We are hiring!

TITLE: Tourism Director

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) seeks an outstanding individual for the full-time position of Tourism Director. The Tourism Director reports to MAEDA’s CEO to coordinate and manage the day-to-day operations of the tourism program and carry out the tourism strategic plan as approved by the MAEDA Board of Directors. Assist MAEDA staff with general office duties as needed. This is a 40 hour per week, exempt, salaried position. Must be available to work nights and weekends as required. Ability to lift and carry heavier items as needed.

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to MAEDA, Attn: Kierith Kurth, 323 West Michigan Avenue, Marshall, MI 49068 or email [email protected].

Position Begins: February 1, 2020

Salary range: $35-$45k year, based on qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:  A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Event Planning, Recreation or related field or four years of equivalent experience in tourism or marketing is required. Applicants must possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills, be able to meet multiple demands in pressure situations and maintain high quality of work. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must have strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite; additional experience with desktop publishing programs preferred. Applicant must display confidentiality in and out of the workplace. Experience with creating budgets, grant writing, sponsorship solicitation, media relations, and knowledge of Marshall and surrounding area a plus.

RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THESE PROGRAMS:

Marshall Trolley Company – Manage the Marshall Trolley Company. Create and schedule custom tours; schedule drivers for tours and weekend “loops” throughout town; solicit sponsors to support trolley financial plan; work with MAEDA marketing department to promote program.

General Marshall Promotion – Work with local, regional and state organizations to promote Marshall as a tourism destination; coordinate with travel writers to encourage story placement; work with tour companies to develop and promote bus tours; attend trade shows and association meetings as appropriate.

Tourism Advertising and Marketing Campaign – Collaborate with MAEDA marketing department on comprehensive tourism advertising and marketing campaign. Communicate with local businesses, City and County, and other tourism entities. Work with MAEDA marketing department to keep tourism area of choosemarshall.com website current.

Ongoing Events –

Marshall Blues Festival – Work with Local District Finance Authority (LDFA), Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Committee Chair to organize, promote and produce annual event; oversee financial decisions as directed by the LDFA.

Skeleton Fest – Organize, promote, and manage annual event, including hands-on involvement with a family-friendly kickoff party and the following month-long display of life-size skeletons in downtown Marshall. Obtain sponsorships to cover recurring costs.

Pub ‘N Grub Crawl – Work with local bars/restaurants to organize, promote and produce an adult pub crawl by contacting participants, encouraging involvement, and updating app.

Donut Roll – Work with Dark Horse Brewing Company to organize, promote and produce bicycling event in partnership with City of Marshall and Marshall Police Department.

Ice, Wine, Beer, and Blues – Work with Marshall’s Franke Center for the Arts to obtain liquor license for event; promote as needed.

·         Christmas Parade – Work with committee to plan annual Christmas parade. Responsibilities include obtaining sponsorships, organizing float entries, coordinating volunteers; collaborate with MAEDA marketing department to promote.

·         Other events to promote Marshall including but not limited to bus tours, group tours, car shows and other collaborations as appropriate.

Future Development – Aggressively seek private group tours, market to tour companies, develop tourism education presentations or workshops for Marshall area; promote Marshall in a positive light nationally, regionally and locally through press releases and personal contacts.

Other Responsibilities –  Contact area hotels with events information to encourage tourist participation; prepare requested information packets, collect and maintain data from requests to determine ROI; with CEO, create and implement annual budget; present monthly report for MAEDA Board of Directors; create annual strategic plan to present to Board; work as a team with MAEDA staff to answer phones and greet visitors; additional duties may be assigned.