Executive Director – Cayuga County Convention& Visitors Bureau (CCCVB)

The Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCCVB), operating as Tour Cayuga, is the official tourism promotion agency for Cayuga County, NY. Our mission is to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents by showcasing the region’s rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant local businesses. We envision a tourism economy that uplifts all communities, celebrates cultural and environmental heritage and welcomes everyone to experience the best of Cayuga County. Tourism not only brings visitors to experience our unique attractions, but it also fuels small businesses, creates jobs, supports local farms, preserves cultural heritage, and strengthens community pride. By promoting responsible and sustainable tourism, we ensure that both visitors and residents benefit from a thriving and resilient Cayuga County.

The Executive Director serves as the chief strategist and public leader of the CCCVB, responsible for advancing the mission of promoting tourism, increasing economic impact, enhancing the visitor experience, and the resident’s quality of life. This role requires visionary leadership, strategic planning, and operational management to foster sustainable tourism growth in Cayuga County. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, oversees staff, finances, marketing, and manages strategic relationships across public, private, and community sectors, and fosters a welcoming, transparent, and accountable organizational culture.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management

• Lead the implementation of Tour Cayuga’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan with a commitment to Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in all programming and partnerships.
• Lead the organization’s operations, including staff management, budgeting, financial oversight, and grant acquisition.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to refine goals and ensure alignment with county-wide tourism strategies.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, keeping CCCVB at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

Marketing & Public Relations Oversight

• Guide the development and implementation of CCCVB’s annual marketing and PR strategies to enhance brand awareness and visitor engagement.
• Oversee content creation, digital marketing, social media campaigns, and traditional advertising efforts.
• Ensure alignment with key promotional themes such as health & wellness, outdoor recreation, history, the arts, and food & wine.
• Oversee the organization’s public relations strategy, including media relations, press releases, and hosting FAM/media trips to secure high-value placements.

Tourism & Economic Development Advocacy

• Strengthen tourism’s role in economic development by fostering partnerships with local businesses, regional organizations, and government agencies.
• Champion policies and initiatives that support tourism growth, infrastructure development, and workforce development.
• Advocate for increased investment in tourism through stakeholder education and public awareness campaigns.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for CCCVB, articulating the value of tourism to local and state leadership.
• Provide research-driven insights to stakeholders on tourism trends, visitor behavior, and economic impact.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, local businesses, cultural institutions, and hospitality providers.
• Lead efforts to integrate sustainability and (DEI) initiatives within CCCVB’s programming.
• Oversee education initiatives: tourism workforce development and partner training programs.
• Facilitate public forums, discussions, and community events to elevate tourism’s role in local economic growth.

Data-Driven Decision Making & Performance Metrics

• Utilize analytics tools such as Zartico to track visitor patterns, campaign effectiveness, and overall tourism impact.
• Support Marketing Director to establish and monitor KPIs related to marketing performance, visitor spending, and community engagement.
• Report progress to the Board of Directors and other stakeholders through annual reports and strategic reviews.

Destination Development

• Embed DEIA and sustainability into all tourism product development, including grant support, workforce programs, and accessibility initiatives.
• Support partners in adopting inclusive practices through training, technical assistance, and resource sharing.
• Lead Tour Cayuga’s participation in regional, state, and national boards focused on equity, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.

• Proven leadership experience in tourism, destination marketing, economic development, or a related field.
• Experience restructuring and/or scaling organizations in alignment with strategic goals
• Strong strategic planning, financial management, and organizational development skills.
• Skilled in navigating local politics and advocating with municipal leaders.
• Expertise in marketing, public relations, and digital media strategies.
• Experience working with government entities, community orgs., and regional tourism initiatives.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to foster collaboration, inspire teams, and drive results.
• Knowledge of sustainability and DEIA best practices in the tourism industry is preferred.
• Familiarity with Cayuga County and the Finger Lakes region is a plus.
• A Bachelor’s degree in tourism, marketing, public administration, business, or a related field is strongly preferred. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is a plus.
• Candidates must demonstrate progressive executive leadership experience in tourism, destination marketing, economic development, or a comparable sector. A minimum of 7–10 years of senior-level leadership experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, particularly if paired with a proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and organizational management

Performance Goals:

• Increase visitor spending and economic contributions to Cayuga County.
• Strengthen CCCVB’s digital presence and marketing effectiveness.
• Successfully lead the implementation of Tour Cayuga’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan.
• Expand media coverage and PR placements for regional and national recognition.
• Enhance stakeholder engagement and build stronger community partnerships.
• Lead the organization in sustainable tourism and DEIA integration.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Melodyscny@gmail.com.