President - CEO

Top Job

Located in Bend, OR

Salary: Competitive comp & benefits!

PRESIDENT & CEO – Sunriver, Oregon

Visit Central Oregon is actively seeking an accomplished and visionary leader to manage the region's thriving tourism industry and guide a team of dedicated professionals overseeing the Regional Destination Management Organization (RDMO) for Central Oregon. The team consists of ten full-time and four part-time professionals committed to destination marketing and management, business development, workforce development, regional tourism programs, and visitor services.

 In this leadership role, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all programs and policies for Visit Central Oregon, exercising fiscal control over a budget exceeding $4 million, and ensuring optimal returns on the investment of transient lodging tax funds. The position requires a seasoned leader with broad expertise in the tourism industry, including leading a team, strategic planning, fiscal management, advocacy, marketing, public relations, and destination stewardship.

 Reporting to a dynamic Board of Directors of 15 regional stakeholders from the tourism industry, the President and CEO will play a critical role in shaping the future of tourism in Central Oregon.

 About Visit Central Oregon
Visit Central Oregon is a 501c6 that serves as the Regional Destination Marketing Organization (RDMO) for Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and South Wasco counties.  We drive overnight visitation to the region to support a thriving tourism economy. We inspire travel to the region through an integrated marketing campaign that celebrates our unique culture, people and landscapes.

 As the RDMO appointed by the Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon), Visit Central Oregon manages the Regional Cooperative Tourism Program (RCTP) for Travel Oregon, which is leveraged by the Deschutes County budget to optimize the economic impact from tourism to the region. We collaborate with industry partners towards a shared healthy vision of tourism for the region. 

 Imagine yourself here! Visit VisitCentralOregon.com for more information on the region and visitcentraloregon.com/industry for further information on the organization.

 

Where You Get to Live! 

This position requires full time residency in Central Oregon.  Visit Central Oregon offices are in Sunriver, but the position allows flexibility for a hybrid work model within the region.

 

Vision

We foster an enduring economy for Central Oregon through a thriving tourism industry.

 

Mission

We inspire visitation to Central Oregon by celebrating our unique culture and diverse landscapes. We drive economic growth for the region with a commitment to sustainability for the long-term vitality of our communities.

 

Values

Partnerships – We are stronger through collaboration and facilitate valuable opportunities to work with industry partners.

Inclusion – We welcome all to experience Central Oregon and invite diverse perspectives and cultures to the region.

Sustainability -We support a sustainable future for our region and its resources.

Innovation – We lead with vision and creativity.

Advocacy – We champion the value of tourism for the long-term vitality of the region

 

Equity Statement

Visit Central Oregon recognizes the importance of our region being a destination that welcomes people of all races, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, religions, visible and invisible disabilities, and socio-economic statuses.

Visit Central Oregon is committed to participating in programs and opportunities that will transform social change. Through training and collaboration, we will continue to learn and grow in this space, and implement diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in our programs and practices.

 

What You Get to Do!

• Lead the regional DMO, guiding the region's tourism programs with a forward-looking strategic vision for the organization.
• Inspire and manage a dedicated team of professionals, providing direction on all programs and initiatives.
• Demonstrate exceptional and professional communication skills, acting as the primary spokesperson for the organization with industry stakeholders, media, and diverse partners.
• Advocate for the intrinsic value of tourism as an economic driver and effectively communicate the role of the RDMO for the benefit of the region.
• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with diverse stakeholders in the region, state and in the tourism sector nationally and internationally.
• Provide strategic oversight for the Central Oregon brand strategy and marketing campaigns.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing plan, guiding the team to implement strategies that effectively engage key audiences with compelling and innovative messaging.
• Manage an annual budget exceeding $4 million dedicated to marketing and positioning Central Oregon as a nationally competitive destination.
• Report key metrics, KPIs, and industry insights to the Board of Directors, County Commissioners, and State partners.
• Participation in attracting, maintaining and marketing air service to the region with the Central Oregon Air Service Team.
• Oversight of an annual grant program and strategic investments that reinvest tax dollars back into tourism related projects through an equitable and transparent process.
• Maintain a multi-stakeholder approach with diverse partners to drive the cultural, environmental, and economic success of the region.

 

What You Will Bring…

• A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in the tourism industry, preferably within a Destination Management Organization (DMO).
• Proven track record of success in financial management, encompassing budget development, administration and reporting.
• Extensive and successful experience in advocating for the role of the RDMO model with regional elected officials.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with diverse industry stakeholders including elected officials, tourism leaders and business to build consensus and alignment around a shared vision.
• Background in destination marketing, business development, and/or destination stewardship.
• Proficiency in public affairs, advocacy, and public speaking.
• Availability for overnight travel within the state and out of state for industry events.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm, professionalism, and accountability.
• Willingness to lead a collaborative team, fostering innovation and achieving new levels of success.
• Extensive experience working with a Board of Directors, as well as managing staff, partners, and media.
• Priority will be given to candidates with a strong tourism background and in-depth knowledge of Central Oregon.
• A valid, unencumbered driver’s license is required.  

• Travel in and out of state required.  
• Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs.
• Passion and energy for destination management work and advocacy for the Central Oregon region!

 

TO APPLY:

Qualified individuals who would like to be considered for the CEO position with Visit Central Oregon should submit a current resume, at least three professional references and a cover letter to karen.turner@expresspros.com.  Please submit electronically in PDF format with ‘VCB Executive Search’ in the subject line.

 

Candidates who submit qualifications that most closely meet the requirements may be asked to respond to supplemental questions and/or to attend interview(s) with the hiring committee.  Candidates are subject to a background check.

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