Park Manager II - Tourism Manager

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The City of Chesapeake is seeking a dynamic Tourism Manager to lead, plan, and grow Chesapeake’s tourism activities and initiatives. You will promote the city’s natural and cultural assets, events, and hospitality offerings, driving branding and partnerships with local and regional stakeholders to attract visitors.

The role focuses on strategy, marketing, visitor experience, and data-driven growth, with responsibilities spanning budgeting, supervision, and community engagement to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years full-time experience in local government, project management, facility maintenance, construction, operations or related industry.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards.

Responsibilities

• Tourism Strategy & Development: plan, implement, evaluate initiatives highlighting Chesapeake’s assets.
• Marketing & Promotion: oversee branding, advertising, social media, and campaigns.
• Partnerships & Collaboration: build relationships with hospitality businesses, events, and regional tourism groups.
• Visitor Experience: develop programs and services to enhance visitor life quality.
• Data & Performance Analysis: monitor trends and benchmarks to inform strategy.
• Community Engagement: advocate tourism as an economic driver and community asset.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: ensure programs meet standards and accessibility goals.
• Budget & Resource Management: assist with budgets and cost control.
• Supervision: manage staff and events, including contractors as needed.
• Strategic Planning: develop short- and long-term tourism strategies.
• Communication & Reporting: prepare reports for leadership and stakeholders.
• Grant & Regulatory Management: manage grants and regulatory compliance.
• Project Monitoring & Documentation: track initiatives and evaluate outcomes.
• Professional Development & Networking: represent Chesapeake in industry events.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Communication

Budgeting

Contract negotiation

Digital marketing

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Tourism/ Hospitality or related field

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Drug Screening: MARIJUANA

In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. As such, applicants for this position are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after receiving a conditional offer of employment and may also be subject to random testing. This drug test includes testing for marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse an applicant from the testing process; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical marijuana certification is presented unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or is a sworn law‑enforcement officer/deputy.

Will perform essential "Alpha Personnel" duties as may be required coordinating emergency response for hurricanes, snowstorms, windstorms, northeasters, etc.

Will lead event coordinators with grand openings, ribbon cuttings, ceremonial events and presentations, and community and City events.

May perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support department goals and community priorities.

Position Information

Working Title of Vacant Position

Job Type

Job Type Full Time

Posting Type

Posting Type Public

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Department

Department PARKS, REC, & TOURISM

Division

Division TOURISM

Requisition Number

Requisition Number 2026487

Number of hours worked per week

Number of hours worked per week 40 +

Work Schedule

Work schedules are based on operational needs and can very. This position does require occasional local and out of state travel.

Work Site Location

Work Site Location Chesapeake, VA

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE17

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$75,096- $99,502/ annually
Actual starting salary based on qualifications and experience

Job Description

The City is seeking a dynamic Tourism Manager to lead, plan, and grow Chesapeake’s tourism activities and initiatives.

This role will focus on strengthening the City’s identity as a destination by promoting its unique natural assets, cultural and historical attractions, events and recreational and sports activities, agritourism, and hospitality offerings. The Tourism Manager will drive marketing and branding efforts, foster partnerships with local and regional stakeholders, and develop strategies that attract visitors to the City while enhancing the overall visitor experience. This role offers the opportunity to shape Chesapeake’s tourism landscape—building programs, campaigns, event management, and experiences that highlight the City’s character, boost economic impact, and connect residents and visitors alike to all Chesapeake has to offer.

Key responsibilities include:

• Tourism Strategy & Development: Plan, implement, and evaluate tourism initiatives that highlight Chesapeake’s unique natural, cultural, historical, and recreational assets and programs.
• Marketing & Promotion: Oversee branding, advertising, social media, and promotional campaigns to attract regional, national, and international visitors.
• Partnerships & Collaboration: Build and maintain strong relationships with hospitality businesses, attractions, event organizers, and regional/state tourism organizations.
• Visitor Experience: Develop programs, events, tours, and services that enhance the quality of life for visitors and residents while creating memorable and impactful experiences.
• Data & Performance Analysis: Monitor tourism trends, visitor data, and industry benchmarks to inform strategy and measure success.
• Community Engagement: Advocate for tourism as an economic driver and community asset, ensuring initiatives reflect the City’s values and identity. Collaborate and participate with local organizations, events, and their activities to promote the City and its assets.

Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure all tourism programs, marketing efforts, and visitor services adhere to industry standards, ethical practices, and applicable local, state, and national regulations. Maintain accuracy and consistency in branding, messaging, and service delivery. Uphold high standards of accessibility, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship to ensure Chesapeake’s tourism offerings are welcoming, sustainable, and reflective of the City’s values.

Budget & Resource Management: Assist with the preparation and oversight of operating and capital budgets for tourism initiatives. Monitor expenditures, review invoices, and make cost‑effective decisions to ensure tourism programs, events, marketing endeavors, and projects remain financially sustainable and deliver strong value for the community.

Supervision: Direct and manage sales, community and City events, and visitor center staff to include hiring, establishing goals, evaluating, training, and leading daily activities. Utilize contractor procurement as needed to include setting objectives, evaluating efficiencies, monitoring activities, and payment processing and ensure performance aligns with project goals, standards, and specifications. Oversees City special event coordination, permitting, activities, and programming.

Strategic Planning: Develop and implement both short- and long-term strategies to grow Chesapeake’s tourism sector, including destination marketing initiatives, visitor experience enhancements, event development, sports marketing, partnering with and help in the promotion of unique and small businesses, implement regional initiatives and collaboration on shared activities, and enhance hospitality partnerships. Align strategies with industry trends and community goals to strengthen the City’s identity as a premier travel destination and place to visit.

Communication & Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and marketing updates for executive leadership, tourism boards, and community stakeholders. Utilize social media and other marketing and media sources as a platform for communication Chesapeake’s invitation to visit. Communicate the impact of tourism initiatives through data, storytelling, and performance metrics. Address inquiries, engage with and make frequent presentations to residents, visitors, businesses, and partner organizations while building strong relationships that support Chesapeake’s reputation as a welcoming destination and the City that CARES .

Grant & Regulatory Management: Research, apply for, and manage grant funding opportunities. Ensure compliance with regulatory inspections and grant‑related documentation requirements. Partner on statewide initiatives and collaborating on potential shared funding opportunities. Develop and offer opportunities and incentives for various potential visitor groups.

Project Monitoring & Documentation: Track ongoing tourism initiatives, marketing campaigns, events, incentives, and partnership projects. Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and evaluation of outcomes to measure impact, improve future programming, and strengthen Chesapeake’s position as a visitor destination.

Professional Development & Networking: Represent Chesapeake in the tourism and hospitality industry by attending and presenting at conferences, trade shows, professional workshops, and community activities. Stay informed on best practices, market trends, and emerging opportunities in destination marketing and visitor services. Build, promote, and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, regional partners, and state and national tourism organizations to expand Chesapeake’s visibility and influence.

Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support departmental goals and community priorities.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Required Qualifications

Vocational/Educational Requirement: Requires any equivalent combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality, or other related degree.

Experience: In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of 5 years of full‑time equivalent experience in local government, project management, facility maintenance, construction, operations or a related industry.

Special Certifications and licenses: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards.

Special Requirements: Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short‑term department needs and/or City‑wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Related education and experience in the tourism, hospitality or other related degree.
• Strong knowledge of tourism, hospitality, and convention industry trends and practices.
• Proven ability to lead destination marketing initiatives with measurable results.
• Strong leadership skills in overseeing staff, team sales, events, and visitor centers.
• Excellent relationship‑building, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Budgeting, financial management, and contract negotiation experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, from government agencies to local businesses.
• Skilled in digital marketing, data analysis, and leveraging emerging technologies in tourism promotion.
• Commitment to the City’s CARES values and community engagement.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/20/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 11/03/2026

Open Continuous No

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands M=Medium - Exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Lifting

Lifting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 to 50 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally- ...

Handling

Handling Occasionally- ...

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Occasionally- ...

Kneeling

Kneeling Occasionally- ...

Crouching

Crouching Occasionally- ...

Crawling

Crawling Rarely- ...

Bending

Bending Occasionally- ...

Twisting

Twisting Occasionally- ...

Climbing

Climbing Rarely- ...

Balancing

Balancing Occasionally- ...

Vision

Vision Continuously- ...

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- ...

Talking

Talking Frequently- ...

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Occasionally- ...

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Standard office equipment, vehicle, Cell Phone, marketing and media tools and supplies, side by side vehicles, golf cart, mobile visitor center, pop-up tents, barricades, fencing, various recreational equipment, various construction equipment.

Protective Equipment Required

All PPE Required for equipment in use, seat belt, hard hat, safety glasses

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards M = Several Times Per Month

Fire Hazards

Fire Hazards M = Several Times Per Month

Explosives

Explosives W = Several Times Per Week

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases S = Seasonally

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse S = Seasonally

Other

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust W = Several Times Per Week

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures S = Seasonally

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration W = Several Times Per Week

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors M = Several Times Per Month

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity S = Seasonally

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting S = Seasonally

Primary Work Location

Primary Work Location Office Environment, Outdoors, Vehicle, Other - overnight travel

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Occasionally- ...

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Frequently- ...

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Frequently- ...

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Frequently- ...

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- ...

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Occasionally- ...

Noisy/Distracting Environment Occasionally- ...

Other

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

Incumbent must be able to work independently

Professional References

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details.
  • Yes
  • No