GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Travel Specialists serve as the face of our community by welcoming visitors to our destination through the Mobile Visitor Centers (MVCs), highly visible service vehicles parked throughout Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. Travel Specialists advise tourists and residents who visit the CACVB and/or inquire via telephone/internet/email about travel options in our local area. Additionally, the Travel Specialists form relationships with businesses and non-profit organizations, working hand-in-hand with them to promote the latest local news and identify potential partnerships. Work requires extensive knowledge of local travel and tourism amenities and the ability to communicate clearly, collaboratively, and respectfully with others. Work is performed under minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Actively promotes and researches tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, events, recreational activities, businesses, and services to visitors and residents; recommending activities and itineraries tailored to their unique interests;
• Manages, stocks, and drives one of two Mobile Visitor Centers throughout the County and City as part of visitor services; drives vehicle to specified locations on weekly schedule and for special events;
• Develops relationships with businesses and non-profit organizations to work collaboratively, promoting individual neighborhoods and staying abreast of events, openings, closings, and more at each location in order to inform CACVB staff, visitors and residents;
• Represents the CACVB in the community via the Mobile Visitor Centers and at events and exhibitions;
• Leads on-site convention services engagements for major meetings and groups, including working alongside meeting planners and senior hotel sales staff to ensure guests have a satisfying experience, as well as setting up and breaking down on-site convention services exhibits;
• Represents CACVB in the community and promotes CACVB initiatives, such as seasonal product promotions, digital trails and special events;
• Tracks, and manages inventory of brochures, travel literature and promotional items in partnership with other Travel Specialist, while adhering to state and local guidelines, and distributes these materials individually and through bulk orders
• Answers inquiries in-person, by telephone, by mail, on social media, and by e-mail;
• Keeps daily reports of visitation numbers, phone calls, and referrals;
• Using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform to enter, track, and report on visitor statistics, information requests, and more. Maintains database and keeps information current; prepares reports for manager review;
• Serves as subject matter expert to inform marketing, sales and visitor service functions on the CACVB team. The CACVB team is small and relies on all team members to provide their perspectives, expertise and collaborative spirit to accomplish its work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Through excellent customer service and quality information, Travel Specialist ensure that visitors have such an exceptional experience in Charlottesville and Albemarle County that this destination becomes their number one place to stay, shop, dine, and be entertained whenever they come to Central Virginia.

Position requires excellent communication skills and a focus on relationship building. Travel Specialist must be able to build relationships with our visitors, local businesses, partners, and co-workers.

Knowledge of local tourist attractions in the County and City is key to success in this position as well as an understanding of tourism as an economic driver for the local community. A background in Tourism sales or marketing is preferred.

Ability to highlight the benefits of our County/City product, ability to upsell, and ability to put itineraries together to improve the visitor experience. Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate special events as needed. Current driver’s license and the ability to drive. Ability to read maps and direct people to events and attractions. Intermediate level proficiency in office-related software including Microsoft Office Suite 365 and Apple IOS. Ability to use a variety of office equipment, including computer, iPad, fax, scanner, copier, and multi-line telephone.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of education or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four- year college or university in marketing, communications, or a related field.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:

Travel Specialists work in a hybrid work environment with time being shared between a traditional office space (or remote home office), as well as time spent operating the Mobile Visitor Centers. While working in an office environment, work will be conducted from a sitting position, however it will require frequent standing, walking, bending, etc. Travel Specialists work full time hours Wednesday to Sunday, including some holidays, and with some flexibility for special events.

Mobile Visitor Centers operate out of CACVB-branded sprinter vans stocked with tourism collateral. Staffing of MVCs requires standing for extended periods of time at portable information tables, restocking brochures, bending, lifting up to 50 lbs., and occasional sitting. Frequently, Travel Specialists will work outside, in open-air locations while operating the Mobile Visitor Centers. The CACVB has a weather policy that restricts outside work during inclement weather.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Friday, May 12, 2023