State of Purpose:
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrator, providing leadership to staff and directing the CVB operation in order to develop maximum potential of convention and visitor business, thereby bringing the greatest possible economic benefit to the Natchitoches area.

Reports to:  Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission board members.

Degree of Supervision:  Monthly review by NPTC Board

Supervision Exercised: Supervises all NPTC employees

Location of Job: Natchitoches Visitors Center, 780 Front Street, Ste 100.

Qualifications:
Graduate of an accredited four year college in the field of Business, Marketing and Public Relations, Hospitality Management or any combination of education and experience to equal five years related experience.

Special Knowledge:
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices in convention and tourism planning  services. Considerable knowledge in the fields to advertising, marketing, public relations, business administration, which includes but not limited to, personnel management, principles of accounting, and excellent communication skills. Must possess the ability to exercise initiative, judgment, tact, and, diplomacy in a wide variety of public situations. Position requires frequent travel.

Submit to:  Arlene Gould director@natchitoches.com

780 Front Street, Suite 100
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Telephone: 1-800-259-1714
Fax: 1-318-352-2415

DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

• Provide administrative and professional assistance to the Chairman and Commissioners along with the staff of the Tourist Commission and ensure that the board complies with all local, parish, state and/or federal laws and regulations
• Responsible for hiring, termination and training all staff and volunteers.
• Preparation of the annual budget and management of Commission business within the budget.
• Preparation of annual marketing/advertising plan with all advertising potentials outlined in plan.
• Track and prepare all financial data for annual audit or Compilation of Finances by Accounting Firm.
• Represent Natchitoches Parish to national and international audiences by attending consumer and trade shows along with Groups & Tourism Sales Manager.
• Oversee press releases and press packets for local, regional and national media regarding activities along with Marketing & Communications Manager.
• Advise tourism partners with launching festivals, new events and ongoing events with consulting, publicity and advertising.
• Host local, national and international travel writers along with familiarization tours for group tour leaders along with Marketing & Communications Manager.
• Create publicity materials and brochures for distribution to guests, group tour leaders, retirees and newcomer inquiries.
• Work closely with advertising agency to create ads for regional publications in a timely manner.
• Assist Marketing & Communications Manager with creating story ideas and articles for both regional and national publications.
• Attend meetings of city/parish stakeholders such as City, Chamber of Commerce, Parish Council, HDBA, NHDDC, CRNHA, Christmas Festival and several others including statewide, LTA and LACVB, and regional tourism associations, El Camino Real, No Man’s Land, Holiday Trail of Lights, councils and committees and others.
• Maintain a working relationship with the NSU hospitality program and university students for internships and other assistance to the Commission.
• Assist Groups & Tourism Sales Manager to consult and advise conference meeting holders and large groups visiting Natchitoches.
• Responsible for overseeing meeting notices, recording of minutes, transcribing and typing monthly board minutes, filing, letter writing and other necessary items for a small business office and Executive Director.
• Oversee that all inquiries from potential visitors and tour groups are acknowledged immediately.
• Assist Marketing & Communications Manager with updating websites, social media information with current events and festivals.
• Assist with daily operations as necessary supervising the Travel Counselors and Visitor Center.
• Follow the directions and seek counsel of the Chairman of the Board of Natchitoches Parish Tourism Commission, as the immediate supervisor, between Board Meetings.
• Ensure no employees, nor the Executive Director; conduct any personal business on Tourist Commission property, during working hours or with Tourist Commission assets.