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Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Saugatuck, MI

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ABOUT THE SAUGATUCK DOUGLAS AREA Saugatuck and Douglas are harbor villages that celebrate diversity: small-town America at its best! Here visitors can turn back the pages of time to enjoy a simpler life where no one hurries, and no one hurries you. A place where everyone is special, and everyone is welcome. Recently, The National Trust for Historic Preservation selected Saugatuck/Douglas as one of the “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” in the U.S. and the writers and editors of Midwest Living Magazine ranked Saugatuck/Douglas fifth among the top 100 vacation destinations in the Midwest. Just 35 minutes from Grand Rapids, Saugatuck and Douglas are also home to executives, along with a creative workforce that deepens the community’s unique energy. The “small town meets downtown” vibe are evident in the community’s high-quality arts and cultural options, numerous culinary and beverage establishments (including chefs who are “Chopped” winners and James Beard Award semi-finalists), and notable residential and commercial architecture. While visiting the downtown areas of either Saugatuck or Douglas, you can walk, in a safe and friendly environment, to almost everything. In Saugatuck, you can stroll along the boardwalk admiring the boats and explore the dockside shops. Picnic by the gazebo in Wicks Park, overlooking the harbor, then, ride the Victorian hand-cranked ferry, rent a canoe, charter a sailboat, or tour our waterways onboard an old-fashioned sternwheeler dinner cruiser or vintage runabout boat retrofitted with an electric motor. End your excursion at the corner drug store soda fountain where hand-creamed sodas and malted shakes have been a specialty for 100 years! Just across the river, Douglas is the perfect place to stroll past, or step inside of, elegant historical buildings such as the Old Schoolhouse, Dutcher Lodge, the library and various churches and residences which have been restored to enhance their 19th century charm while still serving our community. Shopping in downtown Douglas is a pleasure too; whether you’re looking for fine art, home accessories, antiques, toys or exceptional comestibles. Shop a little, eat a little, relax a lot. Douglas is also home to the area’s first microbrewery, a do-it-yourself Art Barn and West Michigan’s largest Antique Pavilion. For over a century, artists have been drawn to the area’s towering dunes, pristine beaches and natural splendors of this jewel-like setting on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore. Today, that artistic heritage persists through strong ties to the Art Institute of Chicago with its affiliated summer school at Ox-Bow as well as a broad spectrum of art galleries and art-based activities and events. Consistently named one of America’s top 25 arts destinations, it’s no wonder the area has become known as “The Art Coast of Michigan”!

You’ll find great lodging options in modern, privately-owned motels, cottages, suites and charming retro auto courts. Or, if you prefer a country inn, our “Bed and Breakfast Capital of the Midwest” offers an extensive variety of historic accommodations. Regardless of your preference, travelers are always treated like friends of the family! Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at one of our two 18-hole championship golf courses while the kids can take sailing lessons or an art class. And don’t leave without taking the family on a thrilling dune buggy ride! Blending so many attractions you can easily create your own “masterpiece” vacation.

It’s easy to understand why Michigan’s governor named Saugatuck one of Michigan’s 19 “Coolest Cities.” The town’s Oval Beach is ranked one of the top 25 beaches in the world by Condé Nast and one of the top two in the USA by National Geographic Traveler. More recently, the Chicago Tribune rated it number one out of the Midwest’s five best beaches.

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The Saugatuck Center for the Arts serves up year-round entertainment including professional (Equity) theater produc�ons June – August, world class concerts (Lindsey Buckingham, Aaron Neville, Joan Baez, Marc Cohn and more have performed at the SCA), exhibi�ons, films, classes for children and adults, even a Farmers Market June - September. The SCA also brings Mountainfilm on Tour: Saugatuck to the community each March, featuring documentaries from the acclaimed Telluride Mountainfilm Fes�val. Our Chamber Music Festival, and frequent jazz concerts, highlight a topflight, eclectic music-scene. Outdoor art shows, gallery openings and culinary events add extra spice to the Saugatuck/Douglas recipe. ABOUT THE SAUGATUCK DOUGLAS AREA CVB The mission of the Saugatuck Douglas Area CVB is to promote and market the vitality and desirability of the Saugatuck/Douglas Area as a premier destination. For more information, click here. Our award-winning beaches, creative culture, and never-ending fun are sure to steal your heart. POSITION SUMMARY Position: Executive Director Reports to: Board of Directors The Execu�ve Director serves as the chief staff officer under the direc�on of the Chairman and Board of Directors. This posi�on has the full authority and responsibility for all opera�ons of the Saugatuck Douglas CVB and will lead the organiza�on by promo�ng and marke�ng the vitality and desirability of the des�na�on. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for marke�ng the authen�c des�na�on for growth in tourism and conven�ons. • Responsible for the oversight of the des�na�on’s posi�oning as a lifestyle brand. • Posi�ons the Bureau as a leader with other des�na�on marke�ng organiza�ons. • Leads Bureau's marke�ng and promo�onal ac�vi�es including working with the bureau’s agency to outline and

implement the annual marke�ng plan. • Coordinates the staff and volunteers to assure the marke�ng plan is accomplished. • Brings new market segments to the area. • Rou�nely analyzes, evaluates, and updates the website to maintain relevance and usability. • Fosters collabora�ve efforts to accomplish strategies, u�lizing exis�ng agency partnerships and seeking new

partner opportuni�es. • Oversees membership recruitment and reten�on including establishing inclusive membership environments with

strong rela�onships and varied volunteer opportuni�es. • Iden�fies and facilitates for members the applica�on of new and innova�ve technology or trends. • Researches and secures opportuni�es for new developments that serve member’s needs. • Oversee the finances and internal controls of the organiza�on and the annual budget including ensuring that the

budget and annual marke�ng plan are aligned. • Iden�fies staffing needs and mentors staff members in their responsibili�es. • Creates a culture that facilitates the highest level of customer service. • Support the Board in providing them the materials, informa�on and visioning to make strategic decisions. • Outlines the commitee and volunteer involvement structure. • Serves as the associa�on's spokesperson. • Responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and other repor�ng requirements. • Other du�es as assigned.

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree from a four-year university required, advanced degree preferred; or ten to fi�een years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combina�on of educa�on and experience. CHARACTERISTICS NEEDED

• Passionate • Entrepreneurial • Excellent Communicator • Crea�ve • Poli�cally Savvy • Diploma�c

• Collabora�ve • Team Player & Hands on • Social & Visible • Transparent & Open • Fiscally Responsible • Inclusive

• Rela�onal & Relatable • Tac�ul • Good leader • High level of integrity

TOP PRIORITIES

1. Meet, build rela�onships, assess needs, establish trust and become entrenched with community leaders, stakeholders, CVB members, and board members.

2. Work with the bureau’s marke�ng agency to evaluate Saugatuck & Douglas as a tourism des�na�on, determine strengths and create a des�na�on marke�ng plan and 2020 Visitors Guide.

3. Evaluate the exis�ng team, vision, budget and organiza�onal direc�on and make recommenda�ons on future direc�on.

The above statements are Intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please use the link below to apply or send your resume to the SearchWide Global Execu�ve listed below.

Nicole Newman, Vice President | SearchWide Global

www.searchwideglobal.com | info@searchwideglobal.com

480-264-7675 (direct) | 951-640-3745 (mobile)

About SearchWide Global

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