Sports Tourism Coordinator - City of Liberal

Sports Tourism Coordinator

 The fundamental reason this classification exists is to handle a variety of administrative details for the Recreation Department. The Sports Tourism Coordinator position performs a variety of tasks and assists in the direction, development, and coordination of programs, activities , policies, and procedures for The City of Liberal. Responsible for promoting and selling Liberal, KS as the destination for sports related events, activities and competitions through innovative sales and marketing efforts to increase the quality and quantity of these activities in alignment with the overall strategic objectives of the City of Liberal. Work requires the use of initiative and judgment and is performed under the general direction of the Recreation Director. Contact with the public is an important element of this position.

 

Position Description:

The primary function of this position is to assist in the administration, direction, planning and organization of the sports, sales and promotional programs and activities of Liberal, KS. The primary activities include oversight of sports marketing, assisting in the development, implementation and maintenance of strategic, fiscal and marketing plans, monitor the departmental budget, oversee the total operation of the division and its personnel, programs and planning; recruit, develop long-term strategic alliances within the local community; work cooperatively with local and regional tourism industry partners such as airports, chambers of commerce and sports organizations.

 The position is primarily responsible for oversight and management of the sports marketing efforts and the staff members assigned those duties including day to day management of sports event solicitation, negotiating, scheduling and execution of events.

 Work performed with considerable independence, but reviewed by the Recreation Director for effectiveness and conformance with policies. Work is evaluated through results of contacts and resulting events from conferences, periodic reports and observations.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in directing and managing the day-to-day efforts of a destination marketing plan, overseeing sales efforts, groups meeting and leisure travel efforts.
• Assist in developing long-term strategic alliances with diverse corporations and industries. 
•  Prepare and present contract proposals for new events and attracting new or expanded services. Oversee development of creative work, including brochures, print ads, electronic ads, and web development.

 

 

Job Duties:

• Extensive experience in sports event sales and event management. This position requires excellent people skills, strong initiative, independent judgment and strong communication skills.
• Defines critical success factors, monitors progress, and prepares work plans and tactics for implementation to ensure successful execution of the sport tourism strategy.
• Oversees marketing development activities, and leads related research projects to promote the benefit of sport tourism, including economic impact.
• Develops, plans and manages a database of available sport events.
• Prepare and submit grant applications and proposals to the appropriate governmental funding sources
• Provides input into the structuring of major domestic competitions, developing linkages to sport tourism.
• Communicates and negotiates with promotional partners as needed for joint marketing activities.
• Work with the Director of Tourism in the recruitment and solicitation of new sports related events, conferences and conventions to Liberal with the goal of maximizing leads that get converted into contracted room nights.
• Works in collaboration with the Recreation Director to set budgets, and develop the strategy and terms of reference.
• In conjunction with the Director of Public Affairs, create a campaign, working in conjunction with local sports facilities, to acquire non sporting events to use sports venues for their events.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes:

•  Knowledge of current sports sales and marketing strategies.
• Ability to focus on City of Liberal’s strategic long term tourism goals
• Ability to plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate comprehensive administrative activities.
• Unrelenting drive for business results and strives for successful outcomes to ensure that long term plans become a reality.
• Highly effective project management, prioritization, multi-tasking, and time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Entrepreneurial, creative, energetic, self-motivated, and results-oriented.
• Comfortable working as a key contributor in a fast paced environment.

 

Education, Experience, Licensing:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, four year college degree preferred, and at least two years of experience in planning, development, and management of recreation programs.
• Experience in administration and management of fitness facilities preferred.
• Preferred at least two years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of computer software applications word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and skills in applying them.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record may be required.

 

Working Conditions

Occasional travel may be required.

Ability to attend community and business events on evenings and weekends.

Bending/ stooping, working on a computer, repetitive motion, sitting constantly, traveling, walking.

Officiating would be required at times.