Convention and Visitors Director Abilene Kansas

Convention and Visitors Director

Abilene Kansas

The City of Abilene, Kansas, the proud hometown of President Eisenhower, is seeking dedicated and energetic individuals with knowledge and skills in marketing and tourism who are interest in serving as the Convention and Visitors Bureau Director.

Abilene has a very strong tourism presence with several key attractions such as the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home, the National Greyhound Museum and Hall of Fame, Old Abilene Town, the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad, and the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Abilene is also the historic terminus of the Chisholm Trail, which is expected to be designated by the National Park Service as a National Historic Trail in the near future.

With over 180,000 annual visitors to the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home, Abilene wants to create a modern tourism renaissance and bring the Eisenhower and Chisholm Trail legacy to tourists throughout the world. The Convention and Visitors Bureau Director will play a critical role in developing and implementing a community marketing plan that successfully draws visitors to Abilene.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau Director reports directly to the City Manager and will be responsible for overseeing a results-oriented, customer-centered approach to tourism-related services. The Director manages the operation of the Civic Center with an annual operating budget of about $370,000. Forward-thinking, a willingness to innovate, and an entrepreneurial philosophy will be paramount for the Director to have success in meeting the community’s tourism needs. The Director will be expected to have a presence in the community, and will be asked to conduct “sales calls” in the community to build rapport and to accomplish goals. Public relations will be a critical skill for this position.

Ideal candidates should have experience in marketing, social media management, customer service, and should be attuned to working with various community stakeholders to develop solutions and approaches for marketing the community and its many attractions. Graphic design, advertising development, website development, and video editing skills are highly desired.

Individuals interested in serving the City of Abilene as the Convention and Visitors Bureau Director should have a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, business administration, or other related field of study. A minimum of five years of tourism-related experience is preferred. Starting salary is negotiable, based qualifications; the salary range for the position is between $58,094 and $78,624. In addition to salary, the City of Abilene offers a competitive benefits package.

The position will remain open until filled, although the City Manager desires to fill the position by January 1, 2016, or as soon thereafter as possible. Interested persons may apply online at www.hrepartners.com. Questions may be directed to David Dillner at (785) 263-2550.

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