The Burke County Tourism Development Authority is seeking an Executive Director.

Job Traits and Duties:
The Director of the Burke County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) must be a highly motivated, outgoing person who has strong leadership qualities.  They must be skilled in community relations, public speaking, multi-tasking, and strategic planning; possess business management and organizational skills; have good financial skills to guide the overall financial development of the organization as well as proficient in QuickBooks Accounting Software; and flexible to travel, work weekends and evenings when necessary.  They need to understand tourism as an economic driver.  Three years experience in management, public relations, tourism, or equivalent preferred.  Salary Range $35,000-$52,500.  All applicants must fill out a formal job application which can be obtained by going to the Burke County Tourism Development Authority website: www.discoverburkecounty.com

All applications and resumes must be mailed to PO Box 1472, Morganton NC 28680 c/o Sharon Jablonski.  Deadline for applications is May 22, 2009. 

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership and strategic planning for the TDA, the local tourism industry and for the development of the community
• Maintain and strengthen partnerships with local economic development agencies and local government
• Lead the TDA as a Destination Management Organization
• Determine and implement tourism/product development initiatives (festivals, sporting events, are some examples)
• Market and promote the destination
• Oversee the administrative operation of the TDA
• Represent TDA in various statewide and regional tourism organizations
• Ensure the visitor center is properly staffed and managed
• Community relations: promote the importance of tourism to the local community
• Continually work to attract groups to Burke County, strong emphasis on sporting events  and outdoor recreational events primarily due to the local facilities
• Effectively track and evaluate tourist coming to the area
• Seek out new partnerships for the TDA in order to expand the scope and reach of tourism.
• Communicate and work closely with area lodging establishments
• Create and distribute a quarterly newsletter or weekly update
• Development of all TDA collateral (website as well as brochures)
• Ensure Burke County is effectively represented in Statewide Marketing efforts
• Represent the interests of tourism-related businesses and organizations in Burke County
• Office Management: Payroll, accounting, human resources (benefits etc.)