CITY OF STONE MOUNTAIN
CLASS SPECIFICATION
POSITION TITLE: Tourism Manager REPORTS TO: Community Development Director
SALARY: $60,000-$70,000 annually (Full-Time)
NATURE OF WORK
The Tourism Manager serves as the City's lead professional for tourism development and destination management. The position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating tourism programs, special events, and marketing initiatives that enhance visitor experience and support economic vitality.
The role also provides direct support to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and assists with Main Street initiatives, downtown programming, and tourism-related economic development activities.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Develop and implement a comprehensive tourism and destination development strategy aligned with the City's vision and economic development goals
- Lead and coordinate tourism related initiatives across departments and with external partners
- Plan, program, and manage the City's portfolio of tourism projects, including heritage interpretation and placemaking efforts
- Oversee the planning, opening, and day to day operations of a future visitor center
- Manage the development and operations of a municipal museum, including exhibits, collections coordination, and educational programming
- Plan and execute City sponsored special events, festivals, and cultural programming that attract visitors and engage residents
- Collaborate with regional tourism organizations, chambers of commerce, and state agencies to promote Stone Mountain
- Develop and manage marketing campaigns, visitor guides, digital platforms, and social media content
- Prepare and administer the special event budget and monitor expenditures
- Collect and analyze data on tourism trends, visitor engagement, and economic impact
- Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the City Manager, Mayor, and City Council
- Ensure tourism initiatives reflect and interpret the City's full history, including Shermantown and other cultural assets
- Serve as staff liaison to tourism related boards, committees, or stakeholder groups as assigned
DDA & Main Street Support
- Assist the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) with:
o Preparing meeting agendas and supporting materials
o Recording and maintaining meeting minutes
o Supporting grant program administration and documentation
- Support implementation of DDA initiatives and downtown revitalization efforts
- Assist with Main Street program initiatives, including reporting, programming, and compliance
Events & Tourism Programming
- Support and coordinate downtown events, festivals, and tourism programs tied to Main Street and DDA efforts
- Assist in developing and implementing initiatives that increase visitation and economic activity
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in tourism management, hospitality, public administration, marketing, history, or a related field
- Two to three years of progressively responsible experience in tourism, destination marketing, economic development, cultural programming, or a related area
- Experience managing projects, events, or public programs
- Valid driver's license
- Experience in a municipal or public sector environment
- Background in heritage tourism, museum operations, or cultural resource programming
- Experience with brand development or destination marketing organizations
- Knowledge of Georgia tourism resources and regional partnerships
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in tourism management, hospitality, public administration, marketing, communications, history, or a related field
- Two (2) to four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in tourism, destination marketing, event planning, downtown development, or a related field
- Experience supporting boards, committees, or public meetings (such as preparing agendas, minutes, or staff reports) preferred
- Experience assisting with grant programs, reporting, or administration is highly desirable
- Experience in a municipal or public sector environment is preferred
SKILLS
- Knowledge of tourism development, destination marketing, and special event coordination
- Understanding of downtown development, Main Street programs, and community-based tourism initiatives
- Ability to support board operations, including agenda preparation, documentation, and follow-up actions
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, events, and deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public interaction
- Ability to build partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and regional tourism partners
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with social media and digital marketing tools
- Ability to work independently while supporting broader departmental and DDA initiatives
REQUIREMENTS
- Primarily office based with regular field work at events, facilities, and tourism sites
- Evening and weekend work required for events and community activities
- Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and regional coordination
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not an exhaustive list and additional duties may be assigned based on operational needs. Requirements included in this class specification are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To apply: Interested candidates may email a resume to sames@stonemountaincity.org or can deliver resume to City of Stone Mountain, c/o Personnel Director, 875 Main Street, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. This position is open until it is filled. The City of Stone Mountain is an equal opportunity employer.