Community Tourism Coordinator

Community Government of Whatì; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Community Government of Whatì is seeking a Community Tourism Coordinator to enhance tourism in Whatì, NT. This role involves developing initiatives, working with local businesses, and ensuring tourism efforts align with community values. Responsibilities include product development, marketing strategies, and visitor experience management.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance

Employer-matched retirement savings plan contributions

Paid time off for vacation and personal days

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in tourism, marketing, or community development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with digital marketing and social media.

Responsibilities

• Develop sustainable tourism initiatives promoting local culture.
• Collaborate with local entrepreneurs to create tourism packages.
• Implement digital marketing strategies and manage statistics.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary diploma in tourism or marketing (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Social media scheduling tools

Job description

Summary of the Role

The Community Tourism Coordinator (CTC) plays a vital role in advancing tourism in Whatì, Northwest Territories, by leveraging the newly completed Tłı̨chǫ Highway to attract visitors and drive economic growth. This position focuses on developing sustainable tourism initiatives that highlight Whatì’s cultural, natural, and historical assets while respecting the Tłı̨chǫ community’s heritage. The CTC collaborates with local entrepreneurs, community stakeholders, and regional partners to create authentic visitor experiences, promote the destination, and support local business development.

Success in this role is measured by the creation of high-quality tourism products, increased visitor numbers, and positive economic and social impacts for Whatì. Key indicators include accurate tourism statistics, successful launch of tourism packages, and positive feedback from visitors and community members. The CTC ensures tourism aligns with community values, fostering pride and economic opportunities while preserving cultural and environmental integrity.

Within the Community Government of Whatì, the CTC reports to the Senior Administrative Officer (SAO) and works within the Special Projects department. This role is central to achieving the community’s economic development goals by positioning Whatì as a welcoming, authentic tourism destination.

Responsibilities

1. Research and Planning

• Review the Tłı̨chǫ Tourism Strategy and align initiatives with Tourism NWT staff.
• Analyze Northwest Territories travel trends and compile baseline statistics on local and tourism-related businesses in Whatì.
• Prepare a baseline report on Whatì’s tourism landscape at the start of the term and a final report at the end.
• Research target markets (e.g., Visiting Friends and Relatives, Weekend Adventurers, Road Tourists, Business Travelers, Guests of Lac La Martre Adventures) and identify appealing tourism products.

2. Tourism Product Development

• Collaborate with local entrepreneurs to develop 1-2 tourism packages (e.g., interpretive boat tours, cultural workshops, fishing equipment rentals).
• Assist businesses in obtaining necessary licenses (e.g., Tourism Operator License) and meeting safety and insurance requirements.
• Share resources on funding opportunities (e.g., GNWT SEED, CanNor, ITAC programs) and support application processes.
• Coordinate product development to ensure diverse, high-quality, and authentic visitor experiences that encourage extended stays.

3. Marketing and Promotions

• Develop and implement a digital marketing strategy for platforms like www.visitwhati.com, Spectacular NWT, and social media (Facebook, Instagram, TripAdvisor).
• Create promotional materials (e.g., brochures, itineraries) and manage photo/video assets for marketing.
• Leverage partnerships with NWT Tourism and ITAC for free or low-cost marketing opportunities.
• Conduct SEO and digital advertising to enhance Whatì’s visibility as a tourism destination.

4. Visitor Experience Management

• Create and distribute visitor experience surveys (digital and paper) to gather feedback.
• Maintain accurate visitation statistics, including visitor numbers, origins, spending, and trip purpose.
• Engage with visitors to ensure positive experiences and address concerns.
• Consult with locals to assess tourism impacts and ensure cultural respect and community alignment.

5. Partnerships and Training

• Build relationships with GNWT ITI, CanNor, NWT Tourism, ITAC, and local operators (e.g., Lac La Martre Adventures, Yellowknife Tours).
• Support local businesses in accessing training programs (e.g., NorthernMost Host, Tourism Training).
• Attend 3-5 tourism-related training courses (e.g., tourism business fundamentals, digital marketing, SEO).

6. Additional Duties

• Coordinate travel arrangements for tourism activities or familiarization tours.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and COVID-19 regulations for tourism operations.
• Assist the SAO with administrative tasks related to tourism development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1-2 years of experience in tourism, marketing, or community development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Post-secondary diploma or certificate in tourism, marketing, or business administration.
• Experience with digital marketing and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of Tłı̨chǫ culture and Whatì’s bylaws.
• Tłı̨chǫ citizens and residents of the community will be given preference.
• Familiarity with tourism licensing and funding programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

• Understanding of tourism product development, marketing, and visitor experience management.
• Familiarity with Tłı̨chǫ culture, Whatì’s tourism attractions, and NWT tourism trends.
• Knowledge of funding programs (e.g., GNWT ITI, CanNor, ITAC) and licensing requirements.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and digital marketing tools.

Skills

• Clear verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholders and visitors.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with entrepreneurs, community members, and partners.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office, social media scheduling tools (e.g., Later, Buffer), and website content management systems.

Abilities

• Adaptability to adjust to changing priorities and community needs.
• Initiative to proactively identify tourism growth opportunities and process improvements.
• Teamwork to collaborate effectively with community stakeholders and external partners.
• Leadership to manage projects and meet deadlines independently.
• Customer service to provide welcoming and professional support to visitors and locals.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance.
• Employer-matched retirement savings plan contributions.
• Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel for meetings or familiarization tours.
• Some outdoor activities for tourism coordination.
• Frequent communication with stakeholders and visitors in person, by phone, or online.
• Multitasking, problem-solving, and attention to detail under tight deadlines.