Tourism Coordinator

General Definition and Conditions of Work:

• Utilize industry related experience to promote the Town of Abingdon for visitation, including the coordination of events featuring the Town's unique history and amenities.
• Assists Marketing Manager and Visitor Services Manager with daily duties and special events.
• Work in partnership with other employees, departments, external entities, and the public to deliver effective and innovative services, as well as seeking ways to integrate events, programs, or services provided by partners.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks:

• Represent the Town of Abingdon in a positive and professional manner.
• Act as staff representative at assigned special events, as well as assisting with special events as needed.
• Some overnight travel to attend meetings, seminars, conventions, and workshops related to tourism, marketing, and best practices.
• Participates in meetings, on boards and committees as assigned.
• Assist in preparation of the Marketing/Events budget, including preparing estimates of event costs.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute signature community events such as January Jams, 4th of July Community Event, Main Street Trick or Treat, Festival of Trees, and Best Abingdon.
• Solicits and coordinates with vendors, musicians, and other performance-based opportunities for special events.
• Collaborate with local non-profit organizations, private businesses, and the public in support of various special events.
• Create, implement, and manage Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with various non-profit and community organizations.
• Assist in developing opportunities for local businesses to create awareness for travelers and visitors.
• In conjunction with Town lodging, convention, and meeting facilities, encourage and develop travel, sales meetings, group travel, and convention business.
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with tourism industry leaders, including business owners, hospitality operators, restaurants, and community organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Highlands Festival, Farmer's Market, etc.
• Other related duties and projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good knowledge of key visitor attractions in Abingdon, with a focus on entertainment, dining, shopping, and lodging options.
• Good knowledge of important buildings and locations around the Town of Abingdon and ability to give directions to these areas.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize successful events.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, social media and other related software, as well as the ability to quickly learn software and applications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to be flexible with working days and hours, including the ability to work some nights and weekends.

Physical Abilities and Demands:

• Ability to work in an office setting including, but not limited to, the ability to walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time; repetitive hand movements and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist.
• Ability to exert light physical effort, usually involving some lifting, carrying, pushing and or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 40 pounds).

Education, Experience and Licenses:

• Completion of a standard high school course, or equivalent GED program.
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in tourism, hospitality, marketing, public or business administration, or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in tourism, hospitality management, public or business administration.
• Any equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid driver's license.