Director of operations and marketing

The Organization: Discover Blair County (DBC) is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. DBC is one of three independent affiliate members of the Blair County Alliance of Business and Economic Growth (the Alliance). In 2025, DBC was formally certified as Blair County’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) by the Blair County Commissioners. The DBC is a non-membership-based organization with offices located in the Blair County Convention Center.

The Position: DBC’s Director of Operations and Marketing will be responsible for executing the tourism program operations and marketing activities for Blair County. The Director will facilitate active relationships with key stakeholders such as but not limited to hotels, food/beverage operations, and destinations/attractions in Blair County. This position is responsible for the marketing and promotion of Blair County to stimulate economic development and tourism resulting in overnight business and leisure visits.

The Director will meet regularly with the DBC Advisory Board to execute marketing efforts and coordinate strategies and promotional campaigns with the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce and the County Parks and Outdoor Recreation Authority. The Director will further advance and integrate the approved brand and marketing elements defined by the Alliance. The Director reports directly to the Alliance Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills/Background:

• Broad knowledge and competency in social media platforms, SEO tools/techniques, digital communication strategies, video/reel development.
• Experience in marketing, tourism, communications/media and/or related recreation and hospitality sectors preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience of local or regional market, events, and community assets.
• Experience in working collaboratively with a Board of Directors or related governance oversight body/committee.
• Excellent communication and writing skills including a strong comfort with public speaking.
• Experience in building and maintaining community partnerships.
• Strong time management skills, short- and long-term planning.
• Knowledgeable with Excel, PowerPoint, QuickBooks (or similar accounting software)

Primary Responsibilities:

Destination Marketing & Development:

• Develop goals, objectives and strategies to increase consumer awareness of Blair County as a high value visitor and business destination.
• Develop and launch destination development initiatives to enhance marketability.
• Manage DBC website to include but not limited to SEO, maintain calendar of events, video/reel inventory and blog entries.
• Work with Alliance staff/Board and DBC Advisory Board to develop and manage an annual operations budget.
• Identify and promote existing local and regional events that attract visitors and overnight stays in Blair County.
• Facilitate and qualify the intake and distribution of event/meeting request for proposals received directly to DBC.
• Manage all aspects of DBC grant programs for events and destinations that attract outside visitors/overnight stays in Blair County.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of a marketing plan to include annual advertising, social media and publicity campaigns.
• Work with and manage social media/marketing consultants as assigned.
• Supervises the placement of advertising in selected media, and the fulfillment of leads generated.
• Oversee the development and distribution of tourism collateral, such as a visitor guide, calendar of events, brochures, etc. which promote heritage tourism, outdoor recreation, arts/cultural venues, events and activities in Blair County that appeal to potential visitors.
• Develop performance metrics for all marketing strategies and programs.
• Stay informed on travel trend research and adjust strategies in part based on that information.
• Identify and engage impactful regional tourism partnerships that create awareness of Blair County and engage new business and leisure visits.
• Maintain existing and identify additional tourism infrastructure such as wayfinding, interpretive markers, kiosks, etc.

Community, Public and Industry Relations:

• Assure that DBC and its mission, programs, and services are consistently presenting a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders, including leaders in government, business, the community, and the media.
• Collaborate with state and county agencies, local community groups and visitor related businesses and organizations.
• As directed, represent DBC at local, state and national levels at relevant meetings and conferences, participating in organizations and associations, such as Destinations International, US Travel Association, Visit PA, and the PA Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Financial Management:

• Work with the DBC Advisory Board and Alliance Executive Committee to create and recommend an annual budget for Alliance Board approval and manage the organization’s resources within those budget guidelines according to laws and regulations.
• Ensure the overall financial vitality of the organization.
• Work with outside accountants to prepare and present the annual audit and other financial reports as required or requested.
• Oversee the accounting systems; reviews and gains necessary approvals for account payables, requisitions, purchase orders, receipts, and records or reports.
• Ensure compliance with memoranda of understanding with Blair County government.
• Provide reports and updates to the Blair County Commissioners as requested.
• Prepare and submit grant applications as required assuring that any required grant match is secured when applicable.

Office Location:

• Blair County Convention Center, Altoona, PA

Salary and Benefits:

• Commensurate with Experience/Professional Qualifications

Apply Now!

• For a full job description (more information) and/or to send your resume, cover letter & at least three (3) references, email to: [email protected]
• All applications are asked to provide salary and benefit requirements

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person