Tourism Program Manager

The Tourism Program Manager is responsible for development and implementation of strategies, programs and policies in support of the Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism program. This position serves as a liaison between Island County, local municipalities, tourism-related businesses, nonprofits, residents and the Joint Tourism Advisory Board. The person in this position is accountable for program operations in alignment with the Strategic Tourism Marketing Plan ("Plan") and all applicable State and County laws, rules and regulations.

• Ensure all program activities comply with Island County and Washington State laws, rules, regulations, policies, practices and interlocal agreements.
• Promote tourism and attract visitors as a means of stimulating economic development.
• Administer tourism-related procurement processes, including Request for Proposal (RFP) development, contractor selection, and performance monitoring.
• Maintain and archive all records subject to records management and public records laws.
• Organize and manage Board and Committee meetings in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, campaigns and programs to attract tourists and meet organizational needs, including the Strategic Tourism Marketing Plan ("Plan") as adopted by the interlocal governmental board.
• Oversee the execution of the Plan including working closely and in coordination with marketing and PR vendors to ensure successful delivery and alignment with plan goals.
• Collect and analyze travel research and data to monitor program performance, evaluate the impact of programs, inform decision-making in order to adapt to emerging opportunities.
• Present findings and recommendations to the Interlocal Government Board, Joint Tourism Advisory Board, County leadership, and the public.
• Build and sustain cooperative relationships with local governments, tribal representatives, nonprofit organizations, and tourism-dependent businesses.
• Facilitate and attend regular stakeholder meetings, public forums, and quarterly board/advisory meetings.
• Support Joint Tourism Advisory Board activities and ensure transparent communication and reporting.
• Develop and execute marketing and public relations strategies, manage website content and oversee social media channels to promote Whidbey and Camano Islands.
• Be the point of contact for program-related activities, board updates, and external messaging.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging in all public-facing materials.
• Develop and oversee budgets, manage financial resources and measure program return on investment.
• Monitor expenditures, authorize payments, and produce monthly financial reports.
• Develop and oversee grant applications, administration, and reporting for tourism development initiatives.
• Prepare RFPs for all contracted work. Manage contracts and service agreements related to the program's outsourced work and oversee and supervise contractors.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is typically performed in an office environment with in-person attendance at public meetings, site visits, and community events. After six months, the employee is eligible for remote work as set forth in Island County policies.
• Travel between Whidbey and Camano Islands is required; occasional attendance at regional or statewide tourism events may also be necessary.
• Evening or weekend work may be required for public meetings or tourism-related events.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated success managing collaborative projects and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience working with public budget oversight, public agency procurement, and contract administration.
• Experience with public sector rules and regulations, including Public Records Act, Open Public Meetings Act and Records Management/Retention.
• Knowledge of Whidbey and Camano Islands communities, tourism economy, and local/regional partnerships.
• Familiarity with sustainable or regenerative tourism practices desirable.
• Ability to manage websites, social media platforms and other types of communications.
• Comfort in reporting to, working with and receiving direction from a Board of elected officials.

• Bachelor's degree in tourism, marketing, business administration, public administration, communications, or a closely related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in destination marketing, economic development, or related community-facing program management.
• Knowledge of Washington State government operations, regulations, and financial management practices.

Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *