Visit Hood River Executive Director

Visit Hood River; Hood River (OR); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: $75,000–$95,000

Job summary

Visit Hood River, formerly Hood River Chamber of Commerce, seeks an Executive Director to lead destination management, tourism marketing, and community business development in Hood River, Oregon.

The role requires a proven leader who can collaborate with the Board, staff, partners, and the regional business community to strengthen the visitor economy and quality of place.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in travel, tourism, hospitality, events, or adjacent industries.
• Experience managing marketing and communications functions in a medium-sized organization or public entity.
• Fiscal experience with budgeting and funding diversification.
• Strong business acumen and knowledge of management practices.
• Ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and drive organizational culture.

Responsibilities

• Manages policies, procedures, and programs approved by the Board.
• Promotes Hood River as a travel destination and enhances its public image.
• Directs HR operations including hiring, salary guidelines, and evaluations.
• Oversees outside contractors supporting the mission and deliverables.
• Leads annual advertising, PR, social media, and website improvements.

Skills

Leadership experience

Marketing & communications

Budget management

People management

Strategic planning

Education

Four-year college degree

Job description

The Hood River Chamber of Commerce, doing business as Visit Hood River (VHR), is seeking a qualified, dynamic, and innovative Executive Director to lead the organization’s destination management, tourism marketing, and community business development programs in Hood River, Oregon.

Whether you’re lucky enough to live here already, or have only dreamed about making Hood River your home, this is your chance to live and work in this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Hood River is just one hour east of Portland and adjacent to the stunning Columbia River Gorge.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of VHR, balancing strategic leadership, operational management, community advocacy, and destination stewardship. The role requires a leader who can work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, public partners, tourism stakeholders, and the broader Hood River business community to strengthen the region’s visitor economy and quality of place.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and administers policies, procedures, and programs approved by the Board of Directors.


• Responsible for promoting the community as an attractive travel destination and enhancing the Hood River public image as a dynamic place to live and work.


• Directs the internal staffing and human resources operations of VHR to include applicant screening, hiring, salary guidelines, determination of job functions, delegation of work assignments, evaluation, discipline, and termination.


• Directs the work and agreements with all outside contractors hired to support the VHR mission and deliverables.


• In conformance with measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) and related strategies of the yearly marketing plan and strategic roadmap, supports the team that develops annual advertising programs, official vacation planner, social media, public relations programs, podcasts, and website enhancements.


• Provides oversight for the solicitation of new partnerships and membership renewals and assists in developing partner policy and dues structure.


• In conjunction with the Board chair, develops agendas for engaging Board meetings and provides brief reports on the status of pertinent projects and programs.


• Prepares an operating budget for approval by the Board of Directors, presents the approved budget to City Council, and initiates Board review of new programs or program changes that may affect the operating budget.


• Partners with Board leadership to support governance, board development, committee engagement, and strategic planning initiatives.


• Generates and strengthens community support for VHR’s mission, city brand, and public service by maintaining a visible public presence, making public appearances, and serving on volunteer boards and committees that support tourism and the broader community.


• Maintains positive working relationships with partner DMOs throughout the Hood-Gorge regional destination management footprint, as well as statewide partners including Travel Oregon and the Oregon Destination Association.


• Performs additional duties and responsibilities which may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Leadership experience in travel, tourism, hospitality, events, or an adjacent industry is required. Destination Marketing Organization, Convention and Visitors Bureau, or Chamber of Commerce leadership experience is preferred.


• The position requires graduation from a four-year accredited college or university with a major emphasis in a related field; or equivalent progressively responsible work experience within the travel, tourism, hospitality, event, or adjacent industries.


• Ability to build and sustain a high-performing, collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional talent.


• Experience managing the marketing and communication functions for a medium-sized business, not-for-profit organization, or public entity.


• Fiscal experience managing a budget is required, with a preference for experience identifying and implementing alternate sources of funding.


• The Executive Director is expected to bring strong business acumen and working knowledge of contemporary management practices, budgeting, accounting principles, advertising and public relations strategy, human resource management, and public administration.


• Experienced with internal team leadership, having led teams, skillful at managing personnel, and providing proper leadership and mentorship.


• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse groups of people representing a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

As the primary spokesperson for Visit Hood River, the Executive Director will be an effective and skilled communicator, proficient at articulating the image and purposes of the organization through speeches, presentations, and media interviews.

In line with the responsibility to protect VHR’s image and reputation, the Executive Director will conduct themself in a manner that merits public trust and support.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Innovative


• Collaborative


• Courageous & Bold


• Highly Accountable


• Consensus Builder


• Politically Savvy


• Visionary


• Excellent Communicator & Presenter


• Relationship-driven


• Genuine & Authentic


• Financially Astute


• Passionate

TOP PRIORITIES

Evaluate and secure sustainable long-term funding strategies that strengthen Visit Hood River’s ability to fulfill its mission and expand its destination marketing impact.

Evaluate the organization by getting to know team members, roles, responsibilities, budgets, the strategic plan, and sales and marketing initiatives, then make recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Prepare a plan to educate the community on the value of tourism through local advocacy and increased awareness.

Serve as a unifying leader within the greater Hood River tourism ecosystem by fostering alignment and strategic partnerships among destination stakeholders, including attractions, recreation and sports organizations, cultural institutions, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, hospitality partners, and local governments, to enhance the region’s competitiveness and visitor economy.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Annual salary ranges from $75,000 to $95,000, depending on experience, plus monthly benefits stipend.

The successful candidate must be able to multitask and be willing to work beyond a standard daily or weekly schedule as needed. A valid, unencumbered driver’s license and passport are required. Travel in and out of state may be required, along with the ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities; rather, it provides a general definition of the position’s scope and function.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Visit Hood River is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.