Director of Tourism Position Available In New Hanover, North Carolina

Director of Tourism 
Salary $113,000.00 – $123,000.00 Annually Location Hanover, VA Job Type Full-time Job Number 202500150 Department County Administrator’s Office – Tourism Opening Date 06/12/2025 Closing Date Continuous

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS

Description General Description:

 The Director of Tourism is responsible for the establishment and expansion of tourism initiatives in Hanover County.

Organization:

 The Director of Tourism position is part of the County Administration department and reports to the County Administrator in support of the strategic goals of the Board of Supervisors and supervises the Tourism Specialist and other support staff.

Essential Functions:

Directs the Tourism information and functions of the County.
Supervises employees, performing related human Resources functions and completing necessary paperwork.
Implements strategic communications initiatives, systems, and directives to support the mission, goals and objectives of the organization while fostering public awareness and community engagement.
Coordinates accurate, timely, and accessible public information to promote a positive County image and public perception, communicate local government issues, and maintain public awareness of County programs and services.
Serves as primary spokesperson for the County through all appropriate media outlets and communication channels regarding Tourism information and initiatives.
Oversee the governance of branding within Hanover County Government Tourism initiatives, as well as governance and management of internal communication tools.
Partners with community tourism entities to expand their reach and programs
Leads efforts to obtain tourism grants and recognition
Leads efforts in determining which systems will best assist in tourism information collection and sharing
Serves as the principal Tourism advisor to County leadership and the Board of Supervisors on matters related to the dissemination of information to the public and media concerning the County’s services, programs and policies.
Manages the development and production of County Tourism materials, to include print, electronic/digital, and social media.
Serves as the Tourism liaison between the County and media for press releases, media interviews, and press conferences for County departments and staff.
Develops communication strategies and action plans for all major County Tourism initiatives and events.
Provides assistance to County departments in responding to requests for Tourism information.
Oversee the design and daily content/information updates of the County’s Tourism webpage, calendars, and tourism opportunities
Attends Board of Supervisor meetings, and prepares and presents materials as requested.
Remains knowledgeable of Tourism trends in social media tools, trends and applications, and appropriately apply that knowledge to enhance County communication.
Experience administering comprehensive Tourism campaigns to include print, website and digital formats.
Liaison with regional tourism partners.
Performs related work as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Hazards
None Known
Environment
Office
Field – Must be able to travel to multiple locations upon demand in order to perform essential function.
Physical Effort
Occasional lifting of Tourism/Marketing related materials
FLSA

Exempt Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Requires comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of Tourism as applied to local government; knowledge of local and regional public relations media, including press, radio and television; strong background and competency in the development of Tourism related marketing materials and associated software, video production and editing, presentation development using PowerPoint, and demonstrated social media expertise; excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage staff; proven ability to work effectively, proactively and diplomatically with County staff, Board members, citizens, and other external customers.

Education, Experience and Training:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communication, Graphic Design, Business, or related field. At least 3-5 years of experience in marketing, community development, business administration, or related field, preferably in a public sector or local government setting. Experience in tourism, economic development, and marketing including administrative responsibility. Experience in strategic planning and project management. -OR- Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a four-year degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Tourism, Marketing, Business, or related field.

Special Conditions:

Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License
Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License
Twelve-month probationary period
Work beyond normal work schedule, to include occasional evening meetings and weekend activities

Established Date:

June 2025 Employer
Hanover County Government
Address
7515 Library Drive Hanover, Virginia, 23069
Phone
804-365-6075 Website
http://www.hanovercounty.gov