To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Hiring@GoPutnam.com. The application has a rolling deadline, ending March 31, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Position Overview
The Executive Director holds a contract position leading an economic development organization that contributes to Putnam County’s quality of life through tourism-focused development and promotion.
The ED is responsible for leading the staff, and working with collaborating organizations and the community, through the final two years of the county’s current five-year outdoor recreation master plan, which the CVB adopted as its strategic plan. This plan focused the CVB on “tourism development,” vs “tourism promotion,” and developing/supporting outdoor recreation-related venues, programs and events will continue through 2026. With the local experience that will result as the current plan is completed, the ED will be responsible for drafting the organization’s next strategic plan, to begin in 2027.
The ED is a collaborator, creator and supporter of partnerships in this county of nearly 40,000 residents. From the Visitors Center, located on Greencastle’s historic Courthouse Square, through 2026 s/he oversees a full-time staff member and works with the part-time county parks director as part of the CVB’s collaboration with the Putnam County Parks Board and the Putnam Parks & Pathways organization.
The ED has primary responsibility for promoting Putnam County to markets outside the county and state, and annually increasing overnight stays. This position is accountable for the accomplishments and fiscal integrity of the CVB, working closely with the board of directors and reporting to the board president.
Key Responsibilities
Administration
- Oversees all day-to-day functions of the CVB according to established operational policies, guidelines, laws, and ethical standards; ensures full compliance with State of Indiana statutes pertaining to the operation of visitors bureaus (I.C. 6-9-18)
- Implements the CVB Strategic Plan according to the board’s input and approval; provides technical assistance to the board on policy issues, policy analysis and interpretation
- With the board treasurer, monitors financial transactions and ensures all invoices are paid; responsible for successful financial management, providing monthly reporting; prepares an annual budget according to the board’s financial parameters; arranges for and completes financial audits by an independent agency
- Supervises, directs, hires, trains, reviews, and terminates staff members by established policies
- Prepares written monthly status reports for the board and annual tourism activity reports for the board and local tourism industry; assesses accomplishments and strategies for future discussion/action
- Attends meetings, workshops and conferences to keep abreast of government policies and tourism industry trends; maintains a high degree of knowledge with regard to Putnam County tourism products and providers
Communications, Representation & Advocacy
- Serves as the chief representative of the CVB to all stakeholders, including the board, staff, partners, media, merchants, government, residents, and visitors
- Acts as primary spokesperson for the CVB
- Networks with individuals and organizations to improve and enhance the viability of tourism in Putnam County
- Represents the CVB on committees and task forces relevant to the strategic plan, business attraction, retention and revitalization, competitiveness, quality of life, and quality of place
- Maintains a personal presence at community events
- Seeks, prepares and delivers presentations and materials to local and regional civic and governmental organizations regarding the benefits of tourism relative to the local economy
- Acts as the primary liaison, and develops relationships with, professional tourism organizations and committees locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally
- Provides tourism education for local tourism providers and employers
Research
- Performs primary research regarding the local tourism industry and on which to base marketing and development programs
- Maintains secondary tourism industry research: industry trends, best practices and government policies (nationally, statewide and locally) to understand current influencing issues
- Shares tourism industry research with local partners and tourism providers to assist those organizations in identifying profitable market segments
Marketing
- Oversees creative messaging, image/identity development and destination branding
- Develops and implements an annual tourism marketing plan based on the strategic plan, available research and identified target markets using contemporary media tactics; monitors and evaluates the marketing plan; maintains return-on-investment data for all marketing activities and makes adjustments for future programs as necessary
- Works with tourism-related stakeholders, locally, regionally, and statewide to develop and successfully implement cooperative/packaged tourism marketing and development strategies
- Leverages resources to maximize the impact of marketing and promotions
- Organizes and delivers marketing products, and responds to all inquiries about travel to the county, on a timely basis
Other duties as assigned
Reporting
- The ED reports directly to the president of the CVB board
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in tourism management, hospitality, communications, business administration, marketing, or a related field
- Comparable on-the-job training combined with extensive experience may substitute
- Five years’ experience in a related senior position
- Previous experience with a convention and visitors bureau or promotion of tourism is desirable
- Experience with managing staff
- Advanced computer literacy; familiarity with QuickBooks, Microsoft programs, WordPress website editing, and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google ads, and Pinterest.
- Knowledge of budget development and financial management
- Working knowledge of the tourism industry and proven talent with regard to tourism product development and tourism marketing
- Demonstrated skill in communications and marketing; relevant experience in current methods of evaluating and executing advertising, sales, marketing, and digital/on-line/social media
- Knowledge of research, data analysis and report presentation techniques
- Oral and writing skills, including proper grammar, for professional communications, presentations, and advertising; public speaking expertise
- Networking and advocacy skills
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with business, civic, cultural, and government institutions as well as the general public
- Awareness of local assets and opportunities
- Self-reliant, self-starting approach; capable of independent judgment, discretion and initiative
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license is required
Physical Requirements
- Clear speaking abilities; ability to hear and see
- Stand for seven hours on occasion
- Lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds on occasion
- Air and car travel is sometimes required
- Drug test, background and credit check may be required
Evaluation
- Annual review by the board; on-going oversight by the board president
Compensation and Benefits
The CVB seeks to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to someone passionate about our mission and vision. The position includes annual contract compensation of between $65,000 and $75,000, depending on skills and experience.
The position is eligible for the following additional benefits in accordance with the CVB’s policies:
- A healthcare allowance of $100 / month, pretax, contributed to a Health Savings Account
- Twenty-one days of paid time off (PTO) after the first 90 days of employment
- Flexible work hours with an expectation to be onsite at least three days per week
Any offer is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background check.
To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Hiring@GoPutnam.com. The application has a rolling deadline, ending March 31, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.