Newberg, Oregon is the second largest city in Yamhill County and is considered the northern gateway to the Willamette Valley wine country. There are over 100+ wineries along with breweries and distilleries within 10 miles of downtown. The city also offers amazing historical experiences, arts and cultural, and outdoor recreational activities. Newberg truly is a special place.
Taste Newberg (TN) is the official destination marketing organization for the city. It was incorporated in 2018 as a 501c6 non-profit agency to promote and grow Newberg’s visitor economy. Taste Newberg is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of representatives from Newberg’s lodging and tourism industries as well as local community partners. We are funded through Transient Lodging Tax dollars in contract with the City of Newberg.
As a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), we work with the Willamette Valley Visitor Association, the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce and Newberg Downtown Coalition and are members of the Oregon Destination Association, One West Tourism Alliance and closely collaborate with Travel Oregon, ORLA, the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, and the Chehalem Cultural Center.
Our mission is to enhance the economic vitality of the community by promoting Newberg as a year-round tourism destination for leisure, meetings, and event travelers through maximizing collaborative partnerships, efficiently activating, and implementing effective marketing programs, while cultivating a world-class visitor experience.
The Executive Director is the strategic and visionary leader responsible for developing, directing, and overseeing the implementation of the strategic and marketing plan, operations, staff, community, media, and government relations, and board governance for the organization. This position also serves as lead spokesperson for the organization and is a passionate and involved advocate for the visitor economy.
Provide the leadership, direction, creativity, initiative, and managerial efforts necessary to enable TN to attract leisure and business visitors to Newberg to provide economic growth that will make the area a better place to live and work.
· Lead the organization as it strives to accomplish its objectives:
o Promote tourism in Newberg.
o Enhance the quality of the Newberg visitor experience.
o Promote an improved image of Newberg.
· Act as a spokesperson when appropriate with representatives from the media.
· Be comfortable and competent working with staff.
· Manage relationships with and provide direction to team of contractors including PR agencies, web development teams, marketing agency, social media and others as necessary.
· Oversee contractors ensuring that competent and qualified individuals are part of the TN team and that their performance is evaluated annually.
· Abundantly communicate, both in writing and verbally, with the Board regarding current and planned activities.
· Annually oversee the development and preparation of the Marketing Plan and Budget for presentation to the Board and City Council for approval. Present to City Council as needed, at least annually.
· Work closely with the Board and committees throughout the year to achieve maximum success in identifying objectives.
· Be knowledgeable of how DMOs operate and industry best practices.
· Ensure industry partners, as well as the Board and City Council, are effectively communicated with and that positive relationships are maintained. Special attention should be given to lodging operators, City and County government agencies, community organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
· Provide organizational oversight, appropriate financial control, and timely reporting to ensure the organization’s financial stability.
· Be knowledgeable about legislation that provides TLT revenue as appropriate.
· Ensure that key DMO partners understand all relevant legislation and provide compliance (e.g., federal, state, and local laws, financial regulations, and labor-related laws).
· Manage the organization’s finances to fund new and continuing activities and enable TN to achieve higher productivity through effective utilization of its human, physical and financial assets.
· Present information, analysis, and recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval as required.
· Ensure that progress is ongoing and that annual performance assessment audits are conducted.
· Undertake other appropriate projects and tasks as directed by the Board of Directors.
· STRATEGIC THINKING: The ability to analyze the organization’s competitive position by considering present and future potential market and industry trends, existing and potential customers, as well as organizational strengths and weaknesses. Anticipate and prepare for multiple possible outcomes.
· RELATIONALLY DRIVEN: Strategically build and maintain positive working relationships with a broad network of partners. Be comfortable working with individuals from multiple industries including tourism and lodging operators, business owners, and politicians.
· CHARACTER: Consistently exhibit integrity and confidence. Possess a high degree of emotional intelligence. Represent Taste Newberg with dignity and professionalism.
· LEADERSHIP: Be able to lead the TN team through applying a future focused approach to strategic planning and execution. Think critically to make sound and timely decisions.
· INCLUSIVITY: Actively strive to represent a diverse population and create a community that is welcoming to all. Be open to new ideas and carefully listen to all sides to ensure an equitable path is set.
· DECISION-MAKING & JUDGEMENT: Possess sound decision-making skills. Prudently approach decisions in a timely manner after looking at multiple sides of a situation and evaluating various possible outcomes.
· OUTREACH AND NETWORK BUILDING: Strategically build professional relationships to expand TN’s reach, accomplish its objectives, and communicate effectively with potential visitors.
· Bachelor’s degree in business management or related field.
· A minimum of five years executive management experience in a supervisory capacity with hands-on experience in the following areas:
o Budgeting
o Business Planning and Analysis
o Public Speaking
o Strategic Planning
· A minimum of five years management level experience in the tourism and/or hospitality industry.
· High degree of proficiency in software programs such as MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, or another website CMS. s.
· Previous DMO leadership experience
· Experience in financial management processes and procedures.
· Experience working with boards and/or multiple stakeholder groups, including local elected officials.
· An established and visible industry profile.
· Approachable
· Collaborative
· Creative
· Excellent Listener
· Genuine & Humble
· Hands-On
· Inclusive
· Outgoing & Personable
· Passionate
· Politically Savvy Relatable
· Relational
· Strong Communicator
· Strong Leadership Skills
· Thoughtful & Respectful
· Transparent
· Visible & Engaged
· Build relationships with key stakeholders and industry partners, including community leaders, lodging operators, City and County officials, business owners, and residents.
· Maintain TN’s current initiatives including marketing and PR strategies, campaigns, and current relationships with industry partners
· Regular communication with the board and partners to program implementation and success as outlined in the five-year strategic plan and annual marketing and budget plan.
· Ensure that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is woven into the fabric of organization, marketing and strategic plans.
Compensation based on experience.
Benefits:
Medical Allowance
Simple IRA with company match
Mileage reimbursement
Please submit resume and cover letter to: [email protected] in the email subject line, please include Executive Director. We will be accepting resumes and cover letters through September 4.
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
