Executive Director

Executive Director Job Description

Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association and reports directly to the Board of Directors. This position is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operations of the Association while ensuring achievement of the organization’s mission, strategic goals, and financial objectives.

General Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of the Association, including financial management, staffing, visitor relations, advertising, promotions, membership recruitment and engagement.
Maintain consistent communication with board members, members, regional partners, vendors, and tourism organizations.
Represent the Association at local, regional, and statewide meetings, boards, committees, and tourism events at the direction of the Board of Directors.
Monitor state legislation and advocate on behalf of the Association’s interests when appropriate.
Supervise and support staff and volunteers, including project oversight, communication, performance evaluations, and professional development.
Manage the Redlin Center lease and office operations, including the Visitor Information Area, seasonal staffing, and facility coordination in partnership with the Redlin Art Center Executive Director.
Foster strong working relationships with the South Dakota Department of Tourism, regional tourism partners, chambers, CVBs, and Association members.

Responsibilities with Board of Directors

Coordinate board and annual meeting schedules and locations, agendas, reports, and meeting materials.
Assist the Board in developing and implementing short- and long-term strategic goals and organizational priorities.
Prepare and present monthly Executive Director reports covering operations, membership, marketing efforts, and Association updates.
Support board recruitment and orientation processes in accordance with Association bylaws.
Coordinate the Association’s Annual Meeting, including SWOT analysis and related reporting as directed by the Board.

Financial Responsibilities

· Oversee the financial position of the Association, ensuring fiscal integrity, long-term financial health, and legal compliance.

· Develop and oversee an annual budget with the Board of Directors that translates the Association’s mission and vision into a realistic financial plan and identify opportunities for revenue growth.

· Work with the accounting firm of record to ensure accuracy and timeliness of regular financial and bookkeeping tasks.

· Coordinate regular financial review meetings with the Association’s treasurer and accountant.

· Ensure weekly, monthly, and annual financial reports are distributed to the board of directors.

Marketing & Promotion Responsibilities

· Develop and implement, in conjunction with the marketing committee, a comprehensive and innovative marketing plan that aligns with the Association’s strategic efforts and, wherever possible, those of the SD Department of Tourism, including but not limited to production and management of marketing assets, and coordination and placement of print, digital, social media, out-of-home, email, trade shows, and website marketing.

· Coordinate with the SD Department of Tourism to create an annual marketing agreement and comply with all placement and reporting requirements.

· Analyze and evaluate marketing efforts to determine effectiveness and regularly share reporting with the Marketing Committee, Board of Directors, SD Department of Tourism, and other organizations when necessary.

· Oversee and coordinate all public relations and serve as the spokesperson of the Association, including work with journalists, media, and the SD Department of Tourism.

· Manage and expand the Association’s digital presence, including but not limited to current and future social media channels and related promotions, the website sdglaciallakes.com, and its maintenance and upgrades, search visibility, email marketing and communication, and, where relevant and effective, content creation.

Produce, publish, and distribute the SD Glacial Lakes Regional Travel Guide and all other print collateral of the Association, as well as coordinate with SD Department of Tourism to produce the Glacial Lakes & Prairies section of the SD Travel Guide.
Organize travel and sport show participation, including scheduling, logistics, partnerships, contracts, and booth coordination with approval from the Executive Committee.

Membership Responsibilities

Lead membership recruitment and retention efforts.
Maintain strong communication with members through visits, calls, newsletters, and tourism updates.
Manage membership records, databases, materials, contracts, invoicing, and collection of outstanding accounts.
Coordinate distribution of visitor guides and promotional materials to members and tourism partners.
Develop and distribute member newsletters and ongoing Association communications.

Miscellaneous

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Travel is a significant component of this position, including day and overnight travel throughout the region and state. Annual travel averages approximately 15,000 miles with 8–10 weeks of overnight travel per year. Association vehicle and travel expenses are provided. The Executive Director is responsible for routine vehicle maintenance and care.

Qualifications

Proficiency in Microsoft Office products is required.
Post-secondary education preferred.
Experience in account management, direct sales, marketing, or sales presentations preferred.
Background in hospitality, tourism, customer service, or related industries is beneficial.
Strong communication, public speaking, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to think strategically, manage multiple priorities, and promote regional collaboration.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining focus on organizational goals.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, and use hands to operate office equipment and technology. The position requires regular travel to local and distant locations. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits: