The Stanton Tourism and Convention Commission is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director to lead efforts in promoting Stanton as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and events.
Applications must be received by no later the 02/15/2026
Position Summary
The Director of the Stanton Tourism Convention and Commission (STCC) is responsible for the overall strategic planning, direction, organization, and coordination of activities to promote Stanton, Kentucky, as a premier destination for tourism, conventions, recreational activities and events such as the Red River Gorge Bigfoot Fest. This leadership role involves executing the vision and policies set by the STCC Board of Commissioners, managing daily operations, developing strategic marketing plans, and fostering strong relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to enhance economic development through tourism.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director shall be responsible for promotion and development of tourism within Stanton and surrounding area in addition to the operation of STCC’s office located at 203 A North Main Street, Stanton, Ky 40380.
Strategic Leadership & Administration
Direct and coordinate all programs, products, and major activities of the STCC, ensuring alignment with the Commission's mission and objectives.
Attend all meetings of the STCC Board of Commissioners and necessary committee meetings. Keep the Board fully informed of the financial condition, operations, and influential factors concerning Stanton Tourism. Responsible for attending Stanton City Council, Stanton Parks & Recreation meetings on an as need basis.
Promoting tourist activities with other counties, tourism commissions, and persons that are determined to be desirable to enhance tourism with Stanton.
Working closely with all businesses, groups, and individuals that are in the tourism industry within Stanton to help promote and attract individuals to this area.
Assist in management of social media platforms. Direct website development, manage social media, and utilize other media to foster a fun, relatable, positive public image and effectively promote city-wide tourism assets.
Conduct market research to identify trends, target audiences, and opportunities to strengthen Stanton’s tourism appeal.
Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive marketing and public relations strategy to promote Stanton's unique attractions, natural beauty (including the Red River Gorge).
Drafting and preparation of all brochures, maps, and other promotional materials within the STCC office and the businesses within Stanton. Upon approval of these documents by the board, he/she would then be responsible for ordering, stocking, and distribution of such materials.
Executes By-Laws and KRS provisions within tourism industry and Commission.
Answering all emails and effectively communicating between all officials at local and state level.
Continuously keeping the commission board informed of all changes and updates pursuant to the tourism industry at local and state level.
Must attend all KTIA (Kentucky Travel Industry Association), state and regional meetings. Attend all KAVCB (Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau). Attend all travel shows as directed by the board including, but not limited to, the KY State Fair.
Be proficient in event planning and coordinating for both small- and large-scale events.
Work closely with STCC’s attorney for all legal decisions as needed.
Handles all collection of documents and requirements for any CPA needed.
In cooperation with the Chair and Treasurer, develop, recommend, and manage the annual operating budget. Ensure proper safeguarding and administration of all STCC funds and assets, including overseeing the independent CPA audit as required by KRS 91A.390(2). Responsible for monthly budget updates at the commission regular scheduled meetings.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with public agencies (local and state), community leaders, the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and local lodging, restaurant, and tourism members.
Pursuing and managing all grant applications and funding opportunities.
Board Meetings
Unless otherwise excused by the Commission, the Director shall attend all regular and special meetings of the Commission and shall be responsible for the printing and distribution of an agenda at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. The agenda shall include all topics of discussion and any/all reports that the Chairperson and/or Commission deem necessary. The Director is also responsible for scheduling any/all persons that wish to be on the agenda and supplying and/or obtaining any paperwork needed from said persons to put in the board packets. Each meeting agenda must be posted on Stanton City Hall’s door at least 24 hours prior to meeting time.
Purchases
All purchases by the Director on behalf of the Tourism Commission shall be made in accordance with a procurement policy as detailed in the Kentucky Revises Statutes and adopted by the Commission. In addition, the Director shall be empowered to spend up to Five Hundred Dollars ($500) each month on office supplies, advertising or promotional activity which he/she deems in interest to the commission, provided monies are available and budgeted for such purposes. All purchases must meet STCC’s Credit Card Acceptable Use Policy. This expenditure shall not exceed $500 each month, any purchases exceeding the $500 should be placed on the agenda for an official Commission board vote.
Work Schedule
Work is not limited to the office located at 203 A N Main Street, Stanton, Ky 40380 since travel is necessary for this position. It is generally expected of the Executive Director to be on duty and maintain an office schedule from 9am to 5pm, Monday- Friday. Which would within reason, make him/her accessible to the board, public, and other business contacts. It is understood that some work will be done outside of the traditional office setting. If the Executive Director were to be out of office for any period, it is expected that he/she will inform the Commission of where he/she may be reached in the event of an emergency, and he/she shall give an expected time of return.
Education & Experience
- Degree in Tourism, Marketing, Hospitality Management, Public Administration, Business, or a related field is preferred.
- Proven practical experience in organizing and managing events, including marketing, planning, budgeting, accounting and execution.
- Experience in tourism promotion, economic development, or a related field, preferably within a governmental or commission structure.
Skills & Abilities
- Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and public speaking skills, with the ability to make effective presentations and produce professional technical documents (e.g., Board packets, grant applications, meeting minutes).
- Technical Proficiency: Computer literacy in current systems, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher), and knowledge of effective social media and digital marketing strategies.
- Leadership: Demonstrated creativity, innovation, self-motivation, organization, and the ability to manage personnel and administrative aspects efficiently.
- Financial Acumen: Knowledge of budget development and financial administration.
- Legal Knowledge: Familiarity with Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) pertaining to Tourism Commissions (e.g., KRS 91A.350, 91A.360).
Benefits:
· Paid Training and travel
· Mileage Reimbursement for travel outside Powell County
· Professional Development Opportunities
This position reports to the STCC commission and is a key contributor to the success of tourism within the City of Stanton.
Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Stanton, KY 40380
