POSITION OVERVIEW. MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH (Gulfport, MS) MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST

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1 POSITION OVERVIEW MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH (Gulfport, MS) MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST The Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of the top vacation destinations, places to meet and do business and places to live in the Southeast region of the United States. The economy is booming. It is visually attractive, easy to navigate with a variety of quality amenities, services, facilities and products and of a high value for both residents and visitors to enjoy. A way of life Beach escape, affordable living, golf and fishing expedition... Yes, you really can have it all on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast! Pack your sunglasses and prepare to experience a unique destination that blends authentic Southern charm and historical attractions with the upscale amenities and if wanted, can offer the excitement of Vegas-style casino resorts all wrapped in a welcoming and distinctly laid-back coastal vibe. Celebration is a way of life down here and the Mississippi Gulf Coast hosts over 400 different festivals a year, spotlighting virtually every type of cuisine, local artists and craftsmen, music genre and sporting activity one can imagine. The performing arts share the stage thanks to an exciting local music scene, national headline entertainers, local theater and symphony. Top-notch museums, galleries and pottery studios invite you to get creative with hands-on classes. And, last but not least, Mardi Gras season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a not-to-be-missed experience that can be enjoyed by all ages! The Mississippi Gulf Coast, overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and 62 miles of scenic shoreline including the world's longest (26 miles) man-made beach - started by nature improved by man. Look for the beach vendors where you can jet ski, aqua cycle or even rent a Catamaran. Visitors can enjoy our world-class golf courses, artistic and historical museums and after a day of fun, visitors can begin an exciting evening with dinner at a local seafood restaurant before heading off to enjoy 24-hour gaming at one of the coast's casino resorts. Conveniently located on the central Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is nestled midway between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama both approximately an hour s drive away. The region is also serviced by three major airports and is easily accessible by both air and car. For visitors throughout the Southeast and Texas, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the perfect destination for getting away from it all without the hassles or expense of a bigger trip. Page 1 of 5

2 Meeting Venues & Hotels: The Mississippi Gulf Coast boasts a variety of flexible meeting venues to suit any event and nearly 13,000 hotel rooms to meet your housing needs. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center offers over 400,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The Beau Rivage offers 50,000 sq. ft. for meetings and the IP Casino Resort Spa offers more than 37,600. Area hotels offer from 1,000 to 6,400 sq. ft. to accommodate smaller groups. Click here for a listing of meeting space. Sports Venues: The Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding area offers a variety of sports venues for public, private and corporate sporting events. Since we're on the Gulf Coast our location, climate and affordable sports event venues are a perfect complement to our 62 miles scenic coastline, gulf beaches and true Southern hospitality. By offering world class athletic facilities, affordable accommodations and family entertainment, the Mississippi Gulf Coast provides the ultimate sporting experience for both participants and spectators alike! ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST REGIONAL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU The Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau is an organization charged with promoting South Mississippi (Harrison County, Hancock County and Jackson County) as a tourism and convention destination. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention, sports and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi. Budget: $3 million Staff: 14 approx. Reports to: 15 Commissioners (Board) to include 3 Jackson County, 9 Harrison County and 3 Hancock County Core Values: Collaboration, Teamwork, Unity, Championship of a Positive Image for the MS Gulf Coast Core Purpose: To have a positive impact on the quality of life for residents of the MS Gulf Coast through the advancement of the Tourism Industry Envisioned Future: To achieve Premier Destination status by 2020 by 1) Increase annual visitation from 5 million in 2012 to 7 million annually; 2) Transform current $1.6 billion annual tourism spending into $2.3 billion; 3) Create roughly 10,000 new tourism jobs on the MS Gulf Coast. Vision Statement: To create continuous growth in jobs and economic growth through establishing the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region as a premier destination for tourism, meetings and conventions, sports, travel, events and trade shows. To learn more about the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the CVB, please visit: Page 2 of 5

3 SUMMARY OF POSITION The Executive Director will lead all marketing, sales and operational efforts for the Convention and Visitors Bureau. This individual will be responsible for the growth of tourism and meeting segments by developing and executing an effective brand, marketing and sales strategies. Implementing long term strategic planning, financial management and able to plan and direct beyond day to day operations. The position will create all business plans mutually agreed upon by the Executive Director and the Commissioners. The position reports to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Commissioners. Must actively support and lead the achievement and implementation of vision, strategies, goals, objectives and tactics approved by the Bureau and as set forth in the MGCRCVB Playbook. Executive Director must assume and display a leadership role in the development and execution of the MGCRCVB s scope of work to permanently establish a true three county tourism marketing effort. Review and approval of staff and agency proposals, plans and work product prior to presentation to the Bureau or its Committees working within the established budget focusing on creating a premiere travel destination. Responsible for work through a series of Bureau committees managing an enthusiastic staff of approximately 14 and annual budget of $3.0 million and working within a three county community focused on creating a premier travel destination. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE The executive director serves as a principal advisor to the MGCRCVB on matters pertaining to the development of convention and leisure tourism sales, marketing and services. Proven track record of booking conventions, meetings and trade shows at a large (400,000) convention center including a working knowledge of key trade show and meeting planner contacts within the association executive, convention organizer and corporate market segments. Proven track record of booking or stimulating significant leisure travel through the group and FIT markets including working with wholesalers, receptive operators and internet providers. Proven track record of stimulating positive media coverage through positive relations with related media outlets including travel writers, local and national news outlets, sports, recreation and leisure publications. Foster and encourage a positive working environment through good personnel practices monitoring and evaluating the staff consistent with the goals and objectives set forth in the MGCRCVB Playbook. Familiarity and good practices, staff motivation and retention and excellent board relationship practices. Familiarity and good practices with the three county boards of supervisors, local governments, state legislators, federal agencies and other governmental agencies as necessary. Excellent experience in working with and developing positive relationships aligning efforts with marketing partners that market and impact tourism. Experience marketing tourism in a coastal environment is a plus. Experience working within the market segments related to nature tourism, recreational events, including sports tournaments, fishing, golf, nature and blue water trails and cultural adventures. Experience in developing and obtaining market research, preparing market analysis and development of an annual strategic plan to produce the best results within the budget to reach the stated Key Performance Indicators. Experience working with an advertising agency on developing the annual advertising and marketing plan, supervision of the agency directly and through designated staff, creating and evaluating a broad range of marketing programs to support every market segment including collateral, interactive presentations, website and digital campaigns and tradeshow support materials. Experience in maintaining excellent interactive technology including the latest software, database management and website management to insure the MGCRCVB is on the leading edge of technology. Page 3 of 5

4 Prepare annual budget, revenue estimates and the annual financial statement audit ensuring the financial integrity of the Bureau and regularly report upon the Bureau s financial condition to the Commissioners as required. These core competencies will allow the executive director to guide Bureau personnel in the creation of a marketing and sales program, a strong customer and internal service ethic with specific emphasis on maintaining cooperative relationships with other agencies having common interest in promoting the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a premier destination, meeting and tourism area. Ideal Background and Skill Set Desired (but not limited to) Previous experience leading (or as second chair) for a CVB/DMO of like size budget with a convention and tourism component is mandatory. Connection or interest in southern living is preferred but not mandatory. Significant industry related sales and marketing experience is very important. Experience leading an advertising agency that will brand, market and advertise the destination is important. Understanding of social networking/viral media. Experience in developing a dynamic website preferred. Ability to track and report ROI to key constituents and the media to keep the CVB s success in the forefront Proven business and public relations skill sets A Bachelor s degree in business, marketing, management, hospitality and tourism or related field with a minimum of 5 years of senior management within the tourism industry is required. Previous experience with ocean, beach and/or casino destinations preferred. STRATEGY SUMMARY KEY SUCCESS FACTORS (KSF) 1. Three (3) County Regional Approach (25%) 2. Quantifiable Goals, Measurement, and Monitoring (25%) 3. Cooperative and Formal Partnership between Private and Public Sector Entities (10%) 4. Financial and Participative Leadership from Stakeholders (10%) 5. Open and Candid Public Communication (10%) 6. Operational Effectiveness and Performance and Compliance (10%) TOP PRIORITIES Do a lot of listening and ask questions to build relationships with regional business leaders with regional elected/appointed officials with the three (3) counties to deliver a one coast partnership approach (KSF1). Develop clear and concise goals with quantification measurements and monitor (KSF2). Structured methodology for future plan developments between county elected leaders, CVB executives/appointees, and private sector stakeholders (KSF3). Structure and develop open meetings, with generally available meeting summaries to eliminate any potential for misrepresentation of the facts (KSF3 and KSF5). Written contracts and/or agreements for funding and "loaned expertise" to a regional tourism organization (KSF4). Assess convention, meeting and tourism potential to fill gaps and off peak holes by establishing open communication with hospitality and other Coast organizations to establish what is working and what is not and develop plan with metrics moving forward (KSF6). Assess the current team deployment and ensure sufficient staff resources, organizational structure and effectiveness (KSF6). Build confidence with local and state officials to position the CVB to have established the organizational foundation to receive and/or manage restore funds earmarked for tourism consistent with the Go Coast 2020 report issued. (KSF All). Page 4 of 5

5 If you are interested in this position, please respond via with cover letter, resume, and compensation information to the following SearchWide Executive: Mark Gnatovic, Senior Vice President, SearchWide or Phone: Page 5 of 5