Destination Development Manager

Position Description:

The Destination Development Manager’s role for the Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA) is to oversee the organization's destination development projects and tactics in line with WVVA’s mission. This position will also lead the region’s annual strategic investment fund and the visitor industry service and education programs. The manager will work with staff, contractors, local DMOs, community partners, and state partners to move the Willamette Valley’s strategic goals forward.

Compensation: $60k- $65k, PTO, 13 paid holidays, health, dental, and vision insurance for employee, retirement match

Preferred start: January 2027

Reports to: Executive Director

How to Apply:

Applications will only be accepted via email that include a cover letter, resume, and references. Email application package to Tori Middelstadt, tori@willamettevalley.org. Application packages will be accept through Monday, November 30th at 5:00pm. Questions can also be sent to Tori.

Overview of the Organization:

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA) is a Regional Destination Marketing/Management Organization focused on promoting responsible tourism and economic well-being that benefits residents and visitors alike. Our mission is to enhance the region’s vitality by cultivating authentic experiences to support local communities, ensuring the Willamette Valley's long-term resilience. We are dedicated to fostering the prosperity of the Willamette Valley as a welcoming and inclusive year-round destination.

Location:

Hybrid schedule split between the office, community meetings, and work from home

Willamette Valley Visitors Association Office in Downtown Salem, OR

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or 2-3 years of experience in destination development, community engagement, or project management
• Related fields include communications, journalism, business, tourism/hospitality
• Must possess a valid and unencumbered driver's license and necessary vehicle insurance with access to a vehicle on a regular basis
• Computer skills – to include Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite
• Preferred: MailChimp, Basecamp and Canva

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Destination Development

Responsible for strategic destination development projects supporting our local partners and the region as a whole. Daytime travel up to 30% in community travel and sometimes requiring overnight travel.

• Manage and implement strategic destination development projects focused on accessibility, rural recreation development, agritourism, and sustainable tourism
• Plan and lead community engagement meetings with partners and community members
• Oversee destination development projects, including community engagement, partner relationships, contractor management, and funding distribution
• Attend Valley development project meetings as needed. Engage with DMO partners to support their initiatives and maintain a touch point at the regional level
• Maintain strong relationships with Travel Oregon Destination Stewardship Team and local partners’ Destination Development/stewardship staff
• Facilitate access to resources for internal staff, DMO partners, and industry partners
• Lead development support with regional sports partners
• Manage annual ornament hunt project coordination
• Lead opportunities to support or develop sports tourism

Communications

• Represent WVVA by presenting our projects and initiatives at various events and conferences
• Disseminate information through a variety of strategies (i.e. industry e-news, LinkedIn)
• Respond to requests for information from industry partners
• Support public information work for the organization in the absence of the Board or Executive Director

Industry Support and Training

• Facilitate learning opportunities for the Willamette Valley visitor industry partners, including but not limited to customer service, working with accessible and other underserved visitors, etc.
• Manage Regional Strategic Investment Fund program and Agritourism Access Matching Fund
• Support executive director in advocacy needs across the region

Administrative

• Work collaboratively with WVVA’s Executive Director, staff, contractors, committees, and board
• Collaborate on budget allocation and decisions regarding projects
• Plan partner meetings, including date, time, location, A/V, and meals
• Seek and support grant opportunities for development tourism work

Reporting and Metrics

• Responsible for reporting and tracking destination development projects
• Responsible for reporting and tracking Strategic Investment Fund and Agritourism Fund projects
• Responsible for reporting and tracking industry support projects

Miscellaneous

• Hybrid position
• Travel required 10 - 30% of the time, depending on the season
• Some evening and weekend work is required
• Ability to lift 35#
• All other tasks as assigned