Tourism & Community Development Coordinator

TOURISM & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Vanderhoof is a friendly and welcoming rural community located in the geographical center of British Columbia and is at the “Heart of it All” when it comes to lifestyle, affordable living, and employment opportunities. With a population base of roughly 4,500, and serving a larger area of nearly 10,000, Vanderhoof is an active community with great indoor/outdoor recreation facilities and trails. Vanderhoof is situated along Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway), and located an hour west of Prince George, BC.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Tourism & Community Development Coordinator is responsible for managing the Visitor Centre and Museum; overseeing the provision of excellent tourism support services; promoting Vanderhoof as an attractive and desirable tourist destination and place to live. 

With a focus on partnership and opportunity development, the Tourism & Community Development Coordinator will promote economic development that supports business within the District of Vanderhoof.  These activities will include planning, coordinating and overseeing the community celebrations and special events to attract residents and business to the Vanderhoof area. A key focus of this role is showcasing Vanderhoof as an attractive location to live, work, and play.

During tourism season, the incumbent’s primary focus will be overseeing the Visitor Centre and Museum, typically May through September.  During the remainder of the year, the primary focus will be on community economic development initiatives, typically October through April.

DUTIES

Visitor Centre and Museum:

• Oversee all functions within the Visitor Information Centre and Museum including the management, leadership and administration of 2 unionized staff.
• During summer months, the Tourism & Community Development Coordinator will supervise summer students assigned to the Visitor Centre.
• Promote and provide a workplace culture committed to customer service excellence, safe work practices, health and well-being in the workplace, and effective risk management, including ensuring relevant policies, regulations, bylaws, and procedures are adhered to.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures related to the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the Visitor Centre and Museum.
• Develop and monitor the tourism and cultural annual operational and capital budgets, and strategic goals.
• Procure goods and services in accordance with municipal policies, procedures, and within budget.
• Collect, review, and approve business unit invoices, materials and supplies inventories, employee timecards, and other operational and maintenance records.
• Manage the sale of goods and rental revenue in adherence to revenue collection policies and procedures.
• Oversee events and bookings on behalf of the Vanderhoof Cultural Centre, Museum and District including creating and maintaining rental agreements; and signing agreements with service providers, performers and food suppliers.
• Apply and oversee grant applications for the Visitor Centre and Museum and ensure funding requirements are met. 

• Manage the Visitor Centre Facebook page, highlighting community events, good news stories and articles.
• In consultation with Saik’uz First Nation, the Nechako Valley Historical Society, and other indigenous and community stakeholders, oversee the exhibit of artifacts and cultural displays to ensure regular rotation.
• In cooperation with the Nechako Valley Historical Society, community stakeholders and the District, develop, plan, coordinate and implement cultural and historical tours, events and historical site projects.
• Develop and keep up-to-date tourism information packages, brochures, tourism guides, and marketing campaigns to market destination development and tourism opportunities within the community and region.
• Review inquiries and applications for large events and various programming.  Determining the suitability of the proposed event or program and provide advice and assistance that advance desirable proposals.
• Respond to public complaints and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepare and present reports to Council when necessary.
• Performs other assigned duties as required.

Community Economic Development:

• Economic Development is a core component of this role.  Although the summer months are often occupied by Tourism related activities, Community Economic Development should be considered in all of your year-round activities. 
• Oversee the delivery of Community Economic Development Services.

• Coordinate and participate in the development and implementation of the District’s Economic Development Strategy. 
• Oversee special projects that promote community and economic development strategies and initiatives, including projects and initiatives focused on reconciliation and inter-governmental relations.
• Support the delivery of non-profit and community association events on municipal property, providing assistance and support with application, event planning and coordination where necessary.
• Support local business retention and expansion activities through research and engagement activities such as focus groups, business walks, and surveys.
• Prepare reports on community gaps/needs identification through a variety of research mechanisms.
• Support community and business partners to access funding for community development, business development and housing incentives. 
• Assist in branding and online presence for local businesses, and resident and workforce attraction development projects.
• Liaise with senior levels of government and senior executives in the private sector.
• Prepare and present reports to Council when necessary.

SKILLS

• Ability to demonstrate innovation, problem solving, and balancing competing priorities.
• Ability to engage in conflict management to resolve customer and client concerns.
• Ability to exercise sound decision making and considerable judgement that reflects well on the department and organization.
• Proven supervisory and team leadership skills, including ability to promote cohesion and teamwork between municipal employees, contractors, and volunteers.
• Ability to act with tact and discretion around sensitive issues or situations and to maintain strict confidentiality as may be required or appropriate.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent written communications skills.
• Ability to prepare complex reports, correspondence and promotional materials. 
• Strong organizational skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suit, particularly Word, Excel, Publisher, and Outlook.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of a Post-Secondary Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Economics, Recreation Management, Marketing, Events Management, Indigenous Studies, History, Community Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of progressive experience related to supervising or managing employees engaged in customer service, marketing, event planning, and/or sales, with a working knowledge of curating historical and cultural experiences.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience working in a municipal government environment is preferred.
• Experience working in collaboration with First Nations is considered an asset.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s license, with clean driver’s abstract.
• Clear police information search and vulnerable sector check (not required as part of application).

This is a regular full-time excluded position that offers an attractive benefits package, with a salary range of $69,133 to $81,260 (2024 rate).  The position is based in the Visitor Centre and is scheduled to work 35 hours per week.  Oversight of District events in the evenings and on weekends is required. 

This posting will remain open until filled. 

The District is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.  We invite all qualified candidates to apply.

We want to thank all applicants, however only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.