A Communications or Public Relations Specialist coordinates internal and external communications for a company or organization. Provides information to employees on company activities, such as the launch of a new product or a community service initiative. Writes and edits public communications; develops media contacts and prepares material for press and media distribution; monitors media coverage. May assist with events planning.
Visit Smokies is seeking a motivated, career-driven professional to join our team as a Travel Guide Sales & Communications Coordinator. This role leads advertising sales and advertiser communication for the official Visit Smokies Travel Guide while building a strong foundation in tourism partnership development, destination communications, and member service. This position is intentionally designed as a pathway to the Destination Membership Coordinator role. As the successful candidate demonstrates results in Travel Guide sales, relationship management, organization, and professional communication, responsibilities will expand to include membership recruitment, onboarding, engagement, retention, and partner communications.
POSITION DETAILS
Reports to: Director of Marketing Position type: Hourly, with additional sales commission Hourly range: $15-$20 per hour, based on performance
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Sell advertising placements in the official Visit Smokies Travel Guide to tourism partners, local businesses, and community organizations. Build and manage a prospect list of lodging, dining, retail, attractions, outdoor recreation, arts, and other visitor-facing businesses. Conduct consistent outreach by phone, email, and in person, and maintain timely follow-up with current and prospective advertisers. Clearly explain Travel Guide readership, distribution, advertising options, rates, specifications, deadlines, and value to prospective advertisers. Prepare rate sheets, proposals, insertion agreements, invoices, and follow-up communications for Travel Guide advertising sales. Coordinate artwork specifications, submissions, proof approvals, placement details, and production deadlines with advertisers and vendors. Serve as a responsive point of contact for advertisers from initial outreach through publication and distribution. Maintain accurate records of prospects, sales activity, client information, contracts, artwork status, invoices, and payments. Draft clear, professional sales emails, advertiser updates, proof requests, deadline reminders, and other business communications. Support Travel Guide production by collaborating with staff and vendors to verify advertiser information, business listings, links, and publication details.
CAREER PATH
DESTINATION
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
The Travel Guide Sales & Communications Coordinator is expected to develop the knowledge, relationships, and systems experience needed to move into the Destination Membership Coordinator role. Advancement will be based on demonstrated performance, readiness, and organizational needs.
Development milestones include:
Consistently meeting Travel Guide outreach, follow-up, sales, and production goals. Building trusted relationships with advertisers, members, prospective members, and community partners. Learning Visit Smokies membership benefits, records, recruitment, onboarding, renewal, engagement, and retention processes. Introducing advertisers to membership benefits and gradually assuming responsibility for prospect follow-up, member communications, partner visits, networking, events, and membership support.
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including polished sales and professional email communication. A motivated, dependable approach and a genuine interest in growing from Travel Guide sales into destination membership development. Confidence initiating sales conversations, asking for the business, following up, and building professional relationships. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage a sales pipeline, multiple advertisers, production deadlines, and client needs at the same time. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar business platforms. Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team. Previous experience in advertising sales, business development, customer service, communications, hospitality, tourism, or a membership organization is preferred but not required. A willingness to learn Visit Smokies membership programs, benefits, systems, and partner needs is essential.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is personable, professional, sales-minded, and enthusiastic about building a career in tourism and destination marketing. This individual takes initiative, communicates confidently, follows through on commitments, and sees each Travel Guide advertiser relationship as an opportunity to build a lasting Visit Smokies partnership and, when appropriate, a future membership relationship.
COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT
$15-$20+ per hour, based on performance. Additional commission on qualifying Visit Smokies Travel Guide advertising sales. Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel. Visit Smokies is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. mici@visitsmokies.org 4437 Georgia Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 (828)369-9606
Pay:
$15.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
Employee discount Flexible schedule On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Travel reimbursement
