Program Manager

Stafford County Government is seeking an energetic and strategic Tourism Program Manager to lead efforts that promote Stafford as a premier destination for visitors, businesses, and events. This position plays a key role in fostering partnerships, supporting local tourism stakeholders, and advancing initiatives that drive visitation and economic impact throughout the community. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong relationship‑building skills, a passion for community engagement, and the ability to connect people, organizations, and opportunities that showcase the unique experiences Stafford County has to offer. Performs difficult skilled clerical, technical, and administrative tasks related to the department's Tourism program. Works to recruit meetings, events, sports tourism, and leisure travel opportunities to the County with an overall goal of increasing hotel stays that will, in turn, increase the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) collected and provide a positive economic impact to the County. Works alongside the Director and Project Manager to manage, develop, and execute the department’s Tourism marketing plan, strategic plan, department's Tourism website, social media, and collateral sites related to tourism. Work is performed under general supervision. The hiring salary range for this position is $96,720 to $132,995 based on experience. The full salary range for this position is $96,720 to $169,270 to provide opportunity for growth and development. Responsibilities Develops, implements, manages, and markets programs that promote the County as a premier tourism destination Assists with the development and marketing of Stafford County's economic development initiatives as they relate to Tourism Supports and assists in the marketing of Stafford County as a premier tourism destination for a positive economic development program Frequently reviews and responds to sports, group and meeting Request for Proposals (RFPs) to promote Stafford County as a host destination Develops and implements Tourism Programs to enhance visitor experience and desire within the destination Executes the implementation of a Tourism Strategic Plan Manages contractors for Tourism related tasks Represents Stafford County at applicable tourism councils and committees in the region Serves as the primary liaison with County and regional tourism assets and partners and is responsible for maintaining ongoing partnerships Oversees the maintenance of the County and regional tourism events calendars Works with the Project Manager and/or website consultant to manage updates to the Tourism website and takes primary responsibility for ensuring the website aligns with the tourism strategic and marketing plans Maintains Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database of all interactions with tourism assets and partners, to include hotel, restaurant, attractions, and County parks, as well as all interactions with sales leads for conferences, sports tourism events, community events as related to tourism, and other applicable interactions that are vital to the tracking metrics as set by the Director of the department Manages County listings on applicable tourism websites Assists in preparation of monthly tourism e-newsletter, Tourism Advisory Group meetings, tourism brochures, and media copy Participates in and represents the County at trade shows to market Stafford Tourism and the destination Maintains a contact list of agency contacts, clients, County attractions, offerings, events and visitors and gathers analytics on County and regional lodging activity Drafts the tourism budget and tourism-related procurements, subject to Director approval Assists in promoting Stafford Tourism by developing and implementing the Tourism Marketing Plan Organizes and maintains a portfolio of relevant tourism photos and images/graphics that are replenished frequently Prepares and maintains files and records Answers inquiries and provides information and referrals Attends tourism conferences to stay in tune with best practices and tourism industry trends Performs related tasks assigned Qualifications Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, and methods for planning, developing, and maintaining a comprehensive tourism program General knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, and methods for developing and implementing marketing and/or economic development programs General knowledge of the geographic layout of the County and surrounding areas Ability to plan, develop, and implement advertising and marketing strategies Ability to develop and write promotional copies, speeches, and correspondence Ability to work independently Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other County departments, community leaders, local historic groups, tourism‑related businesses, hoteliers, media, County officials, and state, federal, and local tourism agencies Ability to express ideas and present programs in an enthusiastic and dynamic manner that aligns with the department’s mission and the vision from County Administration Skill in public speaking before groups of various sizes Skill in using computers, CRM systems, and using a variety of office machines Ability to travel up to four weeks per calendar year to attend trade shows, conferences promoting the Stafford Tourism destination, and tourism best‑practices conferences Education and Experience A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, marketing, economics, or a field related to the work, and 4 years of experience in travel, tourism, leisure, business studies, marketing management or journalism. Experience at a program management level or higher is desired. #J-18808-Ljbffr