Director of Sports Tourism & Events
Position Description:
This position will oversee the tourism development authority’s sports tourism initiatives including selling Boone & Watauga County as a host site for various sporting events, tournaments, training, exhibitions, etc.
Sports Tourism:
· This role is responsible for recruiting, supporting, and retaining sporting events that drive overnight visitation, generate economic impact, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
· Through strategic sales efforts, community collaboration, and relationship-building with sports rights holder and event organizers, this position plays a key role in advancing Boone & Watauga County’s tourism goals and competitive standing.
· Identify and inventory all existing sports facilities, fields, etc. that are available for public use.
· Develop and execute sports tourism strategies to market Boone & Watauga County as a sports tourism destination and to service sports events that select our destination for their events.
· Identify opportunities to attract state, regional, national, and international sports events.
· Engage with all levels of sports organizations, businesses, and community groups including Appalachian State University Athletics, Watauga County Parks & Recreation, Watauga County Schools.
· Advocate the benefits of sports tourism to community leaders and stakeholders.
· Develop a volunteer pool to help support major sporting events in the Boone area.
· Engage and collaborate with state and national sports tourism organizations.
· Analyze data platforms to document economic impact of events hosted in Boone and the Boone area
Required skills:
· Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management/Marketing, Tourism Management, Hospitality, Business, or related fields
· Previous experience in sports and/or event sales & coordination, community engagement, or tourism development
· Strong project management, relationship building, and data analysis skills.
· Ability to lead and coordinate with diverse community stakeholders
· Ability to market and sell a destination
· Ability to recruit, organize and lead volunteers
· Excellent public speaking and negotiation skills
Reports to Watauga County TDA’s Executive Director
Salary & Benefits:This is a full-time salaried in-person position located in downtown Boone, NC. Benefits include employee health and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave time, retirement plan, and paid holidays.
How to Apply: Please submit a current resume and cover letter via email to [email protected]
Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
