Position: Director of Cultural Tourism
FLSA: Exempt
Department: Tourism
Direct Report: Senior Vice President of Tourism
ABOUT VisitDallas
VisitDallas is an independent, not-for-profit organization comprised of professionals serving as the sales and marketing arm for Dallas. Our mission is to promote Dallas as the ideal business and leisure destination to the regional, national, and international marketplace, and to favorably impact the Dallas economy through conventions and tourism. Our efforts have significantly increased awareness of Dallas locally, nationally, and internationally, and have resulted in Dallas being recognized as one of the top convention destinations in the nation and the number one visitor destination in the state of Texas.
SCOPE
This position is responsible for raising the profile and awareness of the Dallas cultural arts community, both locally and to visitors. Many tactics focus on a community relations role - serving as an ambassador to elevate the awareness and amplify the voice of the arts, architecture, and entertainment scene in Dallas for increased tourism economic impact, as well as oversight and management of the portion of the Dallas TPID (Tourism Public Improvement District) which funds arts/cultural events to drive tourism and hotel stays.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (individual duties, assignments, and responsibilities required of the position)
A. Fully responsible for the creation and management of Cultural Tourism initiatives for VisitDallas. Key staff contact for the VisitDallas Cultural Tourism Committee.
B. Management of the DTPID Event Incentive Fund, including working with arts and event partners through the application and award process, and ongoing review and reporting with the DPTID Board and VisitDallas leadership. Significant financial management is required and an understanding of grant processes is a strong plus.
C. Create relationships with Dallas arts & entertainment partners and ensure these relationships are being nurtured and communicated effectively for increased sales opportunities in the Dallas area. Initiate new relationships with these partners, the Dallas hospitality community and the VisitDallas membership.
D. Responsible for the creation and implementation of the annual VisitDallas cultural tourism marketing plan and any budget allocations.
E. Serve as the DTPID point person for the Arts community within VisitDallas. Solicit and partner with appropriate organizations to create compelling, quantifiable proposals within DTPID guidelines. Be fiscally accurate and responsible for prompt processing and regular reporting both internally and to the VisitDallas Cultural Tourism Committee.
F. Act as a liaison or project lead for VisitDallas on cultural tourism future opportunities – actively look for mutually beneficial initiatives, e.g., attraction development, special exhibits, or events.
G. Serve as a key lead in overseeing the DTPID website, including access to edit and update, working with the VisitDallas Marketing team.
H. Participate in committees/boards as needed or requested by the senior vice president of tourism.
I. Evaluate and implement as needed cooperative marketing agreements and partnerships with third party companies, associations and/or within the cultural community.
J. Facilitate effective communication and be a conduit of information internally and externally.
K. Maximize inter-departmental talent teams for cultural tourism implementation as needed. Reinforce strong and positive inter-departmental relationships while following VisitDallas policies and procedures.
L. Identify new opportunities that will help in the promotion of Dallas as a tourist destination and increase revenue for the city of Dallas and our partners.
M. Maintain accurate and cost-effective budgets for any assigned projects and consistently look for cost- saving measures to save expenditures for the department. Track all monthly expenses for internal and external department budget reports.
N. Assist senior vice president of tourism in identifying new ways to exceed VisitDallas, client and partner expectations.
O. Responsible for providing monthly reports to senior vice president of tourism for productivity accountability.
P. There is a room night goal associated with this position.
Q. Responsible for other duties as assigned by VisitDallas management.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: (personnel supervision, budgets, performance, etc.)
· Oversee up to $2 million annually in DTPID funds.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: (special training, certifications, college degree, etc.)
· Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, retail, or marketing highly preferred
· Minimum 5 years of hospitality sales/marketing experience; arts marketing and management experience; destination marketing experience; or related.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (technical, communication, interpersonal, etc.)
· Excellent communication skills (written and oral).
· Must be able to make professional and persuasive presentations to large or small groups and maximize a positive and productive image for VisitDallas and the City of Dallas at all times.
· Full working knowledge of all Microsoft Office Windows applications.
· Ability to develop and maintain strong business relationships is required.
· Must be able to manage multiple projects concurrently and work under pressure to meet deadlines, budgets, and goals.
· Knowledge and passion of Dallas and surrounding cities including hotels, attractions, restaurants, shopping centers and traffic routes is highly desirable.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: (overtime, travel, physical demands, and conditions)
· Position functions in an office environment
The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employee assign to this job.