearinghouse for tourism-related data

·  Oversee activities in acquisition, analysis and communication of:

o  Domestic and international tourism statistics and trends to tourism industry partners

o  Information related to key tourism indicators, such as tax revenues, lodging, parks visitation, and airport passenger traffic throughout the state

o  Responses to outside inquires for tourism-related statistics and information

·  Develop new primary and secondary research projects as needed:

o  Conduct strategic analysis of available research to determine direction of future research efforts and assess impact of AOT efforts.

o  Develop research project scopes of work as appropriate and work with agency procurement office to secure services as appropriate.

o  Select vendors and contractors and oversee work to ensure compliance with contracts.

o  Analyze workflow of staff and vendors to develop, implement, and monitor revisions or improvements to ensure efficiency.

o  Provide support and research assistance to other agency staff as needed.

o  Produce or oversee the production of educational materials, presentations, research summaries, and other requested research tools.

·  Administer annual budget allocated for Research Division.

·  Supervise Research Division staff, including regular staff meetings. Delegate duties, set standards and hold staff accountable for meeting performance criteria. Appraise work, issue commendations. Participate in recruitment, hiring, employee/management conflicts, disciplinary actions, grievances and employee terminations as requested.

·  Oversee Research Manager’s duties to manage various contracts for domestic and international visitation and spending information. These may include, but not limited to

Dean Runyan Associates, Longwoods International, U.S. Department of Commerce In-Flight Survey, Statistics Canada, and Smith Travel Research.

·  Serve as liaison between Research and all other Agency divisions for internal reporting of research results and industry trends, as well as recommended strategies to utilize research results and trends, and assisting divisions in developing research to provide needed information.

·  Provide guidance to all Agency personnel on external messaging that appropriately represents research results to the public and constituents.

·  Give speeches/presentations on research results pertaining to AOT and the tourism industry to constituents and tourism industry partners as well as at conferences, business community service organizations, colleges, and high school classes.

·  Manage the collection and tracking of internal performance measures against agreed upon standards.

·  Develop ongoing reporting of achievements and measurements as established by Executive.

·  Attend regularly scheduled Directors’ Meetings and full-agency staff meetings.

The duties listed above are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Function

·  A minimum of 3 years previous research experience and/or a four year college degree in tourism and recreation management, business, marketing, or related subjects. Increasingly responsible experience in destination marketing, hospitality or travel industry a plus.

·  Monitor and provide data analysis for Arizona travel economic sectors through industry-related data tools, including but not limited to, visitation volume, economic impact data, air travel research, lodging performance, and gross sales tax.

·  Extensive knowledge and demonstrated skill in management, program planning, directing, controlling and decision-making.

·  Skill in relationship building and networking with a diverse population of organizations, associations, and interest groups.

·  Highly developed oral and written communication skills that include the demonstrated ability to instruct, explain, persuade, negotiate, and facilitate, including skill in writing and analyzing data received through a variety of resources, drawing conclusions, and making appropriate recommendations. Must have excellent public speaking skills.

·  Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and employee relations, including delegation and monitoring of work, motivating employees, and holding them accountable for meeting standards.

·  Excellent time management skills including the demonstrated ability to meet timelines and prioritize multiple projects.

·  Analytical skills and ability to conduct research utilizing both written sources and oral interviews.

·  Self-direction and the ability to exercise independent judgment and meet performance standards with only limited supervision, with a record of achieving positive results.

·  Team orientation and the demonstrated ability to work effectively with peers, subordinates, and supervisors.

·  Ability and willingness to work hours beyond the standard daily or weekly schedule when necessary.

·  Perform these and other duties as required with energy, enthusiasm, teamwork, integrity and innovation.

Submit cover letters and résumés to:

Linda M.Yuhas, CPPB

Assistant Deputy Director