Job Openings at Asheville Chamber

Marketing Project Manager
Convention and Visitors Bureau

JOB TITLE:                Marketing Project Manager

           

REPORTS TO:           Vice President of Marketing & PR

DEPARTMENT:        Convention and Visitors Bureau

PAY STATUS:           Exempt

           

PRIMARY FUNCTION/JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for assisting in the development and execution of destination marketing strategies and, more specifically, implementing and overseeing key projects and initiatives for the Convention & Visitors Bureau.  In this role, the Marketing Manager will facilitate execution of assigned special projects and marketing efforts and work directly with task forces, partners and teams as assigned/needed. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage the implementation, details and logistics for various marketing initiatives, projects and promotions from inception through production, launch and assessment.
• Work with the full marketing team to develop marketing strategies, campaigns, and collateral to generate awareness and drive overnight room bookings.
• Assist in the development of an annual marketing plan.
• Develop and maintain positive, productive relationships with industry partners and serve as the liaison for the roll out, implementation and maintenance of key marketing programs.
• Ensure strategic integration of the ExploreAsheville.com booking engine across all channels of advertising, promotion, communication and social efforts and evaluates and develops new opportunities that drive online bookings. Supervises contract compliance, coordinates participation and monitors performance
• Review, edit and serve as copywriter as needed on key marketing messaging including added value advertising, specific marketing projects, collateral and advertorial opportunities.
• Coordinate production, design and editing of collateral materials as needed.
• Create KPIs/benchmarks and metrics to measure success of specific marketing initiatives.

·         Provides guidance and graphic design on visual elements of brand and assures quality control of visual identity and logos.

·         Manages project deadlines, budgets and team coordination

·         Acts as traffic manager on agency deliverables,

Additional Responsibilities:

·         Prepare required reports, presentations, analysis and budgets as needed.

·         Be knowledgeable and adept of the CRM database used by the CVB.  

·         Become educated on Google Analytics and pull reports as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE):

1.      4-year college degree is required; a BS in Marketing. Journalism or Business Administration is preferred.

2.      At least four years of demonstrated experience in marketing and/or project management that involves multiple layers and constituencies.   

3.      Excellent interpersonal, written/verbal communication, organization, planning, and budget management skills.

4.      Excellent negotiation skills and strong analytical skills, with ability to gather and synthesize information/input from multiple sources into focused business direction.

5.      Basic understanding of marketing research principles, methodologies and applications.

6.      Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

7.      Experience in graphics programs such as Illustrator, InDesign, Pagemaker, PhotoShop, etc. 

8.      Ability to adapt to change easily and initiate action in a dynamic, fast-paced professional environment.

9.      Ability to represent the organization in a professional and positive manner.

10.  Ability to work independently, as well as within a team, quickly and nimbly and under pressure,.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES:

Performs some routine tasks, however, most of the work is project driven.  Must be able to prioritize, juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.  Computer skills and utilization of technology is required.  A baseline understanding of analytics and market research is helpful.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the direction of the Vice President of Marketing of the CVB.  Many duties will be performed with limited supervision and oversight from supervisor. 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY:

Accuracy is highly critical with all aspects of work performed by the marketing department. Attention to detail is imperative.  The expectation is for this position to be able to self-proof for accuracy, clarity and quality.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

The person in this position is expected to be a strong collaborator within the CVB marketing team and other departments within the organization. Ongoing contact with industry partners and the community requires professionalism, quick-thinking, diplomacy, and a responsive and positive attitude.  Additional external contacts includes interfacing with the BCTDA advertising agency of record and other vendors as needed. 

CONFIDENTIAL DATA:

Has access to marketing and sales information, database files, financial statements, and other BCTDA, CVB and Chamber-related information, all of which is considered confidential.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL/VISUAL EFFORT:

The degree of concentration ranges from slight to intense based on the work being performed.  Position is subject to frequent interruptions which require varied responses.  While performing duties of this job, employee is routinely required to be mobile, sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Requires visual acuity, manual dexterity and good eye/hand/foot coordination.  This position will also require frequent travel within the community and occasional travel outside the region.

ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a normal office environment.  Position requires transportation in order to occasionally travel to offices/properties of industry partners.  

Public Relations Specialist II

Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau

(Updated 2016)

JOB TITLE:                 Public Relations Specialist II

REPORTS TO:             Director of Communications

DEPARTMENT:          Convention and Visitors Bureau

PAY STATUS:             Exempt

PRIMARY FUNCTION:         

Works with the Director of Communications and PR Specialist to execute day-to-day media relations efforts in order to promote Asheville to the national and international markets as well as throughout the region. Works directly with editors, print reporters, broadcast journalists, bloggers, freelance writers, film makers, photographers, authors and publishers of travel-oriented books. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This position is akin to a junior account executive and will be instrumental in assisting with pitch development, on-site journalist visits, development of PR story pitch sheets and background material, development of news releases with oversight and direction from other members of the team, and assisting with media requests for materials, information and proofing.  

Works with the Director of Communications and PR Specialist in handling media queries, setting up interviews, providing background information and statistics, photos and video images, escorting journalists, and proactive pitching.

Develops media materials and writes news releases, story idea sheets, backgrounders, fact sheets, media advisories, video news release scripts, articles and pitches aimed at local, regional, national and international press. Maintains online news room and media photo gallery.

Employs social media as a media relations, destination news and story inspiration tool. Monitors and connects with key media contacts online, ensuring that the ACVB engages/thanks/echoes their coverage of the destination and looks for opportunities to strengthen relationships and pitch them in online forums. 

Coordinates and tracks destination news dissemination including creation and maintenance of media lists using contact database software, as well as the development and deployment of targeted press releases/pitches via email, newswire services and ACVB media/content channels.  

Works with the Director of Communications and PR Specialist to plan and execute media tours including scheduling of appointments (including radio and TV appearances), coordinating community partners, developing press trip materials, building trip itineraries, executing the media trip, and following up with journalists during and after the trip.

Coordinate on-site media visits, blogger fams, international media trips, TV remotes or any other on-site media visit or opportunity, including hosting international and domestic fams or writers in partnership with the Visit NC and Travel South. This often means escorting the journalists and/or meeting them for lunch or dinner.

Assists with communications, messaging and media efforts within the sales sector by supporting proactive outreach efforts in the form of pitches and story ideas to key trade publications. 

Part of a team effort in the organization of local media events that enhance the standing of tourism in the community or the unveiling of specific marketing efforts.

OTHER TASKS:

Proofreads materials.

Attends and/or participates in community activities and meetings as appropriate.

Maintains an ongoing awareness of partners, events, stories and personalities as well as the important issues within the local and national media, as well as local issues impacting the CVB and tourism.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Requires college degree in English, journalism and/or communications plus at least two years experience in the field of public relations. Background in media relations, media pitching or work within the media is essential. Strong writing and editing skills and a pro-active marketing-oriented approach to public relations are critical.  Thorough understanding of AP style required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

Media relations and varied experience with all types of writing assignments are the two most important elements of experience needed. Ease in both written and oral communications and a thorough understanding of the role of public relations and how it can enhance and complement other marketing elements within the company are key. A high degree of organizational skills are necessary to juggle the multiple projects and deadlines that are required of the person in this position. Experience in social media is increasingly important in the job.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES:

Performs some routine tasks, however, work is also very project driven.  Must be able to prioritize, juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines.  Computer skills and utilization of technology is required. Travel is required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the direction of the Director of Communications.  Many duties will be performed with limited supervision and oversight from supervisor. 

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY:

Accuracy is highly critical with all aspects of work performed by the public relations department. Attention to detail is imperative.  Proofreading is an essential part of the job. Most errors could be detected through proofing procedures.  Undetected errors could range in severity from slight to far reaching.     

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

Contact with the media requires professionalism, quick thinking, and tact.  Additional external contacts hospitality partners and the general public.  Internal contacts include the ACVB and Chamber staff and, at times, the TDA Board. 

CONFIDENTIAL DATA:

Has access to marketing and sales information, database files, financial statements, and other Chamber-related information, all of which is considered confidential.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL/VISUAL EFFORT:

The degree of concentration ranges from slight to intense based on the work being performed.  Position is subject to frequent interruptions which require varied responses.  While performing duties of this job, employee is routinely required to be mobile, sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Requires visual acuity, manual dexterity and good eye/hand/foot coordination. 

ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a normal office environment.  

Destination Content Specialist

Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau

(Updated 2016)

JOB TITLE:                 Content Specialist

REPORTS TO:             Content Manager

DEPARTMENT:          Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau

PAY STATUS:             Exempt

PRIMARY FUNCTION:         

The primary function of this position is writing and content creation. This position will be the copy writer and voice of Explore Asheville social channels working with the Content Manager and Director of Communications. A destination reporter of sorts, this position will support destination news coverage and the development and production of multi-media content for Explore Asheville channels.

This staff writer position will be responsible for the development of the Asheville Traveler e-newsletter, various new Web content pieces, specialty content that aligns with specific promotions or advertising initiatives, social media efforts and blog/destination news content, as well as support of the ongoing need for quality digital assets (photo, video, GIFs, podcasts, infographics, live streaming events, etc.).

Additional Job Functions:

·         ACVB staff writer for online content projects and destination news coverage.

·         Editorial planning and execution, including day-to-day activation of the social media grid and monitoring of and participation in online conversation related to Asheville as a travel destination.

·         Collaborates with staff, local partners and external agencies to develop and promote dynamic content for ACVB channels. Point-person for editorial activation efforts.

·         Researches and develops new content (written, audio, video, streaming) that feeds ExploreAsheville.com and microsites, enhances traditional PR and advertising initiatives and provides opportunity for additional online outreach.

·         Creation, curation, distribution and promotion of engaging photo and video content for the destination’s website and social platforms. 

·         Works with Marketing Manager to develop advertising landing page elements and supports copywriting needs needs for native ad content.

·         Serves as the primary point-of-contact to evangelize, promote and drive online and social media efforts (including contest and giveaways) designed to generate online conversation and downstream traffic to destination media portals and hospitality partners.  

·         Supports Content Manager in online influencer relations, including engagement with community, regional and national bloggers and social figures.

·         Creates, edits and monitors user-generated content about Asheville where appropriate (such as Wikipedia, Expedia and other community sites).

·         Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Seasoned writer with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Interactive Media or equivalent, basic experience with Adobe Creative Suite, basic HTML, and a minimum of one year experience in online communications, journalism or blogging. Basic video production/editing experience preferred.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

Requires strong writing skills and experience with popular and emerging social media platforms, blogging tools and publishing software. Solid understanding of online tools, including forums, blogs, podcasts, Sproutsocial/Hootsuite, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, Vimeo and the language and jargon that is used in these communities. Position requires well-organized, self-motivated, good communicator comfortable in a fast-paced environment.

COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES:

Performs some routine tasks, however, work is also very project driven. Must be able to organize and prioritize a challenging workload, flexibility and speed of execution to capitalize on opportunities quickly. Computer skills and utilization of technology is required.  Ability to use spreadsheets, analyze data and provide understandable reports is also a necessity.   

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works in the Marketing/PR area of the CVB in a team environment, reporting directly to the Destination Content Manager. Collaboration is key, working with a team in order to achieve shared objectives.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY:

Accuracy is highly critical with all aspects of work performed by the public relations department. Attention to detail is imperative. The position serves as Asheville’s online voice in blogs, posts and comments and therefore, needs to adhere to a certain online public decorum. Proof-reading is an essential part of the job. Most errors could be detected through proofing procedures.  Undetected errors could range in severity from slight to far reaching.     

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

Ongoing contact within the online world requires professionalism and tact.  Additional contacts include CVB and Chamber staff, BCTDA and its agencies of record.  

CONFIDENTIAL DATA:

Has access to marketing and sales information, database files, financial statements, Web statistics and other Chamber-related information, all of which is considered confidential.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL/VISUAL EFFORT:

The degree of concentration ranges from slight to intense based on the work being performed.  Position is subject to frequent interruptions which require varied responses.  While performing duties of this job, employee is routinely required to be mobile, sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Requires visual acuity, manual dexterity and good eye/hand/foot coordination. 

ENVIRONMENT:

Works in a normal office environment.