PeopleFirst HR Solutions is proud to partner with the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau in filling this position.
Interested professionals should submit a letter of interest, resume and salary history
to mhelgeson@peoplefirsthrsolutions.com,
or send them to PeopleFirst HR Solutions, 600 North 3rd Street, Suite 204, La Crosse, WI 54601
www.peoplefirsthrsolutions.com
Open until filled
All questions may be directed to PeopleFirst HR Solutions
Organization Overview
The La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a nonprofit corporation (501(c)(6)) responsible for the production of tourism and convention business for La Crosse County Wisconsin. The goal for the organization is to make La Crosse County a premier destination for regional, national, and international visitors. The CVB’s vision is to compete within the top five counties in the state in terms of direct visitor spending. To learn more about the CVB visit www.explorelacrosse.com.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall operational and fiscal responsibility for the CVB. The successful candidate will be charged with the development and implementation of mission advancing strategic objectives with guidance and direction from the Board of Directors. The CVB staff will report to the Executive Director. Limited travel will be required.
Education and Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in public relations, hospitality management, communications, journalism, marketing or related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in upper-level management in the tourism industry or a not-for-profit organization is required. A tourism industry or not-for-profit professional certification or designation is a plus. The successful candidate must possess a valid driver’s license.
Professional and Personal Traits
The ability to lead staff, coach, motivate, manage, and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and develop/manage a budget
Unquestionable ethics and integrity
Proven ability to organize, manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
A professional persona with strong interpersonal and team-player skills
A history and commitment to community involvement
Strategic thinking, problem solving and negotiation skills
A self-starter with the ability to perform duties when needed including evenings and weekends
Customer focus and good customer service skills
Effective and persuasive presentation skills
Marketing, advertising, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
Excellent written and oral communications skills
Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Duties and Responsibilities
Supervise all staff and volunteers; work with the Board of Directors in the strategic planning process and annual update of the strategic plan
Develop an annual implementation plan with the Board’s input and review
Provide vision and strategic insight to the Board of Directors for fulfilling the mission of the CVB utilizing input from multiple sources, including all staff members
Direct priorities for program activities in a manner consistent with the strategic plan and intent of the Board
Identify new opportunities to leverage resources in an effort to maximize the impact of marketing and promotions for La Crosse County domestically and internationally
Represent the interests of the tourism industry in state and local organizations, which can affect industry performance in La Crosse County
Serve on community Boards and or task forces, attend local and national meetings and conferences, and review literature to maintain current knowledge of the thinking, issues, and people influencing issues important to the mission of the CVB
Assess accomplishments and review failures, reporting on them to the Board for future actions
Administrative
Develop necessary organizational processes and structures
Set the operational policies for the CVB, and oversee their proper execution
Assemble and manage the CVB staff and volunteers; ensure the CVB attracts and retains the talent necessary to successfully carry out its programs and mission; hire and terminate staff members as necessary while keeping the CVB Board President promptly informed of any disciplinary actions required or any problems or unusual matters of significance
Convene and lead staff discussions regarding strategic, operational, and tactical issues on a regular basis
Set goals for each staff member each year in January
Manage the customer experience and maintain the integrity of the Travel Wisconsin La Crosse Visitor Information Center at the Interstate 90 welcome center
Work with MVAC (Mississippi Valley Archaeological Center) and LCHS (La Crosse County Historical Society) to operate the Riverside USA Museum
Maintain the Bureau offices and building in good working order, in accordance with the City of La Crosse Parks Department lease and or any subsequent office leases
Board Responsibilities
Report monthly to the Board of Directors on the activities of the CVB and progress toward meeting strategic objectives
Keep the Board President informed as to events and actions required prior to Board meetings
Insure all committee and Board meeting agendas and minutes are distributed on time
Advise the Board on matters of bylaw and policy observation
Make all directed updates to bylaws and policies and distribute them to all Board members
Identify legislative issues and policies requiring the attention of the Board
Work with the Board President to structure and guide Board meetings, allowing opportunity for discussion and input
Marketing
Work with various vendors and or advertising agencies to continually enhance and upgrade the marketing and branding of the Bureau
Prepare and present the Bureau’s annual marketing plan to the Bureau’s committees and Board of Directors
Prepare advertising and promotional materials delineated in the annual marketing plan
Report to Board committees each month on progress toward goal realization and marketing efforts
Manage the production of the annual visitor information guide as well as the group tour planner, convention planner, and or any other marketing materials
Be an active sales representative for La Crosse County in all markets
Manage the Bureau’s inbound telemarketing and visitor fulfillment activities
Manage the Bureau’s role as a supplier of services and enticements to potential visitors in all markets
Financial
Ensure the CVB operates within the financial parameters approved by the Board, and available resources are distributed appropriately
Prepare and propose the annual budget for CVB operations and activities to the CVB Board of Directors, Room Tax Commissions of the City of La Crosse, City of Onalaska, Village of Holmen, Village of West Salem, and Town of Campbell and their respective finance committee or other designated financial committees
Prepare and deliver financial status reports to the above municipalities’ Room Tax Commissions
Prepare monthly report for CVB finance committee on cash position and budget status
Provide fiscal oversight for CVB investments, budgets, and financial reporting
Identify and develop new sources for revenue including the directing of grant activities
Establish compensation policy and levels consistent with review of overall compensation budget
Produce and distribute an annual report by June of each year
Program Activities
Ensure current programs are consistent with the mission and identify new programs and methods to accomplish the mission of the CVB
Ensure programs and services meet the expectations of the Board, CVB members, and other stakeholders
Provide oversight and guidance on the development of new programs
Work with the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Main Street Incorporated, Seven Rivers Region, and the La Crosse Area Development Corporation to plan Oktoberfest in the Capital events
Plan the Bureau’s Tourism Week activities to show the importance of the industry and its impact on the community
Maintain and expand current knowledge of the industry through opportunities such as DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International), ESTO (Educational Seminars for Tourism Organizations), and numerous other marketing and social media forums, as well as engagement in lobbying and political efforts
Membership
Produce and deliver a monthly newsletter for all members
Increase the level of membership in the Bureau
Plan and hold an annual meeting each year
Organize and hold monthly committee meetings, which provide a forum for members to gain information and offer input according to the bylaws
Representation
Advance the mission, image and visibility of the CVB by maintaining a favorable working relationship, serving as the chief representative of the CVB to all stakeholders, including the Board, staff, members, association partners, media, government and the general public to promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate
Develop and monitor the CVB communication strategy for external positioning of regular press releases regarding both promotable events and Bureau achievements
Seek opportunities to speak on the activities of the CVB and industry in general, with an emphasis on state tourism groups, association partners and industry meetings
Develop with staff and agency reports, publications, presentations, articles and other communications (including web-based and other social media) to disseminate and promote the activities of the CVB
Additional Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors or Board President
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions.
PeopleFirst HR Solutions is proud to partner with the La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau in filling this position. Interested professionals should submit a letter of interest, resume and salary history to mhelgeson@peoplefirsthrsolutions.com, or send them to PeopleFirst HR Solutions, 600 North 3rd Street, Suite 204, La Crosse, WI 54601
The La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The post Job: La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Position appeared first on Explore La Crosse.