GENERAL PURPOSE
The Independence Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Independence, Missouri. Visit Independence provides leadership to the City of Independence by fulfilling the mission to attract visitors to Independence. Independence is home to the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman, the center of National Frontier Trails, part of the metroplex of Kansas City, offering meeting and event space, sports and leisure venues in the state of Missouri. By supporting and promoting tourism development, this expands the hospitality industry in Independence.

Summary
• Visit Independence is a 501 C-3
• Visit Independence is funded through the Transient Guest tax – approximately $2.2 million) – receiving about 50% of the total yearly collections
• Visit Independence is guided by thirteen (13) members

General Responsibilities
• Develop Visit Independence Goals, Priorities and Policies
• Oversee the implementation of Visit Independence Strategic Plan, including planning a supervising programming initiative, developing annual operating and marketing plans, develop and monitor budget and identify industry benchmark performance measures.
• Plan annual budget and program of work
• Plan and implement direct sales and marketing programs, evaluate results and recommend actions to achieve program goals
• Communicate consistent and collaborative flow of information with the Independence community, hospitality industry, Independence City Government, business leaders, volunteers, convention, sports and event planners, media and stakeholders
• Generate monthly reports to Independence City Council, Independence City Manager, Visit Independence Board of directors, and annual presentations to Independence City Council.
• Coordinates with all tourism entities, including lodging, historic sites, museums, and attractions for marketing an promotion.

Development
• Develop programs, identify markets to strategically secure events, meetings, sports and visitors to Independence
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Visit Independence, their policies and programs
• Represent Visit Independence at key industry functions, events, as well as attend City Council, County Legislature and greater KC meetings and events
• Provide direction in soliciting for events, conferences, and sports, planning, registration and other ways to extend hospitality to delegates and visitors
• Monitor legislative issues affecting the Missouri travel industry
• Maintain accurate records that monitor the progress of Visit Independence’ programs and projects
• Serve on appropriate community boards and committees
• Maintain positive relationships with City of Independence, Independence Chamber of Commerce, Visit Independence Board of Directors, Media, City, County and State elected officials

Marketing
• Oversee design and content of all Visit Independence marketing materials: website, visitors guide, social media, and communications
• Serve as the voice for the Independence tourism industry
• Facilitate development of local and regional tourism attractions and events
• Promote local – what makes Independence unique

Supervision
• Supervise Visit Independence staff
• Develop individual and team goals, review with staff quarterly• Conduct annual performance evaluations for Visit Independence staff, review and update job descriptions annually
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Education and Experience:
A. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree preferably in hospitality or marketing.;
AND
B. Five (5) years of progressively responsible related experience including at least three (3) years in a management or supervisory position.
OR
C. An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Considerable knowledge of Administration, leadership, budget, finance, accounting and human resources; Federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; grant applications and monitoring of grant funds; budgetary principles and practices; common ethical business standards and practices; building codes; administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and budget development and implementation; applicable state, federal and local laws, rules and regulations; basic accounting principles and practices; methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation; Computer applications related to the work; advanced level of interpersonal skills necessary in order to provide effective leadership to subordinate personnel and to develop cooperative working relationships with employees, senior management, elected officials and vendors supplying goods or services to the jurisdiction.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and cooperative problem-solving; analytical processes necessary to develop and implement department’s mission, goals, and procedures.
• Ability to determine needs for capital expenditures, personnel and operating budgets; and prepare special reports or analyses for jurisdiction or outside agencies; develop and implement department mission, goals and procedures; determine needs for capital expenditures, personnel and operating budgets; and prepare special reports or analyses for jurisdiction or outside agencies; provide effective leadership to subordinate personnel and to develop cooperative working relationships with employees, senior management, elected officials and vendors supplying goods or services to the jurisdiction; analyze and resolve office administrative situations and problems; plan, organize, assign, direct, review and evaluate the work of staff; review, analyze, interpret, and evaluate regulations, policies/procedures, and programs; research, compile, and summarize a variety of information and statistical data and materials; use technology (hardware and software); use tact, discretion, and good judgment; organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up assignments with a minimum of direction; select and motivate staff and provide for their training and professional development; communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in-writing.
• Proven management experience
• Experience with marketing
• Experience with budget development
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven leadership
• Experience in supervision with proven ability to recruit, train and develop staff
• Able to work in fast-paced environment with constant changing priorities and deadlines
• Willing and able to work evenings, weekends and holidays based on client and office demand. Able and willing to travel.
• High level of technology proficiency
• Logical thinker, makes common sense decisions independently
• Provides leadership to all staff members, mentoring and providing constructive suggestions

3. Special Qualifications: (depending on area of assignment)
Valid State Driver's License
Independence residency preferred

4. Work Environment:
Work generally performed in a typical office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt and the like. While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, to reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10-20 pounds. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity is required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.