Job Title: Destination Development Coordinator
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Vice President of Destination Development
Job Category: Destination Development
Position Overview:
The Destination Development Coordinator will support the Vice President of Destination Development with implementation of Visit Shreveport-Bossier’s (VSB) Destination Master Plan; a 10-year strategy to grow tourism, enhance visitor experiences, boost local investment and monitor progress toward strategic goals. This position will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to enhance Shreveport-Bossier’s appeal to visitors, improve visitation, expand visitor spending, and promote economic development in our region through tourism.
The Destination Development Coordinator will be a strategic thinker that can manage multiple projects while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams within VSB. This individual will assist in partnering with city, government, non-profit groups and local business leaders to help achieve VSB’s strategic goals. The Coordinator must be a team-oriented individual that will contribute to the strengthening of the overall team culture at Visit Shreveport-Bossier.
Essential Functions/Accountabilities:
- Work in partnership with the Vice President of Destination Development to assist with short and long-range project planning.
- Become thoroughly familiar with the Destination Master Plan.
- Partners with local governments, hospitality businesses, and community groups to support sustainable growth within the community.
- Help identify and manage funding/grant opportunities (national, state and/or local) related to destination development initiatives throughout the community.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date information on the progress of Destination Development initiatives, including updating goals/progress on the VSB website.
- Update CRM database with relevant stakeholder information on an ongoing basis.
- Compile and analyze current data on Destination Development projects; including, but not limited to, preparing economic impact reports, reviewing visitor metrics and establishing return on investment analysis.
- Collaborate with Communications/Marketing on the creation and execution of Destination Development marketing plan.
- Effectively communicate destination development initiatives and advocacy efforts with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Attend and contribute to pertinent meetings and events as a representative of Visit Shreveport-Bossier.
- Ability to create and present professional presentation decks (through PowerPoint or Google Slides) that adhere to VSB brand standards.
- Assist in the creation and implementation of activities and projects focusing on destination development.
- Manage timelines, budgets, consultants and vendors with a focus on impact and strategic growth.
- Complete additional administrative tasks as assigned.
- Other duties and responsibilities as needed to ensure the ongoing success and positive work environment of VSB.
Desired Qualities:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Marketing, or related field required. Experience in tourism, marketing, economic development or related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience working in a database and ability to operate Microsoft Office applications (primarily, but not exclusively Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).
- Familiarity of tourism principles and industry best practices preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in a collaborative, team-oriented environment, including the ability to speak in public with strong networking skills.
- Proven project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
- Skills in website maintenance through content management systems desired.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, business leaders, community partners and the public.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to use data to inform decision-making.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports from file sources.
Job Requirements:
- Normal work hours for this role are Monday – Friday (8 am to 5 pm).
- Occasional travel locally in market will be necessary, some overnight travel.
- Ability to work early mornings, evenings and weekends, as needed.
- Must be able to stand, sit and/or walk for extended periods.