Vice President of Community Engagement

Travel Lane County • Eugene, OR

79d • $82,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We're seeking a Vice President of Community Engagement to serve as a community leader and partner for the tourism industry throughout Lane County. In this role you’ll drive strategies that strengthen our local economy and enhance quality of life through sustainable tourism. Experience in and working with public, private, nonprofit and membership organizations provides an excellent skillset for this job. This role combines passion for community, skill in advocacy, communication and collaboration with the ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships.

You’ll be out in the community connecting with partners at events and meetings throughout Lane County regularly. You'll work from our downtown Eugene office alongside a team that genuinely enjoys collaborating and believes in our mission. The role offers potential for hybrid work after your first few months. We value being where our partners are, which sometimes includes morning, evening and weekend events. This keeps you connected to the real-world impact of what we do.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in developing and implementing strategic public affairs, communications and community development including advocacy, community organizing or other strategies that build connection and collaboration with diverse interests, preferably across multiple geographic communities. Experience in Lane County or similar destination, destination organization, membership organization or association, hospitality (lodging, guide or outfitter, food & beverage etc.), economic or related fields is a plus.
• 5+ years supervisory experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think critically, analyze complex issues, and provide innovative solutions.
• Passion for serving the community.
• Professional and enthusiastic attitude.
• Ability to successfully collaborate with a diverse range of people.
• Public speaking experience.
• Media relations experience, including media releases, interviews, and results tracking.
• Proficient computer skills including CRM systems (Simpleview preferred), Microsoft Office 365 newsletter software etc.
• Data analysis and reporting.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license, clean driving record and ability to drive a company van.
• Ability to set up and take down information table with brochures and other materials including tables, tents, etc
• Able to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Lane County or similar destination, destination organization, membership organization or association, hospitality (lodging, guide or outfitter, food & beverage etc.), economic or related fields is a plus.
• Simpleview preferred

Responsibilities

• Organizational Leadership (20%)
• Actively engage as a member of the senior management team in collaboration with the CEO.
• Serve as a staff role model in implementing Travel Lane County’s adopted organizational values.
• Develop strategies, evaluate program performance, identify improvements and advise on needed changes.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of strategic thinkers and innovators.
• Cultivate a culture of service, creativity, collaboration and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Provide mentorship to staff on integrating and leveraging programs and projects.
• Work to maintain a collaborative, efficient and rewarding workplace that values the entire team.
• Assist in the implementation of destination organization best practices as a Destination Management Accreditation Program (DMAP) certified organization.
• Ensure community messaging, community connectivity, and strategic communications are integrated into all initiatives.
• Community & Government Relations (40%)
• Foster strong relationships with community stakeholders, including local businesses, government agencies and residents.
• Advocate for the benefits of tourism and support for community-based tourism
• Collaborate with community organizations to advance projects that support a vibrant year-round and county wide economy.
• Monitor industry issues, develop and implement strategies to advocate for a policy environment that supports the local industry and community.
• Facilitate the board issues committee.
• Prepare an annual government and community communications strategy for inclusion in the annual marketing plan.
• Prepare appropriate supplemental communications to government and community leaders.
• Maintain information on new infrastructure development for use in communications efforts.
• Attend public hearings, relevant open house and forum events, and represent Travel Lane County on issues as appropriate in collaboration with CEO.
• Schedule and coordinate presentations to local service groups, chambers, city councils, commissions and committees.
• Maintain presentation materials such as PowerPoint presentations, charts, handouts, etc.
• Analyze available industry data (Transient Lodging Tax (TLT), sentiment, etc.) to inform organizational strategy.
• Monitor TLT use across the county to ensure transparency and legal use of funds.
• Educate elected leaders on the benefits of the visitor economy and the strategic investment of TLT funds.
• Local Media Relations (10%)
• Lead local media and communications strategy that supports Travel Lane County’s mission and elevates Travel Lane County’s role and reputation as a trusted leader and partner.
• Establish strong relationships and communications with print, broadcast and digital media throughout Lane County.
• Generate regular local media communications on Travel Lane County programs and visitor industry updates and issues.
• Conduct interviews and coordinate interviews for senior staff as content appropriate.
• Secure and track coverage on a regular basis in local print, digital and broadcast media.
• Monitor news in Lane County for issues that affect the tourism industry.
• Share visitor industry related items of interest from area media to Travel Lane County staff.
• Member, Partner and Development Program Oversight (15%)
• Prepare annual membership/partnership sales and services strategy for annual marketing plan.
• Prepare annual destination development and community engagement strategy for annual marketing plan.
• Support staff implementing membership, destination development and community engagement plans providing leadership, guidance and strategic evaluation.
• Maintain/update media and member sections of website, posting releases, reports, and updating content.
• Facilitate relationships between local media and member businesses.
• External Reports (5%)
• Generate monthly departmental report quantifying results.
• Generate external reports (from internal reports) for media and use by CEO.
• Community Campaigns (10%)
• Develop communications strategy, internally and externally, to effectively articulate the long-term benefits of tourism to residents and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Integrated Marketing team on in-market campaigns to connect residents with the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region, Travel Lane County, and the Visitor Center as a trip planning resource and parking permit retail location.
• Participate in special projects and support as appropriate.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• Employer SEP/IRA contributions after two years
• A culture built on collaboration and innovation. We champion each other's growth, step up to help when needed and stay focused on work that benefits our broader community.
• Work that matters. Your efforts directly support local businesses, community groups, government, and residents. You'll strengthen communities across Lane County while contributing to a visitor economy that benefits the people who live here.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed