President & CEO - VisitColumbusGA - The Chason Group : Job Details

The President and Chief Executive Officer will be directly responsible to the VisitColumbus Board of Commissioners. The professional will plan, direct, and coordinate the promotion and marketing of the City of Columbus as a convention and tourist destination; performing such responsibilities as assigned by the Board; being responsible for the internal organization, administration, and operation of VisitColumbus staff; responsible for employment, direction, supervision, performance, evaluation, salary determination and termination of all VisitColumbus personnel. He/she will develop and supervise an annual budget for support of these activities and will be responsible for monthly financial reports and annual audit reports in accordance with written financial procedures approved by the Board. The professional will provide the strategic direction and management to attain the goals assigned by the Board to make Columbus, Georgia a leading destination for tourism, conventions and more in the state of Georgia. The leader will demonstrate expertise in collaboration, DMO governance and operations, financial management, tourism, marketing, public relations, and community development. The President & CEO will serve as the lead spokesperson for VisitColumbus and strategic initiatives, representing the organization's interests to the media, elected officials, and all community and organizational stakeholders. The professional is charged with the proficient management of all resources at the bureau's disposal. The individual is recognized as a dynamic leader with high integrity. Key skill sets required include the ability to manage and support current tourism programs; develop new initiatives and collaborative partnerships; excellent communication skills; and the ability to lead and engage all stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree in the area(s) of tourism management, association management, economic development, community development, public relations, public administration, business and/or marketing from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
• A Certificate in Destination Management (CDME) through the Destinations International and/or a Leadership Excellence Certification (LEC) from the Georgia Association and Convention & Visitors Bureau is preferred.
• Five years of executive-level leadership and personnel management experience with a convention and visitors bureau or DMO of similar scale and complexity, with demonstrated working knowledge of business, public policy, tourism, community development, economic development, event planning, and program development.
• During the tenure as President and CEO, the executive will be required to have a primary residency in Muscogee County, Georgia.
• A proven tenure in implementing a visionary strategic plan in collaboration with a diverse and influential body of organizational stakeholders.
• An innovative, creative, and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant initiatives and goals to enhance a region's tax base and a track record of proven results.
• A strong financial background in budget management.