Community Relations Director

VISIT VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE

EXEMPT POSITION

POSITION: Community Relations Director

REPORTS TO: President

Position Summary

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (VBR) seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven Director of Community Relations to serve as a key ambassador for the destination and strengthen connections between the tourism industry, local governments, community organizations, residents, and regional stakeholders. This leadership role is responsible for building trust, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that enhance the visitor experience while supporting community priorities throughout Virginia's Blue Ridge region.

The Director of Community Relations will develop and maintain strategic partnerships, lead community engagement efforts, advocate for destination stewardship, and ensure tourism remains a positive force for economic vitality and quality of life across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as a primary liaison between Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge and tourism partners, community organizations and residents.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders throughout the region.
• Represent VBR at community meetings, public events, industry gatherings, and regional initiatives.
• Facilitate dialogue between tourism stakeholders and community members to address opportunities, concerns, and emerging issues.
• Work directly with Chief Strategist Vice President in communicating the new Destination Alignment Brand.
• Assist President and Chief Strategist Vice President, as needed, with local government and educational institutions relationships.

Strategic Partnership Development

• Identify, cultivate, and strengthen partnerships that support VBR's mission and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with local businesses, attractions, nonprofits, and chambers of commerce.
• Serve as the official Botetourt County Destination Marketing representative for Virginia Tourism Corporation.
• Develop programs that encourage cross-sector collaboration and community participation in tourism initiatives.
• Assist with supporting regional tourism development efforts through partnership engagement and resource alignment.
• Actively participates with regional and national tourism organization and associations that are relevant to VBR (i.e.: Blue Ridge Parkway Association, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Friends of the Blue Ridge)

· Works with regional colleges/universities and the Visit VBR hospitality industry to promote and coordinate frontline training for the hospitality industry

Destination Stewardship & Advocacy

• Promote responsible tourism practices that enhance both visitor experiences and resident quality of life.
• Help advance destination stewardship initiatives and community-based tourism strategies.
• Advocate for the economic, cultural, and social benefits of tourism within the region.
• Monitor community sentiment and provide recommendations to leadership regarding stakeholder needs and concerns.

Communications & Outreach

• Develop and execute community outreach plans that support organizational goals.
• Coordinate presentations, workshops, forums, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and destination development teams to ensure consistent messaging, promotion and community alignment.
• Produce monthly E-Newsletters to Stakeholders.
• Event planning for the Annual Meeting, Partnership Summit and other planned events identified in the Program of Work.

Leadership & Program Management

• Lead community relations programs and initiatives from planning through execution.
• Establish measurable goals and performance indicators for stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership and governing boards.
• Manage budgets and resources associated with community engagement activities.

· Oversee the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and coordinate across departments to ensure accurate contact lists, partnership and business records, and reports that are used internally as well as shared with local stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Tourism Management, Public Administration, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, tourism, economic development, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Proficient with office productivity suites (Microsoft Office), with the ability to comfortably use databases and CRM software, manage digital files, and conduct internet research.
• Demonstrated success building partnerships and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to navigate complex community issues with diplomacy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the Virginia's Blue Ridge region.

Preferred

• Experience in destination marketing, tourism, hospitality, economic development, or regional planning.
• Knowledge of Virginia's Blue Ridge communities, assets, and tourism economy.
• Experience working with local governments, public-private partnerships, or community-based organizations.
• Familiarity with destination stewardship and sustainable tourism practices

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Danielle Hart at ***email_hidden***