ABOUT DISCOVER NEWPORT

As the region's official destination marketing organization (DMO), Discover Newport is committed to the promotion of Newport and its eight adjacent coastal municipalities across Newport and Bristol Counties, Rhode Island. Our reach encompasses Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Warren. By partnering with hospitality stakeholders, Discover Newport positions the region as a world-class choice for both professional and recreational travel. In 2025, tourism activity drove $339.7 million in lodging revenue, $163.1 million in dining expenditures, and $52.3 million in retail commerce.

For more information visit https:

//www.discovernewport.org/.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Destination Experience Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional hospitality and operational support to incoming meeting planners, corporate clients, and group tours visiting Newport and Bristol Counties. This role serves as the primary liaison between contracted groups and local industry partners, ensuring seamless event execution and visitor satisfaction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Services & Hospitality Support Serve as the main point of contact to support contracted groups with information on the destination, including local dining, offsite event spaces, and entertainment options. Manage the formal distribution of service leads to dining, offsite event, and entertainment partners, ensuring hospitality vendors provide a timely response to contracted clients. Secure and facilitate finite details pertaining to event set-ups, ensuring that all physical onsite arrangements meet the needs of clients. Coordinate destination transportation logistics for conferences, meetings and group tours, ensuring seamless movement of attendees throughout Newport and the surrounding destination. CRM, Data Tracking & Administration Maintain up-to-date tracking in the CRM platform regarding all group services provided (including collateral distribution, transportation coordination, dining support, and event planning metrics). Ensure all updated service materials, regional guides, and digital vendor resources are appropriately saved and categorized on the shared drive. Maintain a physical inventory of sales collateral; prepare materials for site inspections, client meetings, or incoming contracted groups. Stakeholder, Departmental & Cross-Functional Relations Work with the marketing team on the development of collateral and sales-related marketing content. Maintain proactive working relationships with local hotels, meeting facilities, maritime operators, and other tourism- related partners. Provide secondary support to the FAM Tour Coordinator during regional familiarization trips for travel writers, tour operators, and site-selection planners as needed. Create customized itineraries for group tours visiting the region when requested.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality/ Tourism Management, Marketing, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and substantial industry experience will be considered. 4 years of experience in event management, destination services, premium hotel catering/sales, or corporate convention services. Advanced working knowledge of core Office 365 applications. Experience operating specialized hospitality/ tourism CRM platforms, such as Simpleview, is preferred.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Deep appreciation for Newport and Bristol Counties'. Exceptional written and verbal communications skills used to act as an effective liaison between corporate planners, industry partners, and internal stakeholders. Superior organizational skills necessary to juggle the service timelines of multiple contracted groups.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess a valid driver's license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment.

Physical Demands:

Standard desk environment. Requires prolonged periods of screen time, sitting, and computer usage.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position and the employee must work at least 35 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Normal operating hours are Monday-Friday, 9AM- 5PM. In-office presence is required.

Travel:

Occasional evening/weekend commitments and some travel may be required. There may be occasional local day travel. Discover Newport is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Experience:

Events management: 4 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person