Think of us as the biggest cheerleaders for the heart of South Carolina.
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, dba Experience Columbia SC is the destination marketing organization (DMO) for the region. Our mission is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling the region as a premier destination for meetings & conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. Experience Columbia SC works with accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions to provide informative materials and services that enhance and promote the desired image of the Columbia area.
Experience Columbia SC is currently seeking to fill the position of Vice President of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (VP of CVB). The VP of CVB will be responsible for the leadership and management of daily operations of Experience Columbia SC and Visitors Center. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of six years progressively responsible experience with other CVBs/DMOs.
See full job description below:
Position Summary:
The Vice President of the CVB is responsible for the leadership and management of all daily operations of the organization in its mission to sell Columbia SC as a tourist destination. This position reports directly to the Authority President & CEO and is accountable to the President on all aspects of the performance of duties and responsibilities. The VP of the CVB is responsible for carrying out the organizations strategic plan and direction set forth by the President and ensuring that the organization meets or exceeds established goals. This position establishes organizational structure and delegates authority to the CVB team members while leading the overall entity towards objectives consistent with the mission of the organization. The VP of the CVB serves as the key spokesperson for the CVB, ensuring ongoing and active communication with all tourism industry and key stakeholders, and develops advocacy programs to communicate the mission and raise awareness of the organization.
Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
- Manage the business functions of the organization to include group sales, convention services, partnership, visitor services and administrative functions.
- Work closely with the President & CEO to develop and implement a comprehensive plan aimed at maximizing the organization’s effectiveness through the alignment and agreement on goals, including room nights and other industry benchmark measures.
- Ensure the organization meets or exceeds all goals by ongoing monitoring of the plan, measurement of results, and making corrections as needed.
- Provide leadership for CVB staff assuring these individuals are developed into a cohesive, responsive and results-driven team. Provide vision, direction, coaching, counseling, and development opportunities. Ensure the team is provided with appropriate resources to effectively carryout the functions of their department.
- Ensure strategic investment in research and analytical tools to assist the organization with identifying trends, new and developing markets, measuring success and developing strategies that evaluate return on investment.
- Work with the President & CEO to develop the annual operating budget and staffing requirements. Ensure the organization monitors the annual budget and adjusts the allocation of resources as required.
- Oversee the Destination Marketing Fee program including establishing new participants, budgeting, and monthly invoicing.
- Ensure all organization financial activities are implemented and in compliance within established policies and procedures, bylaws, guidelines, laws and ethical standards. Ensure enforcement of policies and corrective measures as required.
- Maintain active involvement in the community to enhance the visibility and reputation of Experience Columbia SC. Ensure an understanding in the community of the mission of the CVB and the programs services available.
- Serve as spokesperson for the CVB. In cooperation with the President & CEO, and the Communications Director, provide interviews and media appearances as required.
- Be an active partner in supporting economic development in the region; regularly participate in and attend events, work groups, and task force meetings of regional partners
- Participate in stakeholder Board and Committees as requested or appointed.
- Participate in local/regional/national destination marketing meetings to keep abreast of industry changes.
- Maintain a strong working relationship with all industry partners, including event facility managers, hotel general managers/director of sales, key restaurant managers, etc.
- Maintain excellent and up-to-date level of knowledge of the Columbia regional product.
- Be knowledgeable of Simpleview CRM computer system and use the technology effectively in order to produce timely reports at the request President/CEO.
- Actively participate in designated trade organizations.
- Participate as part of the organization’s executive leadership team.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.
Skills:
- Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving.
- Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
- Visionary Leadership – Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
- Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
- Delegation – Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
- Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
- Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others
Education/Qualifications Required:
- 6 or more years of progressively responsible experience in a hospitality/travel sales position, preferably with a convention and visitors bureau or convention hotel.
- Bachelor’s degree required. 4 years of work experience may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree (10+ years total experience without a Bachelor’s Degree)
- Demonstrated written and oral sales presentation skills.
- Working knowledge of hospitality industry computer systems and related software applications strongly preferred.
- Ability to travel and availability to work evenings and weekends is required.
- Established contacts and demonstrated past success in developing regional meetings preferred.
- Self-directed and self-motivated team player with a positive outlook.
- Residency Requirement: This position is required to live within the limits of our funding partners within six (6) months of hire (Lexington County or Richland County).
DISCLAIMER
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required and the responsibilities of the position may change.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $86,525.73 - $110,320.31 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (GCC)
Think of us as the biggest cheerleaders for the heart of South Carolina.
The Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau dba Experience Columbia SC is the destination marketing organization (DMO) for the region. This branch of Columbia SC tourism began in 1984 as the Greater Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Experience Columbia SC’s mission is to strengthen the area’s economy by marketing and selling the region as a premier destination for meetings & conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. Experience Columbia SC works with accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions to provide informative materials and services that enhance and promote the desired image of the Columbia area.
The Experience Columbia SC DMO is funded by a combination of private and public funds including City of Columbia Accommodations Tax, Richland County Accommodations and Hospitality Taxes, and Accommodations Tax from Lexington County, Town of Lexington, City of Cayce, West Columbia and Town of Irmo, as well as a Destination Specific Grant from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
Team members reporting to the Vice President of the DMO include sales, convention services and partnership services personnel. The Columbia SC Visitors Center, a brick-and-mortar visitor information center and retail shop falls under the guidance of the ECSC DMO and includes visitor services personnel.
Columbia SC tourism is comprised of a set of sister organizations (Midlands Authority for Conventions Sports & Tourism + Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau) responsible for various components of promoting and marketing tourism throughout Richland County, Lexington County and the City of Columbia. The two sister organizations are made up of three brands, each with a specific set of responsibilities related to promoting and marketing the Columbia region. The three brands are Experience Columbia SC, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and Experience Columbia SC Sports.
Company Website: www.experiencecolumbiasc.com
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