Overview of organization

The River Parishes Tourist Commission (RPTC) is a government agency responsible in managing the destination, Louisiana’s River Parishes, through promotion, advocacy, and regional initiatives. A professional staff manages the River Parishes Tourist Commission, with the Executive Director responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Responsibilities:

The Executive Director has primary accountability for the accomplishments and fiscal integrity of the entire organization and is expected to work with the Chairman of Board of Directors to determine the focus and direction of the commission. The Executive Director is responsible for the operations of the RPTC, by acting as its spokesperson and representing it before others. Responsibilities shall include the following tasks:

• Identifying and soliciting available tourism promotion program funding from both private and public sources by working with various governmental and economic development agencies to develop and assemble a portfolio of financial resources including grants and loans to finance tourism development projects.
• Working with representatives of both regional and state government in coordinating the activities of the RPTC and in negotiating financial support, while continuously seeking new opportunities to increase the financial stability of the organization, as well as seeking alternative sources of revenue.
• Supporting individual tourism businesses and tourism providers in an advocacy role to develop and successfully implement tourism-marketing strategies and promote tourism development for the region.
• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing plan to promote Louisiana’s River Parishes as the premier destination for leisure travelers, group tours and small to midsized meetings.
• Working with tourism providers, travel agencies, and other tourism agencies by promoting a positive image of the regional tourism industry through a variety of media efforts by implementing promotional campaigns that include a mix of advertising, public relations, and sales promotion activities.
• Networking with individuals and various organizations to improve and enhance the viability and visibility of local tourism businesses through diversification, niche marketing and parishes
• Supervising and directing the RPTC
• Representing the organization at trade associations and meetings necessary to further the mission of the organization.
• Oversee the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Any other duties as assigned by Chairman of the Board of

Supervisory responsibilities:

Responsible for supervision of all staff. Responsibilities include interviewing, recommendation for hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing of work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Reporting Duties:

The Executive Director will report directly to the Chairman of Board of Directors for absentee, prepare agendas for both Executive and Full Board meetings, as well as work with Chair of the Board in planning events, work on committees, etc.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum five years’ experience at a tourism-related entity or field.
• Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).