Executive Director – Big Bear Visitors Bureau
Position Description
Reports to Visitors Bureau / Tourism Business Improvement District Board of Directors
Job Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
Summary of Position
Under the policy direction of the Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, the Executive Director manages operations and activities for the Visitors Bureau including strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, events promotion and supervision of staff, consultants and agencies. All programs of the Visitors Bureau are designed to position Big Bear as a premier, year-round resort and vacation destination by attracting visitors to the area, increasing lodging occupancy rates and tourism spending, and maximizing the number of off-season (shoulder seasons) and return visitor trips. This position requires a commitment to working with the Board of Directors to establish and achieve short and long-term goals. The Executive Director provides the leadership for ethical and effective operations and assures activities of the Visitors Bureau follow established policies and function within the bylaws of the Visitors Bureau.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Operate the Visitors Bureau within all legal requirements of City, County, State and Federal governments and stay current on legislation as it pertains to the visitors industry
• Propose the draft Visitors Bureau operations, marketing and events Budgetto the Board of Directors and then manage the Visitors Bureau according to the Board approved Budget
•Oversee, lead and direct marketing and events programs for the Visitors Bureau
(Advertising, Web site and social media management, collateral development, e-commerce, public relations, partnerships and research)
• Build the Big Bear brand and increase awareness
•Manage Visitors Bureau Member, Ski Resort, stakeholder, partner and agency relations
• Manage public and community relations
•Produce and present an annual report and audit to secure annual TBID funding from the City of Big Bear Lake
• Create, update and maintain content for Web site
• Develop and oversee systems for tracking and reporting on marketing activities
• Coordinate travel trade show programs
• Attend key events as directed by Board of Directors
• Conduct research for economic impact of tourism effortsand Visitors Bureau program effectiveness
• Representthe Visitors Bureau at industry functions
• Ensure DMO’s maximum performance in line with market conditions through benchmark against
agreed upon and regularly reviewed competitive set
• Continuously review comparable destinations for best practices and ideas to evolve programs and
structure of the Visitors Bureau
• Responsible for recruiting, hiring, and supervising staff as approved by Board of Directors
• Motivation of staff, handling of HR/personnel issues, maintain a pleasant work environment
• Other duties as may be assigned
Executive Director – Big Bear Visitors Bureau
Position Description
Page Two
Education/Experience
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with amajor in marketing, business administration or a related field. Masters a plus. Minimum tenyears’management experienceintourism, marketing, and/or public relations management. TBID, TMD and Events experience preferred.
Qualifications
Ability to be sensitive to Board, lodging and visitor industry concerns
Knowledge of the tourism industry
Knowledge of tourism marketing
Knowledge of events promotion
Understanding of policies and procedures, organization and functions of a tourism DMO
Ability to conceptualize and produce a destination marketing strategy
Understanding of destination brand development and execution
Ability to create and manage an operational budget including daily bookkeeping administration
Ability to develop and oversee a marketing plan and budget
Basic knowledge of non-profit management
Critical thinking skills/positive attitude/consensus builder
Aptitude to be politically savvy in working with Board Members and government officials
Knowledge of Brown Act requirements
Ability to develop and interpret destination research programs
Experience in partnership development
Ability to lead in a collaborative environment
Familiarity with Southern California tourism market and Ski Resort Tourism a plus
Valid California driver’s license, clean DMV record
Professional appearance/Strong work ethic
Communications Ability
Able to read, analyze, and interpret financial, legal, marketing and research documents and reports
Ability to professionally respond to inquiries or complaints from members, visitors, customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Strong written, verbal and presentation communication skills. Ability to effectively present information to public groups,boards of directors and City Council.
Computer Skills
MS Office, spreadsheets, e-mail, database software, contact management, Website software, technology applications, knowledge of internet marketing and social media
Supervisory Responsibility
Oversee staff members, work of outside agencies, vendors, consultants and contractors.
Compensation
Full time, salaried position. A competitive salary is commensurate with experience. Benefit package includes paid vacation, holidays, sick leave and health insurance.
Executive Director – Big Bear Visitors Bureau
Position Description
Page Three
The Big Bear Visitors Bureau is a 20 year old Destination Marketing Organization with a recently approved Tourism Business Improvement District seeking a forward-thinking Executive Director and experienced professional to (1) manage the operations of the DMO through best practices (2) create, implement and measure the success of strategic marketing plans and brand building efforts to drive the destination’s performance (3) promote and support special events to bring overnight visitors to Big Bear, and (4) generate increasing economic impact for the lodging, ski resort and tourism businesses of Big Bear. As the official destination marketing organization for Big Bear, the Visitors Bureau will position Big Bear locally, nationally and internationally as a premier resort and leisure destination. The Visitors Bureau staffs and operates Big Bear’s Visitors Information Center, open 365 days a year. The Visitors Bureau is a private, not-for-profit, 501(c)6 organization, with a seven-member Board of Directors and 8 additional staff. The Visitors Bureau has engaged the services of agencies for digital and traditional marketing, public relations and website development.
To apply for this position
E-mail your Resume, including salary, professional experience, educationand work history, to: . No phone calls.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Position requires the ability to occasionally perform lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (i.e. trade show display, fulfillment pieces); sitting for prolonged periods of time; occasional walking, standing and/or bending. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; may require occasional pushing and pulling; and occasional use of hand and foot controls for driving. The position requires the ability to have adequate vision for reading a computer screen, correspondence, reports, contracts, other materials and documents, performing in staff and public meetings. Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone, in person and at public meetings. Travel is required aboard automobiles and aircraft. Ability to work and perform the job requirements in the winter environment of Big Bear. Successful candidate must reside within the Big Bear Valley. The qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.
Work Environment
Primarily office environment with controlled temperature conditions where exposure to hazardous physical substances or environmental factors is minimal and poses little risk of injury. May require work from home office. Occasional driving to meetings and events is required, and position may require work outside of regular business hours.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Big Bear Visitors Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will assure equal employment opportunity and fair employment practices to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, medical condition or disability as defined by law. Qualified applicants with a disability will receive reasonable accommodation during any phase of the recruitment and selection process providing such request is made to at least seven working days in advance.