Reporting to the Director of Neighborhood Engagement, the Bureau Chief of Tourism and Promotions is responsible for the strategic planning, development, implementation and evaluation of tourism and promotions initiatives in accordance with city policies and best practices. Work plan involves planning and coordinating tourist attractions to market the City of Lancaster, PA in conjunction with the Tourism Master Plan. The position requires implementation of marketing programs designed to increase the economic impact for the City of Lancaster. It involves developing, promotions, organizing and coordinating events and activities in support of efforts. This position requires a high-level interaction and collaboration with local, county, and state government and destination marketing organizations to market the region.
- Implement a ten-year tourism strategic plan for the city, coordinating with other local and regional organizations and programs, neighboring counties, and the State Office of Tourism.
- Coordinates programs and activities with other tourism organizations and associations such as Discovery Lancaster, Lancaster City Alliance, and PA Restaurant and Lodging Association and other Destination Marketing Organizations, (DMO.
- Identify and maintain strategic internal partnerships to include Department of Public Works, Community Planning and Economic Development, Public Safety, and the City’s Communications Team on brand development and strategic communications planning.
- Direct the Lancaster Office of Promotions Advisory Board and serves as liaison to private industry, government agencies and other organizations on tourism matters; provide local businesses with information of marketing opportunities.
- Develop and implement an annual tourism marketing plan for the city with measurable goals and objectives and specific strategies related to target markets, communication tactics, positioning and branding. The marketing plan should include a budget and annual evaluation of the success of the plan (ROI, changes in visitor spending and volume, website inquiries, revenue generation for example.)
- Prepare and administer bureau budget, track expenditures and prepare annual and monthly report of activities. Work closely with the City of Lancaster Advancement Team to develop funding opportunities related to tourism initiatives
- Direct the Welcome Center and Lancaster Office of Promotions staff, including training, evaluating, and recruiting staff. Identify and facilitate staff development opportunities to ensure awareness of current trends.
- Facilitate creation of special events designed to attract visitors; maintain contact with area attractions and tourist/visitor services. Trouble shoot operational logistic to ensure seamless coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
Education, Training and Experience- Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
- Industry Experience: 6+ years of industry experience, with a minimum of 3 years focused on travel.
- Proven success in managing special event programs and leading teams.
Licenses and Certificates - Possession of a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License.
- Destination Marketing: Extensive experience in destination marketing, preferably with a leadership role in a destination marketing organization (DMO). Strong understanding of B2C and B2B marketing principles.
- Government Relations: Active understanding of government relations best practices and public servant responsibilities.
- Data Driven Decision Making: Forward thinking with a mindset for data driven decision making and problem solving.
- Project Management: Experience with project management methodologies and best practices.
- Independence and Collaboration: Works well independently while seeking expert perspectives for informed decisions.
- Relationship Building: Strong ability to build and foster relationships independently.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, including internal and external presentations.
- Leadership: Prior experience leading a team with progressive responsibilities.
- Organizational Skills: Well organized with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
- Clear Communication: Able to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing and perform under tight deadlines.
- Work Ethic: Dependable with a strong work ethic.
- Technical Aptitude: Strong aptitude for technical software products and experience with website CMS management.
- Demonstrates behaviors that support the city’s Core Values of Quality, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork
Environmental Conditions - Indoors, Environmentally Controlled.
Safety Equipment Used or Needed Comments- Requires ability to work long hours
- This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.
