Director of Expo & Tourism Development
Job Title: Director FLSA: Salary/Exempt
Department: Expo & Tourism Development Reports To: City Manager
Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience
This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Expo and Tourism Director is responsible for promoting and enhancing tourism in Claremore, with the primary goal of attracting visitors and boosting the local economy. This role involves building relationships with community partners and external vendors, while overseeing the operations of the Claremore Expo Center and related tourism initiatives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Coordinates with Operations Manager of the Claremore Expo Center, including security, concessions, maintenance, contract negotiations, purchasing, public relations, marketing, and related administrative functions for events.
- Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies governing Expo and Tourism operations.
- Develops and implements marketing strategies to attract tourists and increase regional visibility.
- Prepares and manages departmental budgets and capital improvement programs.
- Serves as a liaison between the City and event promoters, local businesses, meeting planners, group travel organizers, industry associations, and other stakeholders.
- Promotes local attractions, festivals, and special events to drive tourism engagement.
- Represents the City at consumer travel shows, tourism conferences, and professional development events.
- Acts as a consultant and liaison to the Rogers County Tourism Interlocal Cooperative (Discover Rogers County).
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
A bachelor’s degree in business management, public administration, marketing, hospitality, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in the hospitality or tourism industry and at least five (5) years of supervisory or management experience are required. Candidates must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
KNOWLEDGE:
- Principles and practices of personnel management.
- Budgeting and financial oversight.
- Hospitality and tourism industry operations.
- Sales and marketing strategy and implementation.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Standard office equipment, motor vehicles, and utility vehicles (e.g., electric carts).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The employee is frequently required to sit, talk, listen, walk for long distances, use hands to feel objects, reach with hands and arms, occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; specific vision abilities required include close vision, recognition, and the ability to adjust focus. Express or exchange ideas by means of spoken word accurately, clearly, or quickly.
Some travel required, day and/or overnight for several nights, for consumer travel shows, group travel conferences and professional development. Must be able to assemble booth with literature, promotional items, and be able to work long hours with standing for numerous hours at a time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions; protection from weather conditions and temperature changes. The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions and one or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin: Fumes, odors, dust, mist, gases, or poor ventilation. Expect noise levels from moderate while in the office to loud during events and outside the office.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, relevant, related or a logical assignment to the position. Consideration for employment must include the submission of a City of Claremore application; in addition, the rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference checks, and related job test may be required.