MARKETING SPECIALIST - MINIMUM Starting pay, $18.73/hour. Actual pay dependent upon qualifications.

POSITION PURPOSE:The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) is a department of Geary County local government designed to market a destination to the traveling public and provide education and resources to local communities and travelers. The Marketing Specialist is responsible for representing Geary County at trade shows, conferences, and industry events to generate group business and tourism. This role emphasizes travel, relationship-building, and direct sales efforts to attract visitors, meetings, and events to the area. The position also supports marketing initiatives that complement these sales activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties described below are indicative of what the Marketing Specialist may be asked to perform. This position description is not designed to list all tasks and responsibilities of this position. Geary County reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need may arise. Extensive knowledge of office procedures and marketing and promotion skills are necessary in this position. Work is performed under the direction of the CVB Director with a substantial degree of independence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Travel extensively to attend trade shows, conventions, and appointment-based conferences (Consumer, Sports, Outdoor Adventures, etc.).
2. Actively network with meeting planners, tour operators, and industry professionals to secure bookings and partnerships.
3. Prepare and deliver presentations promoting Geary County as a destination for leisure and group travel.
4. Manage booth setup, promotional materials, and logistics for trade show participation.
5. Track leads and follow up promptly to convert prospects into confirmed business.
6. Collaborate with CVB Director to develop annual trade show schedule and sales strategy.
7. Maintain accurate records of contacts, leads, and outcomes for reporting purposes.
8. Represent Geary County professionally at all events and maintain strong relationships with industry partners.
9. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle in the state of Kansas.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Plan and execute initiatives to reach target audiences through appropriate channels such as social media, e-mail, and TV.
2. Work with schools, universities, and online influencers to produce rich, sharable content that inspires travel to our area
3. Assist in analyzing marketing data such as campaign results, conversion rates and traffic to help shape future marketing strategies.
4. Performs additional duties as requested.

Supervision/Accountability: This position often works independently but also completes projects with direct supervision from the CVB Director. May work in coordination with other CVB staff as well as CVB Advisory Board Members. This employee has no supervisory responsibilities. Employee is directly responsible for departmental equipment and resources but does not participate in the annual budget process. Employee is responsible for daily record keeping for cost accounting purposes.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire and/or for the continuation of employment.

Education/Experience: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, hospitality, or related field preferred. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in sales, marketing, hospitality industry, or similar role required. An equivalent combination of education and experience meeting the requirements may be considered.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage travel schedules and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to travel frequently (including overnight stays and weekends).
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills; comfortable speaking to groups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM tools.
• Professional demeanor and strong communication and written skills for marketing materials and public engagement.
• Self-motivated and results-driven with attention to detail.
• Experience in communications, public relations and advertising preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of office procedures and marketing/promotion skills
• Proficiency in digital tools, social media and content creation for tourism promotion
• Detail oriented and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to take control of situations in a responsible manner.
• Ability to comprehend, retain and apply County, State, and Federal policies and legislation, i.e. local resolutions and ordinances, procedure manuals, warning labels, etc.
• Ability to communicate in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a professional and friendly manner with customers, citizens, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to communicate and convey information regarding policies and processes to others in both written and verbal form.

• Ability to respond to complaints and grievances posed by others.
• Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to use good judgment and effectively solve problems.

EQUIPMENT KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Able to operate various types of equipment – standard office equipment, computer, and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word and Excel, as well as marketing software and other applications.
• Other equipment could be required.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, and otherwise be able to operate a motor vehicle legally and safely in the State of Kansas.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical and work environments described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• The duties of this job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, standing, reaching, walking, lifting and/or moving (up to 50 pounds), grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
• Works primarily in an office setting, with significant travel required (up to 50% or more). Office-based work when not traveling, including providing clerical and administrative support for the CVB.
• Assist with reporting and project tracking.
• Assist with ad, digital, social media design and other special projects.
• Due to the volume, scope, and size of County operations, as well as the nature of public service required, full-time regular and dependable attendance is essential.