Tourism Director

Company Description Franklin Southampton Economic Development, Inc. (FSEDI) is an economic development organization serving residents and businesses in the City of Franklin and Southampton County, Virginia. Since its incorporation in 2005, FSEDI has worked to advance the community’s economic mission and long-term growth. The organization focuses on retaining existing industry, attracting new businesses, and supporting entrepreneurship. Tourism is a core area of emphasis, serving as a key driver for community visibility, investment, and quality of life.
Role Description The Tourism Director is a full-time, on-site role based in Franklin, VA, responsible for planning, developing, and implementing tourism strategies that promote Franklin Southampton as a destination. This position oversees daily tourism operations, including managing visitor services, coordinating marketing campaigns, and maintaining relationships with local businesses, attractions, and community partners. The Tourism Director researches and develops tourism initiatives, manages tourism-related events, and monitors performance metrics to ensure programs align with FSEDI’s economic development goals. The role includes preparing and presenting reports, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and representing FSEDI at meetings, conferences, and community events.
Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in travel management and business travel planning, with the ability to design and oversee tourism programs and visitor itineraries.
• Proficiency in travel technology tools and platforms used for tourism promotion, visitor information, and data tracking.
• Background in sales and destination marketing, including building partnerships with local businesses and attractions to increase visitation and revenue.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills, including developing and monitoring tourism program budgets and optimizing use of resources.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives, events, and deadlines.
• Experience in tourism, hospitality, economic development, or a related field; a bachelor’s degree in marketing, tourism, business, public administration, or a similar discipline is preferred.
• Knowledge of regional attractions and community assets, and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for tourism events.