EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TOURISM AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under policy direction, to plan, organize, direct and manage tourism development and marketing; to oversee coordination with Arts Alliance and Clackamas Heritage Partners; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs generates and implements programs designed to maximize tourism and convention business for Clackamas County and coordinates related cultural programs related to cultural tourism.

The Executive Director of Tourism and Cultural Affairs is responsible for fulfilling objectives as established by the Tourism Development Council of Clackamas County an the Board of County Commissioners. The incumbent reports to the Tourism Development Council and the County Administrator in developing, recommending and implementing goals, objectives, policies and priorities and providing direction to employees.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Participates in the formulation, and manages the implementation of the mission, goals and objectives related to tourism and cultural affairs; develops and recommends new and revised policies; communicates regularly with the Tourism Development Council and County Administrator on programming and operational issues; acts as staff liaison to the Tourism Development Council; performs recruitment and orientation of new members.
Participates with the Tourism Development Council and County Administrator in developing short and long range marketing plans for appropriate segments of the visitor industry; researches primary markets for marketing efforts; develops, implements and evaluates the advertising and promotional programs designed to promote the County and its attractions.
Creates and recommends tourism development programs; coordinates private sector tourism activities; oversees the development of County-supported tourism attractions; develops educational programs for tourism industry employees.
Plans, coordinates and conducts ongoing public relations programs; serves as media contact; promotes tourism activities with business associations, citizen groups, and the public.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with government agencies, organizations, associations, industry and vendors involved in tourism.
Develops the annual budget for approval by the Tourism Development Council and Board of County Commissioners; develops the Arts Alliance budget for approval; oversees the monitoring of revenues and expenditures; makes recommendations on grant requests and proposals for funding; obtains matching funds; develops private/public sector funding partnerships; ensures the appropriate administration of all funds, fiscal assets and other property; manages contracts as required for implementation of tourism and cultural programs.
Hires and directs professional and administrative staff; prepares performance evaluations; determines appropriate disciplinary actions; conducts and facilitates staff training and development; promotes cooperative team efforts among staff and with other County departments.
Works with Clackamas Heritage Partners, Clackamas Arts Alliance, Clackamas County Cultural Coalition, Clackamas County Heritage Council and other groups to develop and promote the cultural tourism attractions, events and facilities in the County.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Comprehensive knowledge of: Principles, methods, and techniques of tourism development, marketing, public relations, personnel management and budget administration.

Thorough knowledge of: Principles and practices of government agencies, public organizations, and private enterprises; Federal, State and local government operating methods and administration; techniques of persuasive communication.

Skill to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare and make oral and written presentations to individuals, small groups, large audiences and the media; establish and maintain effective working relationships with business and community leaders, news media, the public and government officials; design and produce public relations, sales and marketing materials; compose and deliver speeches; develop persuasive and convincing arguments to promote individual agreement and group consensus on issues and problems; establish an environment of honesty, trust and integrity; identify and respond to politically sensitive issues; formulate and implement operational and administrative policies; prepare and justify budget requests; understand, interpret and apply Federal, State, and local statutes, rules, and regulations relevant to policies and procedures; train, direct, evaluate and supervise staff; operate computer software and equipment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

This position involves travel to domestic and international destinations via commercial airlines.

Must be willing to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.