Tourist Program Coordinator

Alachua County • Gainesville, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

This is responsible administrative work coordinating a program in tourist development to ensure that implementation and prescribed activities are carried out in accordance with specified county objectives. An employee assigned to this classification coordinates tourist development program activities to bring new dollars to the county by generating leads for group travel, conferences, events and individual travel in the county while ensuring efficiency and compliance with state, county and Tourist Development Council (TDC) standards. Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in tourism, public relations, business administration, hotel/restaurant management, marketing, journalism, or a related program and one year of experience in a tourist development setting such as a visitors and convention bureau or a destination management organization; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
• A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.
• If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
• Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.
• Thorough knowledge of current practices and principles of the tourist development program.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations related to the program.
• Considerable knowledge of marketing, advertising and communication techniques and methods.
• Ability to develop and implement operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with the public, contractors local business owners and Constitutional Officers.
• Ability to attain proficiency in the operation of computer hardware, software and related programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to prepare and organize written reports.
• Ability to generate necessary paperwork in accordance with state and local ordinances.
• Ability to plan and organize work and manage time.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.

Responsibilities

• Confers with staff to explain tourist development program and individual responsibilities for functions and phases of that program.
• Prepares program reports for higher level supervisors.
• Reviews reports and records of program activity to ensure progress is being accomplished toward specified program objective.
• Develops policies and procedures for the program's operation in conjunction with tourist development director.
• Coordinates all activities dealing with federal, state and local agencies.
• Ensures efficient and effective daily operations of the program.
• Develops and/or assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of related computer programs.
• Develops, manages, and maintains current information for the tourist development program local web page site known as Visitgainesville.com and social media channels.
• Maintains local digital photo library for use in advertising and press opportunities.
• Works with TV and motion picture site scouts utilizing an inventory of a vast variety of area sites.
• Assists in developing and updating social media strategy.
• Generates reports specifically from website analytics to determine success of advertising efforts.
• Leverages social media to extend and support marketing and communication initiatives.
• Implements direct mail and telemarketing to tour operators, travel writers, travel agents and other sellers / promoters of travel.
• Conducts sales blitzes with sales and marketing people from area hotel / attractions for travel agents and other sellers of travel in potential feeder cities.
• Participates in travel / trade shows meeting with travel packagers.
• Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level