Executive Director

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

SANDY SPRINGS HOSPITALITY BOARD, INC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title : Executive Director

Department : Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism / Visit Sandy Springs

Reports To : Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism, Inc.

FLSA : Exempt

Effective Date : September 1, 2024

GENERAL STATEMENT

The Executive Director of Visit Sandy Springs will lead a team of destination marketing professionals and manage a $1.7 million budget in order to promote overnight stays of visitors and meeting groups within the City of Sandy Springs ( City ).

This generally includes management and oversight of day-to-day operations and activities of Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism, Inc.

Visit Sandy Springs (the Destination Marketing Organization, DMO ), including but not limited to the management of and support for the Marketing and Sales teams, to achieve the goals of the DMO.

The Executive Director shall report to the Sandy Springs Hospitality & Tourism, Inc. Board of Directors.

Because the DMO is the welcoming face of the community and works closely with the City, Sandy Springs businesses, organizations, residents, property owners, as well as state, national and regional tourism organizations, and the media, there are many opportunities that arise which cannot be defined in a job description.

The Executive Director must be flexible and willing to handle duties that may not be listed in this job description, as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Promote Goals and Objectives of the DMO

The Executive Director must have the ability to :

• Develop a comprehensive business plan to include all Sales and Marketing programs and activities within the limits of the DMO’s budget
• Work with the Board of Directors to establish policy, goals and objectives of the DMO
• Implement procedures that carry out policies and goals
• Act as a liaison with the Board of Directors, the City and the community to represent the best interests of the DMO, the staff and its programs
• Act as a liaison with professional tourism organizations and professional committees in a way that will enhance and increase the City’s tourism goals and objectives
• Act as a liaison with segments of the community that are necessary for the promotion of tourism
• Act as an official spokesperson for the organization and tourism in the City, along with the Chairman of the Board

Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations

The Executive Director shall :

• Set the marketing and public relations strategies of the DMO, in coordination with the City, when applicable
• Be responsible for leading the efforts of the marketing team in creating the annual advertising program of the DMO and to develop, produce and implement marketing campaigns to include print, digital, social media and other programs to promote Sandy Springs as a premier destination
• Oversee the marketing team in managing relationships with vendors and outside sources to develop promotional materials and programs
• Create, or cause to be created, materials that support the sales efforts, goals and objectives of the DMO
• Create, or cause to be created, a communications program that informs and educates about the DMO’s program of work, its goals and objectives
• Work closely with the community at large, serving on committees and appointments as necessary to carry out the mission, goals and objectives of the DMO
• Work with a web developer / software partner and DMO staff members to maintain information on the DMO’s website that is timely, appropriate, compelling and easy to access by visitors, businesses and residents

Sales

The Executive Director shall :

• Be responsible for establishing the focus of all sales activities and communicating those goals and objectives to DMO sales staff including, but not limited to, the following group business : meetings, weddings, tours, conventions, conferences, reunions, sports, and other group events
• Work closely with DMO sales staff to develop a plan for trade shows, marketplaces and expos and other sales efforts that will enhance the DMO’s ability to attract groups to the City’s hotels.
• Establish annual performance objectives and assist the staff in achieving these objectives

Research, Accountability and Strategic Planning

The Executive Director shall :

• With approval from the Board of Directors, coordinate research that improves and elevates DMO procedures, management, recordkeeping, and operational structure
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to direct the development and maintenance of the DMO’s long range strategic plan
• Establish and communicate key metrics to the Board of Directors showing the effectiveness of the DMO’s sales and marketing efforts

Financial Management and Fiscal Responsibility

The Executive Director shall :

• Work with the Board of Directors and the City’s Finance Department to create an annual budget and to ensure fiscal responsibility of the DMO’s financial resources
• Ensure that financial books and records are maintained in an accountable and orderly fashion
• Work with auditors on an annual basis
• Be responsible for working closely with the City Finance Department on matters concerning the hotel / motel lodging tax

Human Resources

The Executive Director, with approval from the Board of Directors and within budget guidelines, shall :

• Hire and train staff to carry out the objectives of the DMO
• Manage, direct, evaluate and develop staff to achieve DMO goals and objectives
• Oversee the management of personnel files, payroll, insurance and other human resource functions that follow established policy and procedures

Economic Development

The Executive Director shall work closely with the City’s economic development department, the chamber of commerce, and other entities to increase economic impact in the City.

This includes tourism, special business-related programs and activities that from time-to-time are deemed applicable by the City and the Board of Directors.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

The Executive Director shall possess the following basic qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications or a closely related field
• At least five (5) years’ experience in the field of tourism promotion
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with a successful track record in departmental operations and management
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of people
• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Ability to build consensus
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to exercise good judgment in maintaining information, records, and reports
• Ability to read, understand and review documents for accuracy and relevant information
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret business and professional journals, financial reports / budgets and legal documents
• Possess strong skills in writing, editing and proofing
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence
• Ability to pay strong attention to detail
• Ability to generate ideas and put them into action to enhance the tourism program and the economic impact of the area
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency with personal computers and handheld devices
• Proficiency in the use of Sales and Lead Tracking Software, Microsoft Office programs, graphics editing software (such as Photoshop), and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn
• Ability to work weekends, nights, and holidays, as required
• Possess and maintain a valid, Georgia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters’ degree in marketing, public relations, communications or a closely related field
• Ten (10) years’ experience in the promotion of tourism field with five (5) years’ experience as either a Director, Assistant Director, or Marketing Director

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Sandy Springs Hospitality and Tourism is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : Compensation commensurate with experience.

Open Until Filled.

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