Visitor Experience Specialist

Iowatravelindustry; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Discover Ames is seeking a Visitor Experience Specialist to support conferences, sporting events, meetings, and community programs in Ames, IA. This full-time, in-office role focuses on coordinating event services, logistics, and visitor engagement.

You will build relationships with hotels and venues, manage volunteers and interns, and ensure exceptional service for attendees while supporting ambassadors and tour coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in event management, business or related field.
• 1–3 years’ experience in hospitality, association or event management.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and Canva.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate services for conferences and events, including hotel blocks and VIP materials.
• Develop relationships with hotels and venues and work with internal departments.
• Coordinate visitor welcome materials and promotional items; manage ambassadors.
• Assist with tour requests; hire, schedule and evaluate interns; recruit volunteers.
• Maintain CRM system data and oversee equipment lending and community events.
• Oversee the Ames community July 4 fireworks show.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Canva

Education

Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in event management, business or related field

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

This is a full-time, in-office position with Discover Ames. As the Visitor Experience Specialist, you’ll help create experiences for visitors attending conferences, sporting events, meetings, and community events throughout Ames. You’ll assist in coordination of logistics, collaborate with local partners, manage volunteers and interns, and serve as a key resource to ensure every visitor receives outstanding service.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Services

• Coordinate services for selected groups/conferences, special events and office sponsored events. This includes:
  • Securing hotel blocks and rates
  • Welcome/VIP bags collation and distribution
  • Occasional onsite coordination and support
• Develop working relationships with service providers, including hotels and venues.
• Work with internal office departments for implementation of event services.
• Coordinate the preparation and distribution of visitor welcome materials and promotional items.
• Coordinate the Discover Ames Ambassador program.
• Assist in coordination of tour requests.
• Manage intern(s) including hiring, scheduling, directing, and evaluating.
• Assist in managing the volunteer database and volunteer recruitment for select events.
• Maintain account information within the Customer Relationship Management system.
• Oversee equipment lending program.
• Oversee the Ames community July 4 fireworks show.

Sales Development

• Support business development efforts through market research and special projects as needed.
• Collaborate and assist with sales campaigns as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in event management, business or related field.
• One to three years’ experience in hospitality, association or event management.
• Proficiency with computer skills including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Canva.

General Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to details.
• Committed to be a team player.
• Customer service mindset.
• Ability to set and manage priorities and to handle multiple projects and events simultaneously.
• Possess strong initiative and self-motivation.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays to accommodate events and meeting schedules.
• Ability to lift materials up to 40 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license.