Job Category: Business Development & Event Services

Reports To: Vice President of Sales, Marketing, & Business Development

Summary: The Business Development & Event Services Manager is an engaging leader who can transform vision into meaningful action to generate tourism advocacy and strengthen community vitality. This role has four key purposes:

1. Strategically engage with business and community leaders to develop partnerships and secure investments that support the mission of Visit Tri-Cities.
2. Interface with event organizers and local organizations, agencies, facilities, venues and residents to facilitate planning, logistics and event services for tourism events.
3. Strengthen community awareness, appreciation, involvement and support for tourism endeavors.
4. Perform marketing, communication, administrative, organizational and technical duties to support the mission and strategic pillars of Visit Tri-Cities.

This full-time position requires a flexible schedule to include some evenings, weekends, and travel.

Duties & Responsibilities — Business Development

• Lead strategy and development of the partner and membership program for Visit Tri-Cities.
• Create and execute a comprehensive annual plan with goal-driven initiatives to develop sponsorship leads, increase partner revenues and grow membership in conjunction with other tourism marketing strategies.
• Execute marketing and relationship strategies to cultivate partners, sponsors and members.
• Develop and produce content, collateral, marketing tools, proposals, presentations and reports to facilitate recruitment and retention of sponsors and members.
• Negotiate proposals and agreements with partner organizations.
• Coordinate interaction with contracted partners and oversee fulfillment of partner benefits.
• Collaborate with Marketing to create and distribute collateral and promotional content (e.g., social media, ads, video content) to fulfill approved partner benefits and event communication needs.
• Manage contracts, deadlines, invoicing, and collection of fees for partner agreements.
• Coordinate advertising sales for Visit Tri-Cities advertising mediums.
• Identify and secure grants and other funding to support Visit Tri-Cities initiatives.
• Engage with organizations across multiple sectors to support and advocate for tourism initiatives and opportunities.
• Maintain and update membership information on the Visit Tri-Cities website and member databases.

Duties & Responsibilities — Event Services

• Serve as the primary liaison between event organizers and Visit Tri-Cities for tourism event operations.
• Provide planning assistance and logistical support to ensure successful execution of tourism events hosted within the destination.
• Assist event organizers with arrangements with cities, departments and agencies to fulfill event requirements and create meaningful visitor experiences.
• Manage event timelines, deliverables, and communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with venues, hotels, attractions, and community partners to facilitate services for events.
• Develop relationships with community leaders, agency representatives, private and public entities to ensure cooperation and effective planning.
• Establish and direct local organizing committees (LOCs) for signature events as needed.
• Build strong relationships with local businesses to maximize their involvement and benefit from incoming events.
• Act as the on-the-ground point of contact during event execution for organizers, attendees, and partners.
• Develop and implement attendee welcome programs (signage, info booths, welcome bags, badge promotions, etc.).
• Ensure the destination is well-branded and welcoming during events.
• Provide destination materials, maps, and concierge-level information to attendees.
• Keep accurate files on all groups and maintain detailed records of event logistics and service needs.
• Develop and oversee event service plans addressing safety, accessibility, and transportation.
• Manage VTC’s event services inventory (banners, signage, portable booths, etc.).
• Conduct post-event evaluations; gather feedback and report on economic impact, attendance, and VTC involvement.
• Track and report KPIs related to event success and VTC contributions.
• Identify areas for service improvement and scalability for future events.
• Support the sales team by providing event service expertise in bids and proposals.
• Participate in site visits and familiarization tours for prospective event organizers.
• Contribute to event bids, customizing service offerings and promotional collateral.
• Work with marketing and sales to recruit and promote events aligned with destination branding.
• Assist with content creation and social amplification during events.
• Help event organizers connect with local media and community influencers when needed.
• Support department efforts in scheduling room blocks, housing needs and collecting data for post-event reporting.
• Develop and produce content, marketing tools, proposals, presentations and reports to facilitate promotion, recruitment and retention of sports, conventions, and events.

Duties & Responsibilities — General

• Cultivate and inspire a community shared vision about the benefits and opportunities generated by the visitor economy.
• Foster positive relationships with local organizations, businesses, media, stakeholders, and residents to educate about tourism’s role in the community.
• Maintain knowledge of the destination’s assets, attractions, recreation opportunities, climate, venues, hotels, public spaces and area services.
• Write, produce and present content to promote and foster Visit Tri-Cities’ mission locally.
• Represent Visit Tri-Cities professionally and proactively in meetings and public settings.
• Participate in marketing efforts, familiarization tours, industry meetings and committees; make tourism-related presentations and perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Degree in business, sports & event marketing, sports & event development, public relations, marketing, or communications preferred.
• Experience working with a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) is a plus.
• Proficient in destination marketing principles and community engagement strategies.
• Strong background in tourism development, event marketing and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience writing proposals, promotional text, newsletters and marketing copy.
• Skilled in relationship building, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Aptitude for diplomacy, negotiating and sales.
• Optimistic, solution-oriented and good-natured.
• Energetic, positive, professional and adaptable.
• Ability to work with people at various levels, including executives and community decision makers.
• Available for flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Willing to travel regionally and nationally, including occasional overnight trips.

Benefits

• Salary Range: $50,000 - $75,000
• Opportunity for incentive pay program
• Employer-paid full health benefits including medical, vision, dental, life & long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off program including vacation, sick and holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution match
• Professional & career development, volunteerism program and team building opportunities
• Options for flexible work schedules

To Apply

Please email your resume, cover letter, and answers to the questions below to

Gretchen@VisitTri-Cities.com:

1. What is your favorite thing about the Tri-Cities?
2. Why would we be crazy not to hire you?

For additional information about Visit Tri-Cities, visit:
Visit Tri-Cities Careers.