Executive Director – Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau Position Overview: The Executive Director will lead the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) with vision and purpose, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence while driving tourism, community engagement, and economic growth in the region. This role is ideal for a passionate leader who thrives on building partnerships, developing innovative marketing strategies, and championing the unique offerings of Knox County.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy • Cultivate an inspiring team culture, prioritizing collaboration, learning, and shared commitment to organizational goals. • Establish and maintain effective policies, procedures, and ethical standards to ensure compliance and smooth operations. • Drive overarching goals for tourism marketing and sales, with a focus on measurable results. Board Engagement & Collaboration • Build strong, productive relationships with board members, tapping into their expertise to shape strategic goals and initiatives. • Facilitate open communication and active participation among board members to ensure their skills and insights are fully utilized. • Work with the board to define new objectives, align resources, and achieve milestones that advance the CVB’s mission. Financial & Administrative Oversight • Partner with the Treasurer and Marketing Manager to create and manage annual budgets, ensuring financial health and transparency. • Maintain operational compliance, including oversight of financial filings, 501(c)(6) designation requirements, and audits. • Conduct annual staff performance evaluations and oversee office scheduling, customer service, and staffing. Tourism Development & Marketing • Lead the development and execution of year-round destination programs targeting leisure, group, conference, and sports markets. • Oversee marketing campaigns, ensuring they align with budgetary limits and timelines set by the Board. • Analyze destination research to craft effective marketing strategies that drive tourism growth. Community & Partner Engagement • Build and strengthen relationships with local citizens, businesses, and tourism stakeholders to educate and activate support for tourism initiatives. • Collaborate with hotels, event venues, and state tourism organizations to secure group bookings and expand tourism opportunities. • Represent the CVB at local, state, and national events, becoming a visible advocate for Knox County tourism. Operational Excellence • Ensure the Bureau maintains regular public-facing hours and delivers exceptional visitor experiences. • Manage relationships with contractors and agencies for marketing, advertising, and branding efforts. • Provide reports to the Board of Directors and oversee special projects as needed.