Destination Engagement Manager

Destination Engagement Manager, Oneida County Tourism

Reports to: Director of Operations

Location: Utica, NY (Hybrid work flexibility available after onboarding)

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Compensation: $24.00-$26.45/hr

Position Summary

The Destination Engagement Manager plays a key role in connecting Oneida County Tourism (OCT) with our local partners, businesses, organizations, and residents. This position strengthens relationships across the tourism ecosystem, increases the organization’s visibility throughout the county, and helps partners and residents understand their role in shaping a place that people want to visit and live.

The ideal candidate is a confident, outgoing relationship-builder who enjoys connecting people and ideas, attending community events, supporting local partners, and sharing stories that celebrate Oneida County. This role also oversees partner data management within OCT’s CRM system and collaborates internally on outreach and engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for a diverse group of stakeholders, including lodging partners, restaurants, cultural institutions, and community organizations.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with local businesses, attractions, and community groups to foster collaboration and trust.
• Represent OCT at community events, festivals, chamber meetings and public forums.
• Proactively communicate with partners to share tourism updates, gather news, and identify collaboration opportunities.
• Strengthen OCT’s community presence through cross-promotions, co-branded initiatives and collaborative storytelling.
• Collaborate with OCT’s communications and marketing team and agencies to identify local stories, partner highlights, and upcoming events for newsletters, social media, and website content.
• Lead or assist in creating OCT’s monthly B2B partner newsletter, ensuring relevant updates, partner highlight and organizational news.
• Support the distribution of materials that illustrate tourism’s economic and community impact, helping residents and partners understand their role in the visitor economy.
• Collect and share information about local events, new businesses and attractions for inclusion in promotional materials and outreach.
• Develop and disseminate educational resources for partners, visitors, and residents that promote tourism’s value to Oneida County.
• Maintain and update partner information in OCT’s CRM system, ensuring accurate business listings, categories and contact details.
• Assist partners in keeping their CRM listings up to date with current information, photos and web links.
• Assist with website content updates and enhancements and collaborate with our external web agency to support larger updates and ongoing optimization.
• Coordinate community-facing initiatives such as “Explore Your Own Backyard,” ambassador programs, training sessions and events that encourage local pride.
• Occasionally participate in or assist with on-camera interviews, short videos, and partner features that highlight community stories and tourism initiatives.
• Bring creative ideas to table for new ways to showcase local partners and community stakeholders through collaborations and campaigns.
• Attend local events such as Business After Hours, panel discussions, and other events as needed outside normal working hours.
• Be a brand steward, ensure continuity in our marketing message and voice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a genuine enthusiasm for connecting with people.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A passion for Oneida County, and/or a willingness to learn about the area’s assets.
• Ability to confidently work independently and collaboratively in a small, fast-paced team environment.
• Familiarity with Oneida County’s communities and attractions preferred.
• Experience with CRM systems or database management a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Additional Information

• Occasional evening and weekend work required for events and meetings.
• Some regional travel within Oneida County and Central New York.
• Occasional national travel for educational industry events.
• Hybrid schedule available after onboarding.
• Job descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a role. As a small team, OCT employees often support one another across functions. These descriptions reflect the principal job elements essential to performance and evaluation.

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package including fully paid health, dental and eye insurances, retirement contributions, paid time off, cell phone, and professional development opportunities. A full benefits packet will be provided during the interview process.

Application Process: Submit resume, cover letter, and three professional references with the subject line ‘Destination Engagement Manager’ to: .

About Oneida County Tourism:

Oneida County Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for Oneida County, located in the heart of New York State. Our mission is to inspire travel, enhance the visitor experience, and promote the unique attractions, events, and culture of Oneida County. From the Adirondacks to the Mohawk Valley, we strive to showcase the best our region has to offer, creating unforgettable experiences for travelers from near and far.

Physical Demands

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Work involves using computers, phones, and other office equipment.
• Most tasks are performed indoors in a professional office environment.
• Requires grasping, typing, writing, standing, sitting, walking, bending, listening, and visual acuity.
• Must occasionally stand, walk, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, or reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and attend occasional off-site events.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• The noise level is generally moderate.
• Occasional travel or outdoor events may involve variable weather conditions.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Typical hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, with flexibility for evening and weekend events. Remote work options are available after the onboarding period.

Oneida County Tourism is an equal opportunity employer.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.

Why Join Us

At Oneida County Tourism, you’ll join a small, collaborative team passionate about sharing the stories of our region. We offer a hybrid work schedule, comprehensive benefits (health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development opportunities), and the chance to make a real impact in your community.

If you’re enthusiastic about connecting people, promoting local pride, and helping shape how visitors experience Oneida County - we’d love to hear from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $26.45 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Utica, NY 13501