Economic Development & Tourism Specialist

Summary Under the general direction of the Economic Development Director, to utilize advanced technology to create and implement tourism marketing and economic development strategies that provides customer service and data management, involving a considerable degree of independent judgment and initiative, in a fast-paced office. Performs related duties as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Develops programs that effectively markets the County as a destination for business, recreation and leisure activities, with the goal of increasing overnight stays and visitor spending, and supporting local and regional tourism marketing initiatives.

Maintains a working knowledge of Calumet County and regional and industry partners, including but not limited: to attractions, events, accommodations, and recreational activities. Keeps current database of information on these businesses to ensure accurate visitor information exists for inclusion into publications, websites and communications.

Maintains and updates the Travel Calumet website and related tourism sites (TravelWisconsin.com, destinationswisconsin.com) to ensure the most accurate and timely information.

Researches, recommends and develops content for e-newsletters, blogs and related appropriate social media and websites, among other marketing tools, to compile and disseminate information about tourism opportunities and destinations in Calumet County, in collaboration with other county staff, including the Parks and Planning, Zoning and Land Information Departments.

Coordinates and processes the development and update of tourism resources including but not limited to video recordings, print materials/guides and digital resources. Supports production of the annual visitors guide to ensure a visitor-focused publication.

Analyzes and actively supports developing tourism opportunities in Calumet County, including but not limited to: sports tourism and wedding/event venues, working in collaboration with the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other similar related organizations.

Maintains a comprehensive list of Calumet County businesses and tourist destinations in collaboration with related county staff (Parks and Planning, Zoning and Land Information Departments).

Collects and interprets visitor research, analyzes programs metrics to understand economic impacts of tourism marketing efforts and utilizes program data to recommend new tourism programs and activities.

Assists the Economic Development Director with routine business development requests and business support efforts.

Creates bi-weekly economic development e-newsletter.

Assists with economic development and tourism efforts by scheduling and attending meetings with businesses, Chambers of Commerce and other organizations, to provide information and gather data, about business interests and community needs.

Prepares routine correspondence and reports.

Researches and solicits grants and funding opportunities as assigned.

Attends a variety of meetings and conferences related to economic development and tourism, as assigned.

It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties an employee may be required to perform. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Associate’s degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school in Marketing, Business, Finance, or Economic Development; two to three years of professional or technical experience (non-clerical) in marketing, hospitality, tourism, economic development, business management, or public relations fields; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor's degree and two years of professional or technical experience preferred.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively carry out complex oral and written instructions. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Considerable working knowledge of business English, spelling and composition. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, members of the business community or employees of the County. Ability to effectively facilitate educational sessions.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Windows, internet, e-mail, Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, Adobe, social media platforms, website maintenance, and ability to design and edit educational materials.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None.

Other Skills and Abilities

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development, business development and tourism.

Good knowledge of local businesses and community groups and ability to learn their economic development concerns and needs.

Good knowledge of the structure of Calumet County government and its programs and services.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relations with others.

Excellent customer service skills.

Ability to readily learn departmental programs, operations and policies with respect to general functions performed.

Ability to perform a variety of complex office tasks and operate modern office equipment.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift/or or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.