Travel Salem is seeking to hire a destination development professional who will be responsible for the development of new tourism assets and the enhancement of existing visitor experiences in Polk County. Fostering relationships, engaging the business community, and securing funding is critical to ongoing development initiatives and the future of the DDM position.

Polk County is centrally located within Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine region, which is known for world-class wine, spectacular road and off-road cycling, agricultural bounties, and charming communities that offer unique experiences and life-long memories.

Reports to:

Irene Bernards, Chief Marketing Officer

Skills & Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or planning (preferred)
5+ years of direct experience (preferred)
Bilingual Spanish/English (preferred)
Knowledge of Polk County (preferred)
Strong, clear, and concise verbal and written communication skills
Experience with project development and management
Fundraising experience (e.g., grants, sponsors, donations)
Budget development
Organized and reliable
Marketing and/or Public Relations experience
Creative thinking and problem solving
Experience working with diverse groups of people and committees
Self-Starter/Proactive
Demonstrated ability to create compelling, on-brand messaging and content
Proficiency with computers, websites, social media, Microsoft Office applications

Details:

Vehicle required. Ability to lift and carry 35#. Some travel and evening and weekend hours. Full-time position, hourly wage, benefits.

To Apply:

Resume due by November 8, 2021, to: Irene Bernards, ibernards@TravelSalem.com or Travel Salem, 388 State Street Suite 100, Salem, OR 97301.

(Full-time, exempt position)

Responsible for the implementation of community awareness strategies and campaigns that increase the public’s awareness of the tourism industry and the economic impact it generates. Responsible for fostering productive relationships with local and regional media and stakeholders (e.g. government agencies, local communities).

Reports to:

Angie Onyewuchi, President & CEO

Responsibilities:

Media Relations
Establish strong relationships and communications with print, broadcast and digital media throughout the region and in the Portland/Metro area
Generate regular media coverage about Travel Salem’s programs and the region’s tourism industry
Coordinate industry-related media requests & interviews and serve as spokesperson as appropriate; coordinate with Public Relations Program
Track industry-related media coverage in print, digital and broadcast media
Prepare press releases for members as needed and maintain library of content
Proactively share industry-related coverage with Travel Salem staff to keep the team informed

Community & Government Relations
Prepare an annual government & community communications strategy for inclusion in the annual business plan
Generate and distribute quarterly Travel Salem & industry updates to government and community leadership
Prepare appropriate supplemental communications to government and community leaders
Attend public hearings, relevant open house and forum events, neighborhood and business association meetings, and represent Travel Salem on issues as appropriate in collaboration with the CEO
Implement the Speakers Bureau; schedule and coordinate presentations to various groups (e.g. chambers of commerce, city councils, neighborhood associations)
Create various presentations and reports as needed by the CEO

Reports & Plans
Create quarterly, annual, dashboard and other reports as needed
Develop strategic plan and business plan based on CEO direction

Research
Oversee research projects that include community development, intercept surveys, etc.
Research industry award opportunities for Travel Salem’s programs and submit nominations

Campaigns
Oversee creation and implementation of local community awareness campaigns
Create and implement National Tourism Week activities (e.g. mayoral proclamation, special events)

Administration
Complete monthly, quarterly, annual and consumer engagement reports
Provide editing support for Travel Salem staff
Responsible for administrative tasks

Miscellaneous Requirements
Work on special projects as determined by supervisor
Serve as occasional back-up in the Visitors Center
Requires some evenings, weekends and travel
Vehicle required; valid, unencumbered driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
Able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds
Participate in Travel Salem activities as needed

Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or journalism
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Demonstrated ability to create compelling, on-brand messaging & content
Media relations experience, including preparing press releases, pitching stories, coordinating interviews and tracking media results
Professional demeanor & the ability to represent Travel Salem in various capacities
Public speaking experience
Strong project management and organizational skills
Data analysis & reporting
Experience in creating PowerPoint presentations

To Apply:
E-mail cover letter and resume to Jennifer Miller at jmiller@travelsalem.com