Vice President of Convention and Visitors Bureau

GCC•Columbia, SC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (Experience Columbia SC) is seeking a Vice President of the CVB (VP of CVB) to lead and manage the daily operations of the organization and Visitors Center. The mission of Experience Columbia SC is to strengthen the region's economy by marketing and selling it as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events, and leisure travel. The organization collaborates with accommodations, restaurants, facilities, and attractions to provide materials and services that enhance the image of the Columbia area. The VP of CVB will be responsible for executing the organization's strategic plan, setting objectives, and ensuring the team meets or exceeds established goals. This role involves managing business functions, developing and implementing comprehensive plans, leading staff, investing in research and analytical tools, overseeing the annual budget and Destination Marketing Fee program, and serving as the key spokesperson for the CVB. Active community involvement, maintaining strong relationships with industry partners, and staying knowledgeable about the Columbia regional product are also key aspects of this position. The VP will also participate in trade organizations and serve as part of the organization's executive leadership team.

Requirements

6 or more years of progressively responsible experience in a hospitality/travel sales position, preferably with a convention and visitors bureau or convention hotel.
Bachelor’s degree required. 4 years of work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree (10+ years total experience without a Bachelor’s Degree)
Demonstrated written and oral sales presentation skills.
Ability to travel and availability to work evenings and weekends is required.
Residency Requirement: This position is required to live within the limits of our funding partners within six (6) months of hire (Lexington County or Richland County).

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of hospitality industry computer systems and related software applications strongly preferred.
Established contacts and demonstrated past success in developing regional meetings preferred.
Self-directed and self-motivated team player with a positive outlook.

Responsibilities

Manage the business functions of the organization to include group sales, convention services, partnership, visitor services and administrative functions.
Work closely with the President & CEO to develop and implement a comprehensive plan aimed at maximizing the organization’s effectiveness through the alignment and agreement on goals, including room nights and other industry benchmark measures.
Ensure the organization meets or exceeds all goals by ongoing monitoring of the plan, measurement of results, and making corrections as needed.
Provide leadership for CVB staff assuring these individuals are developed into a cohesive, responsive and results-driven team.
Provide vision, direction, coaching, counseling, and development opportunities.
Ensure the team is provided with appropriate resources to effectively carry out the functions of their department.
Ensure strategic investment in research and analytical tools to assist the organization with identifying trends, new and developing markets, measuring success and developing strategies that evaluate return on investment.
Work with the President & CEO to develop the annual operating budget and staffing requirements.
Ensure the organization monitors the annual budget and adjusts the allocation of resources as required.
Oversee the Destination Marketing Fee program including establishing new participants, budgeting, and monthly invoicing.
Ensure all organization financial activities are implemented and in compliance within established policies and procedures, bylaws, guidelines, laws and ethical standards.
Ensure enforcement of policies and corrective measures as required.
Maintain active involvement in the community to enhance the visibility and reputation of Experience Columbia SC.
Ensure an understanding in the community of the mission of the CVB and the programs services available.
Serve as spokesperson for the CVB.
In cooperation with the President & CEO, and the Communications Director, provide interviews and media appearances as required.
Be an active partner in supporting economic development in the region; regularly participate in and attend events, work groups, and task force meetings of regional partners
Participate in stakeholder Board and Committees as requested or appointed.
Participate in local/regional/national destination marketing meetings to keep abreast of industry changes.
Maintain a strong working relationship with all industry partners, including event facility managers, hotel general managers/director of sales, key restaurant managers, etc.
Maintain excellent and up-to-date level of knowledge of the Columbia regional product.
Be knowledgeable of Simpleview CRM computer system and use the technology effectively in order to produce timely reports at the request President/CEO.
Actively participate in designated trade organizations.
Participate as part of the organization’s executive leadership team.
Perform other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.