ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY

Columbia County is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, with pockets of quiet and peaceful springs. Columbia County is the home of Florida’s Springlands, with multiple natural springs, lakes, rivers, and nine beautiful state parks. In 2022, the US Census Bureau QuickFacts estimated Columbia County has a population of 72,000 residents. Columbia County is a southeast sports destination and hosts multiple tournaments and camps. Columbia County requires a diverse and dedicated workforce to provide services for Columbia County residents to live and work, and for the visitors who experience our piece of the Florida playground. Consider applying for a position with us today.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a highly responsible administrative position that directs and supervises the Columbia County Tourist Development office. An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for promoting Columbia County’s economic development through tourism promotion, in concert with the Columbia County Tourist Development Council. Work is performed under the direction of the County Manager or their designee, in accordance with the Administrative Code, and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of the results obtained.

Training and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, public relations or related field and five years of professional marketing or tourist development work experience including or supplemented by three years of supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.

Professional Licenses/mandatory requirements

Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License. Columbia County residency is required within six months of the date of employment.

SALARY: NEGOTIABLE

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: 12/02/2025

Each applicant is required to submit a complete County Application for Employment. Applications are available on-line www.columbiacountyfla.com/Jobs.asp . Successful applicants must be able to pass a pre-employment medical exam, criminal history background check, driver’s license check and drug screening. Applications can be emailed to: hr@columbiacountyfla.com or by mail, FedEx, or UPS to:

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

POST OFFICE BOX 1529

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32056-1529

(386) 758-3351; TDD (386) 758-2139

An AA/EEO/ADA/VP Employer

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and approaches related to tourism development activities
• Thorough knowledge of all laws, rules, regulations, current developments, and practices related to tourist development
• Considerable knowledge of economic development factors in Columbia County
• Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of subordinate employees
• Ability to coordinate and effectively administer programs and promotions involving a wide range of interested parties
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the Tourist Development Council and other groups promoting the arts, sports, entertainment, and tourism
• Ability to make sound recommendations for office policies and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; ability to make effective presentations to large groups
• Ability to develop objects for the Tourist Development Office and assist the County staff in both long and short-range planning
• Ability to create brochures and multi-media presentations for use in attracting tourists/visitors
• Ability to compile and maintain accurate records; ability to compile, analyze, and utilize statistical information pertaining to tourism

Essential Functions

• Supervises and coordinates the activities of subordinate employees, including determining work procedures and schedules; issuing instructions and assigning duties; reviewing work; recommending personnel actions; conducting performance reviews; and conducting departmental training and orientation
• Plans, develops, and recommends an annual marketing plan for tourism development in the County for the TDC Board to be presented to the BOCC.
• Works with the Tourist Development Council to attract visitors and events to Columbia County
• Promotes Columbia County attractions by designing and distributing brochures and creating and placing advertisements in consumer and travel trade media
• Represents the County in tourist-related matters at the local, state, and national levels
• Meets regularly with the Tourist Development Council to review plans and marketing strategies. Sets the agenda, acts as secretary to the Council for purposes of minutes and submitting recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and develops staff recommendations related to tourist development programs
• Coordinates with the Landscaping and Parks Department for facility usage during hosted events
• Coordinates with special event groups to ensure appropriate planning, marketing and promotion(s); compiles a monthly calendar of Columbia County events from clubs and organizations
• Analyzes data to determine marketing strategy
• Prepares and submits quarterly reports to the Administrative Manager for the Board of County Commissioners on dollars spent and the impact on tourist development
• Writes, prepares, and delivers articles, speeches, and press releases about tourism as economic development in Columbia County
• Writes the Columbia County Tourist Development grant application; prepares and submits the Office of Tourist Development budget for inclusion in the County budget process. In accordance with Columbia County purchasing guidelines, purchases will adhere to approved guidelines and provide for required quotes and bids for purchases as required
• Coordinates with the Florida Department of Commerce and Division of Tourism on marketing trends and events necessary to update the Columbia County Tourist Marketing Plan
• Responds to written and verbal inquiries about Columbia County by supplying brochures on local events, happenings, and accommodations
• Performs related duties as assigned, including Public Information as it relates to activities of the Columbia County Emergency Management Department in the absence of the County PIO
• Conducts appropriate market research and keeps the TDC apprised of tourism trends
• Collaborates with tourism agencies in neighboring counties to develop and implement regional initiatives
• Educates the local community about the importance of tourism through interacting with and speaking at civic and social clubs and organizations, issuing press releases, and nurturing relationships with local and regional media outlets
• Administer event funding process in accordance with TDC guidelines and direction
• Required to work during a local declared state of emergency

Non -Essential Functions

Performs related work as required.

[These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed.  Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.]

Work Environment

The majority of work is done in an office.  However, this position requires the ability to travel and attend meetings and events outside of the office and outside of regular working hours.

Essential Physical Skills/Demands

Acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction). Light (up to 25 pounds) lifting, walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing, sitting, and manual dexterity.

NOTE: The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.