Tourism & Community Development Specialist - Experience Olympia and Beyond

The Tourism & Community Development Specialist supports the strategic growth and development of Thurston County as a competitive and collaborative destination. This role focuses on tourism product development, community engagement, market intelligence, and destination management initiatives that strengthen local partnerships and enhance visitor readiness.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications, the Tourism & Community Development Specialist works closely with industry stakeholders, community leaders, and internal teams to implement the Destination Management Plan (DMP), support tourism-related initiatives, and ensure Thurston County’s tourism assets are well-positioned for sustainable growth. This position will also be responsible for data collection and reporting while supporting the team with administrative responsibilities.

Success in this role is measured by strengthened community partnerships, implementation of destination initiatives, actionable market insights, and improved destination readiness.

Core Responsibilities

Destination & Product Development

• Support implementation of the Destination Management Plan (DMP) in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Identify opportunities for tourism product development that enhance visitor experiences and economic impact (eg: craft beverage trail, Thurston Bountiful Byway).
• Work with local businesses, organizations, attractions, and municipalities to strengthen destination assets and visitor readiness.
• Maintain working knowledge of tourism infrastructure, attractions, and service gaps across Thurston County.
• Provide leadership and support to the AgTourism Committee, Film Commission and Sports Commission initiatives as applicable.
• Manage Visitor Guide sales and support the development of all destination publications.

Community Engagement

• Conduct regular outreach and relationship-building with hotels, attractions, restaurants, venues, and community organizations.
• Facilitate collaboration between partners to strengthen tourism initiatives and alignment.
• Lead or support community-based tourism meetings, roundtables, and stakeholder sessions.
• Represent EOB at community events and public forums as assigned.

Market Intelligence & Industry Insights

• Compile, analyze and report on tourism data, lodging performance, and other relevant market indicators.
• Develop market summaries and custom intelligence reports for internal leadership and stakeholders.
• Maintain CRM management for local partner engagement and industry contacts.
• Monitor industry trends and provide insights that inform strategic decisions.
• Support data-driven recommendations for tourism development and marketing alignment.
• Manage Points of Interest

Events & Industry Programs

• Support planning and execution of tourism-focused events including Tourism Talks, Annual Meeting, and related industry programs.
• Assist with coordination of sports recognition initiatives and other community-based programs.
• Contribute to development and distribution of visitor-facing materials such as the Visitor Guide and sales collateral.
• Support inventory management related to visitor materials and distribution channels.
• Manage Visitor Information hotline and email and fulfill requests.

Internal Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Support cross-departmental initiatives that strengthen destination competitiveness.
• Assist with preparation of reports and presentations for board and stakeholder meetings.
• Support administrative functions such as systems management, scheduling, record keeping.

What Success Looks Like

• Measurable progress on DMP implementation goals.
• Increased stakeholder engagement and participation.
• Clear, actionable market intelligence reporting.
• Strong collaboration between EOB and community partners.
• Enhanced destination readiness and tourism product development.
• Well-executed industry events and programs.

Skills Desired

• Relationship Building – Builds trust-based partnerships with diverse community stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking – Connects tourism development initiatives to long-term destination goals.
• Data Analysis – Interprets tourism metrics and translates insights into practical recommendations.
• Communication – Clearly conveys information to partners, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Initiative – Identifies opportunities and proactively advances projects.
• Organization & Project Management – Manages multiple initiatives and timelines effectively.
• Collaboration – Works effectively across departments and community sectors.
• Critical Thinking – Evaluates challenges and proposes solutions aligned with organizational priorities.
• Attention to Detail – Ensures accuracy in reporting, documentation, and program execution.

Qualifications

Required

• 1–3 years of experience in marketing, communications, development or a related field.
• Proven track record solving complex problems
• Ability to identify and prioritize tasks
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, experience with CRM systems preferred
• College degree or some college preferred depending on experience

Work Environment & Schedule

Experience Olympia & Beyond offers a dynamic, community-centered work environment. This role is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position that requires regular in-person engagement with stakeholders throughout Thurston County and includes occasional evenings and weekends to support events, meetings, and tourism initiatives. Flexible scheduling supports work-life balance while recognizing that community engagement often extends beyond traditional office hours. Some travel may be required.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. EOB believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the organization.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand for long periods of time (i.e. representing Experience Olympia & Beyond at conferences, tradeshows and/or receptions), sit, talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision requirements due to computer work. The employee will occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. The employee should be able to speak clearly and hear well when communicating over the phone and in-person. The individual must be able to travel independently to domestic and/or international destinations via commercial airlines.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for annual performance incentives and is measurable against established KPls for the position.
• Benefits include medical with vision, and dental insurance; 401K-matching at 5% with 5% contribution; short term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid holidays, sick leave, and accrued paid vacation. Additional benefits are listed in the employee handbook.

To Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to Emily Brooks, Director of Marketing & Communications at emily@experienceolympia.com with a cc to Kelly Campbell, Vice President of Finance & Administration at kelly@experienceolympia.com.

EOB provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or ethnicity. In addition to federal law requirements, EOB complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.