Executive Director - Plover Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Plover Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible for executing the marketing plan of the Plover Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (PACVB). This position will facilitate an active relationship with hotels/restaurants, businesses, government entities & area attractions in the Plover Area. This position is instrumental in the everyday operations of the PACVB.

The PACVB was officially formed on January 1, 2023. We are looking for a special individual ready to hit the ground running and passionate about promoting learning, branding, networking and relationship building while leading the way to great things for our tourism industry. The position centers around marketing the Plover Area to stimulate economic development and promote tourism and reports directly to the PACVB Board of Directors.

Tasks to be performed include, but are not limited to:

· Work with the PACVB Board of Directors to develop strategies, programs, and policies to promote tourism with the Plover Area.

· Develop and implement a tourism marketing plan for Plover Area / Portage County area, working closely with hotels/motels, campgrounds, restaurants & all area attractions.

· Recommend and maintain the annual PACVB budget.

· Oversee creative message development.

· Organize various media information and make affordable and effective media buys to promote tourism in The Plover area.

· Oversee design/printing of marketing publications.

· Plan new research-based advertising strategies for current and subsequent years that will increase leisure travel market share.

· Develop relationships with appropriate tourism-based publications and writers, tours operators and travel agents.

· Prepare and release press kit to media; build campaigns and stories for unique selling points

· Design, develop and conduct familiarization tours of the Plover Area for media, event planning, tour operators and travel agents.

· Implement cooperative advertising programs integrating the tourism-related segments that exist in Plover area (merchants, food/lodging, campgrounds, the Arts, recreation, state parks and canoe liveries).

· Promote attractions & community events to visitors.

· Contribute to and monitor the flow of new web content. Coordinate with the web maintenance provider to create a regular reports on the effectiveness of the website.

· Provide education program for hotel/motel, campgrounds/ cabin personnel on attractions/events in Plover area.

· Gather data and prepare annual tourism situational analysis for the PACVB Board of Directors.

· Provide current and updated information to the press across all media platforms.

· Represent the Plover area in joint planning sessions to establish regional tourism activities; serve local committees that enhance tourism and foster economic development.

· Attend meetings, seminars, conventions, and workshops to further knowledge, stay informed of the changes in the tourism industry, and exchange information.

· Prepare and deliver presentations to local and regional civic and governmental organizations on Tourism.

· Design, develop and implement in-service training programs for staff volunteers.

· Prepare monthly reports on ad negotiations and placements, basic inquiry data, and creative initiatives, as well as the activities of the Executive Director.

· Keep updated advertising history files and archives advertising materials.

· Collect necessary and pertinent travel research and reports findings.

· Manage social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc) and pertinent webpage content

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

A. Knowledge of the tourism industry

B. Knowledge of the Plover Area

C. Must be a self-starter with the ability to work with volunteers

D. Must be computer literate

E. Experience in marketing presentations

F. Able to design and compose publications

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Ideal candidates will have a background in marketing, public relations, or a closely related field, and 1 to 2 years experience in marketing or public relations work; or any combination of training and experience, which provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Understanding and experience of the policies and procedures, organization, and functions of a tourism department are essential. Existing knowledge of the geographic layout of the Plover area and Portage County, including tourist attractions, is desirable, as well as knowledge of the tourist attractions of the surrounding areas. Familiarization with the available resources of the Plover Area and the surrounding region is also considered a plus.

General knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, equipment, and modern accounting and bookkeeping methods, policies, procedures, and practices is necessary Working knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and the ability to supervise a small group of employees/volunteers is an essential attribute. The ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form is mandatory. The successful applicant must exercise independent judgment, discretion, and initiative while utilizing tact and courtesy in frequent contact with business and industry representatives, government officials, and the general public.

An emphasis will be placed on those who have worked in promoting tourism and/or marketing experience. Demonstrated skills in planning, organization and effective communication are essential. Previous experience with an advertising agency and/or with media negotiations is helpful. Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meeting job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 per year

Benefits:

This position is hired through the Village of Plover and is eligible to receive all benefits offered to full-time employees including, but not limited to:

• Wisconsin Retirement Fund
• Vacation/Sick Leave
• Health Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Schedule
• Professional Development Assistance

Work Location: In person and remote options. Expectation for regular office hours with flexible schedule to accommodate special events. As such, upon hire the position is required to reliably commute to Plover, WI or relocate prior to starting work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Marketing: 2 years (Preferred)
• Public relations: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person