Tourism Sales Coordinator

Description

This position performs challenging work meeting and supporting the sales, marketing, and administrative efforts of the Office of Economic Development and Tourism. The primary role of the Tourism Sales Coordinator is to collaborate with the department to implement a strategy that will differentiate the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County from other regional competitors through advertising, promotions, trade events, and visitor experience initiatives to stimulate economic growth for the region.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Represents the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County at local, state, and national industry-related events and conferences.
• Manages and reports on a portfolio of assigned business relationships.
• Tracks data, manages customer record and produces reports, such as:
  1. Sales Mission Contacts and Leads
  2. Economic Impact Reports
  3. Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Sales Reports
  4. Custom Databases and Searches
  5. Updated Stakeholder Information
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with area facilities, attractions, hospitality businesses, and other stakeholders to promote effective sales efforts.
• Coordinates the facilities and the services needed to plan events, such as meetings, conferences, sports events, weddings and family reunions, group tours, etc.
• Build itineraries and assist with the planning and execution of Familiarizations (FAM) Tours for travel writers, tour operators, wedding planners, meeting and sports planners, and other parties.
• Attends local, regional or state level meetings, conference, and special events and staffs the City’s information tables and/or booths.
• Maintains a well-informed, up-to-date knowledge of all area facilities and keeps Tourism and Visitor Services staff informed of new developments at such facilities.
• Prepares RFPs for meetings, conference, sports events, weddings, family reunions, tours, etc.
• Maintains accurate and current listings on various platforms, including Virginia.org.
• Responds to inquiries with information about the Danville-Pittsylvania County region.
• Develops and/or obtains step-on guides and shuttle bus services as needed for group tours.
• Prepares and reports on economic impact for special events, partnerships, and leads.
• Prepares reports for economic development and tourism projects using JobsEQ.
• Coordinates the fulfillment of convention and visitor services’ needs.
• Participates in the qualifying of prospective leads.
• Researches, analyzes, disseminates, and maintains market intelligence information on prospect accounts.
• Maintains knowledge of visitor-related topics, such as current events, lodging, shopping, food/beverage outlets, area attractions and street/highway routing.
• Prepares analysis, agendas, content, materials, and follow-up documentation as appropriate.
• Gathers and prepares data for annual budget, grant applications, and grant audits.
• Collaborates with colleagues to develop an understanding of tourism and an economic development strategy.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as assigned.

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sales, Business, or related field with direct tourism industry sales experience. Must demonstrate success in applying marketing practices, sound business theories, and industry best-practices. Candidate must have a proven sales track record.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above
Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria

Job Knowledge
Intermediate knowledge to perform most work in normal situations. Comprehension of standard situations and includes knowledge of most of the specific aspects of the subject.
Reading
Advanced: Ability to read literature, books, reviews, industry journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents.
Writing
Advanced: Ability to compose and edit reports, presentations, proposals, grant submissions, editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques.
Math
Advanced: Ability to apply fundamental concepts of theories, work with advanced mathematical operations, methods and functions of real and complex variables.
Communication Skills
Decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies may be made. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Evaluates customer satisfaction, develops cooperative associations, and utilizes resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction.
Independence and Decision-Making
Normally performs the duty assignment with substantial discretion and within broad parameters deigned by general organizations requirements and accepted practices. Overall results determine job performance.
Technical Skills
Comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical fields with use of analytical judgement and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.
Fiscal Responsibilities
Completes research for documents, compiles data for computer entry, and/or enters or oversees data entry. Has responsibility for monitoring budget/fiscal expenditures (typically non-discretionary expenditures) for a work unit of less than department size (programs, activities, projects or small organizational units) or responsibility for fiscal management of capital project(s). May recommend budget allocations.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May occasionally direct helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, or temporary employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is sedentary in nature, requiring sitting, moving between office equipment and occasional light physical exertion.
• Adequate vision, hearing, and talking to use a computer, telephone, and communicate effectively with others.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May frequently experience time pressure, changing tasks, multitasking, working closely with others as part of a team and work in emergency situations.
• May frequently work an irregular work schedule and be exposed to a noisy or distracting environment.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools, and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
Typically requires use of internet, standard office equipment, to include telephone and computer, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, SCOUT, Simpleview, and related software and hardware.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is normally performed in an office setting, primarily at a desk in a quiet environment. The employee is not exposed to environmental hazards and does not normally require the use of protective equipment.