Job Description
Visit Buffalo Niagara (VBN) has a full-time opening for a Destination Relations Specialist for our community and region.
About Visit Buffalo Niagara:
VBN was incorporated on March 4, 1987, and is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the administration and operation of the organization.
VBN employs a staff of talented tourism professionals dedicated to promoting tourism and accomplishes this by soliciting national, state, and regional meeting planners, motor coach tour operators, travel agents, and independent consumers. We are a 501(c)(6) non-profit company and operate affiliates, including the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission.
Position Summary:
This position supports the Vice President of Destination Experience, overseeing the organization’s destination and visitor experience service model. The Destination Experience Specialist will assist in customer service, relationship growth, project management, and stakeholder engagement to drive value for VBN and the countywide destination. The candidate should demonstrate a collaborative, team-driven work ethic, strong communication skills to build new and cultivate relationships, and be a critical thinker. In addition, the candidate shall exude positive energy, professionalism, and initiative, demonstrate integrity, and be a mission-driven goal-getter.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Serve, advocate, and be a steward of the VBN’s mission, brand promise, and values.
· Help coordinate, implement, and execute industry partner projects, including but not limited to Restaurant Week, Theater Month, and the 2024 Eclipse.
· Assist in recruiting and maintaining industry partners for inclusion in organization CRM, website listings, and calendar of events.
· Help develop and manage annual National Travel and Tourism Week activations.
· Provides in-destination and visitor experience execution.
· Helps plan and execute quarterly industry meetings, industry nights, and two front-line familiarization (FAM) tours.
· Liaison to VBN partners, vendors, and stakeholders, including but not limited to destination assets.
· Assists with Certified Tourism Ambassador Program (CTA\ customer service training.
· Supports event services, as necessary, to deliver a meaningful visitor experience.
· Successfully collaborates and communicates with internal teams to effectively operate within the department’s function, achieve business plan goals & objectives, and provide ongoing process improvement.
· Assistance with managing mobile and satellite visitor center operations as needed.
· Helps create engaging content for weekly digital member/partner communications that reflects the vision and voice of the VBN, nimbly adapting it to reflect the unique user profiles of various channels.
· Conducts partner extranet training program.
· Helps coordinate the distribution of VBN publications.
· Other duties as assigned.
Experience and Background Required:
· Knowledge and/or willingness to learn about the Buffalo Niagara region and tourism industry.
· Hospitality and/or interest in customer-centric, highly visible organizations.
· Minimum of three years of experience working in a relevant field.
· Bachelor’s Degree or applicable experience in either marketing, public relations, communications, or a relevant field.
· Strong storytelling and communication skills, both verbal and written.
· Proficiency with PCs and software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and email marketing software (Constant Contact, Mailchimp). Computer savvy and a quick study at learning new software such as Simpleview, VBN’s Destination Management Software (DMS). Comfort and experience with websites, digital, and social media.
· Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
· Ability to work with our partners and proactively create touchpoints to reinforce value.
· Demonstrated cross-collaboration skills internally and externally.
· Ability to work independently and be a strong multi-tasker.
Physical Requirements:
· Ability to walk or stand for long periods.
· Ability to work outside and in multiple weather conditions.
· Office: the ability to lift up to 25 lbs., as available.
· Events: the ability to lift up to 40 lbs., as available.
Other:
· Position could require occasional evening and/or weekend work.
· Hybrid work schedule – 3 days in office / 2 days remote; hybrid schedule is subject to change in the future.
· Must have a valid driver’s license with proof of insurance and own or have access to an automobile.
How To Apply:
If interested in this position, please send your cover letter and resume to smith@visitbuffaloniagara.com by Monday, November 27. No phone calls, please.