#2451- Small Business Development and Tourism Specialist

The County of Fluvanna is recruiting for the position of Small Business Development & Tourism Specialist

This position is a full-time position with the primary focus being the development and implementation of a proactive small business/entrepreneurship program and tourism initiative in support of the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Small Business/Entrepreneurship:
Small businesses, including start-up companies and entrepreneurs, have always been a strong market for the
County. Moving forward, this industry sector will continue to be a primary focus given the current market. This sector is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future.
• Serves as the County’s primary resource and contact for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Works with County staff and outside stakeholders to review existing programming and develop and implement a small business and entrepreneur development strategy focused on growing entrepreneurial activity in Fluvanna.
• Develops programs and resources designed to assist local small businesses.
• Serves as the County’s primary resource in conveying all information to the local business community.
• Conducts ongoing business visitations and maintains strong working relationships with the local business and development communities.
• Remains current on all federal, state and local regulations and opportunities impacting small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Tourism/Events:
Given the County’s central location, the number and variety of local events, and historic and natural resources, tourism is an important focus for the County.
• Focuses on bringing visitors, specifically “day-trippers,” to Fluvanna County.
• Connects County visitors with local businesses.
• Works with other County departments and outside agencies to develop additional opportunities to maximize the benefits of locally hosted events.
• Assists in the planning, development, and marketing of both County and privately developed events.
• Assists in the creation of tourism-related advertising and marketing initiatives; develops and disseminates information through multiple media venues.
• Maintains tourism portion of the County website and social media platforms.
• Collects data and research to indicate the economic impact that tourism is bringing to the community.• Communicates and regularly presents to regional leadership, hospitality-industry partners, residents, and media regarding tourism initiatives, performance data, news, and other relevant information.
• Works closely with the Virginia Tourism Corporation on opportunities to highlight the County as a tourism destination.

General:
• Assists in the development and implementation of all marketing campaigns including marketing materials, newsletters, business profiles and e-newsletters.
• Supports the Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee (EDTAC) and provides other administrative duties, as requested.
• Attends meetings and other boards and commissions meetings, as requested.
• Represents the department at partner organization events and activities, as requested.
• Responds to telephone, e-mail and in-person inquiries.
• Collaborates with County staff on issues

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:
• Business retention and expansion program principles, practices, methods, and techniques.
• General understanding of economic development, community development, tourism, and local government principles and practices.
• Principles, practices and techniques of economic development, marketing, and business management.
• Principles and processes for providing customer service including setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• General understanding of business practices.
• Web development and social media management; website content management systems.
Skills in:
• Communication and professional relationship-building.
• Writing clear and concise directives, reports, memoranda, and letters.
• Preparing and delivering presentations in a variety of settings to elected officials, senior executives, and other stakeholders, as well as the general public.
• Operating common office equipment including personal computers and copiers.
• Preparing comprehensive reports, correspondence, and plans involving detail, statistical and other data, or instructions.
• Demonstrated experience with advertising, marketing and business promotion, including social media channels.
• Exceptional customer service involving marketing and sales and direct customer contact, including business to business, business to customer, and business-to-government.
• Multi-task and maintain complex program and project records; plan, coordinate and conduct projects and multi-phase programs.
• Work with considerable independence based upon broadly stated goals and objectives.
Ability to:
• Manage projects independently.
• Utilize cost/benefit analyzes in decision-making.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive financial and administrative reports.
• Communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County and State officials, associates, and the general public.

ACCEPTABLE EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

• Four-year degree specializing in economic development, community planning, business administration/public administration, marketing, or other closely related field from an accredited college.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience related to economic development, community business development, tourism, or marketing.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Office environment exposure to computer screens; sitting for prolonged periods.
• Must have the ability to occasionally lift, push/pull, and hold/carry 30 pounds.
• Must have the ability to frequently stand and sit, and occasionally walk over flat and uneven terrain.
• Must be available to work some weekends and evenings for presentations, training, and meetings.
• Must possess an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Local travel is required for meetings and presentations.

POST OFFER REQUIREMENTS

• Criminal Background Check
• Valid driver’s license

The hourly rate ranges from $22.48-$25.85- Depending on qualifications

Excellent benefits (paid health, dental, and vision, flex spending, life, disability, and Virginia retirement).

Submit a cover letter, resume, references, and County application to jobs@fluvannacounty.org.   

Applications are available on the county website at www.fluvannacounty.org

The Position is open until filled.

EOE/AA

Fluvanna County is a V3 "Virginia Values Veterans" Certified Employer