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Port Aransas & Mustang Island
Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
President and Chief Executive Officer
Port Aransas, TX
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ABOUT THE ISLAND LIFE OF PORT ARANSAS AND MUSTANG ISLAND The original island life destination, Port Aransas and Mustang Island is 18 miles of shoreline and wide, sandy beaches—with everything you need to plan the perfect beach vacation. But this is no ordinary island. Just ask the locals and vacationers who’ve ranked it one of the best beaches in Texas! This gulf coast island offers year-round outdoor activities, from sport fishing and parasailing to birding, dolphin watching, kayaking—and the only seaside links-style golf course in Texas. Stroll through town on a rented golf cart, explore the shops, galleries and enjoy an array of restaurants, from “cook your catch” to roadside taco stands to fine dining. You’ll find year-round festivals and events, including the annual BeachtoberFest, the Whooping Crane Festival and Texas SandFest. And with a new wave of luxurious vacation homes, cottages, hotels (or glamping!), you can find the perfect place to stay, from a family vacation to a low-key getaway. One of the few island destinations that has something for everyone, come discover why Port Aransas and Mustang Island is a vacation favorite. THINGS TO DO Everything needed for the perfect beach vacation is awaiting you in Port Aransas and Mustang Island! With 18 miles of wide, sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, there are endless ways to make a splash during your Port Aransas vacation:
• Surf, boogie board, sail or jet ski in the warm gulf waters • Soar the skies parasailing, kiteboarding or windsurfing • Grab a paddle and go exploring on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak
Discover why Port Aransas & Mustang Island is ranked one of the top 10 best family beaches in the U.S. by Family Vaca�on Cri�c (TripAdvisor’s family travel site) and celebrated by Fodor’s Travel as one of America’s 25 favorite beach towns.
• Arts and Culture – Port ‘A’ boasts a thriving art community and a hub for artists offering year-round activities. The eclectic variety of settings include theaters, museums, the Farley Boat Works to name just a few.
• Festivals – “Port A Live” festivals include Deep Sea Roundup, Art Fiesta Weekend, Harvest Moon Regatta, Old Town/Plywooden Boat Festival, Whooping Crane Festival, Texas Sandfest and much more.
• Nightlife - Whether you’re looking for live music, a waterfront atmosphere or a low-lit romantic place to enjoy cocktails, Port A has it all. In this relaxed, yet well-stocked town, you can do it all or nothing at all.
• Beaches - The warm Gulf waters and so� Texas sand are the perfect backdrop for a day full of beach, recrea�onal ac�vi�es, and nights highlighted with moonlight strolls.
• Fishing and Boating - Known to casual and serious anglers alike as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” Port Aransas offers challenges and a string of rewards for everyone.
• Birding - Located in the Central Flyway, the island boasts hundreds of na�ve and migra�ng species. With six sites along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Port ‘A’ hosts many must-see lookouts for avid birders.
• Golfing – Palmilla Beach Golf Names Golfweek’s Best for 2019. Click here to discover why Port Aransas and Mustang Island is a vacation favorite.
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Relax by the best beaches in Texas. Port ‘A’ offers a large variety of accommoda�ons. Whether you prefer a cozy beach cotage, conven�onal motel room, luxury condominium or the privacy of your own beach house, the island offers coastal digs to fit your needs. In addi�on, there are numerous hotels, vaca�on rentals and a great selec�on of RV parks and campgrounds for those who prefer to sleep under the stars. Fresh seafood, served in more ways than you can imagine, can be ordered from restaurants scatered throughout the town. Dine in flip-flops at open-air eateries or put on your best-pressed tropical shirt for candlelight dining. Whatever your choice, fabulous coastal cuisine prepared to order will sa�sfy even the most discrimina�ng palate. ABOUT THE PORT ARANSAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Whether planning a vaca�on, looking for a great place to hold an event, or thinking of a business venture on our island, the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce is your one-stop shop for all the informa�on you need. Port Aransas also means business. We are your one-stop business informa�on point if you are looking at expanding or just star�ng up in Port Aransas and Mustang Island. With over 5 million visitors a year and 4,000 local ci�zens, we are a thriving coastal community with great opportuni�es. Click here for facts, demographics and tax informa�on. POSITION SUMMARY The President & CEO is ul�mately responsible for the en�re opera�on of the organiza�ons including the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism en�ty. The CEO will be the only employee of the organiza�on repor�ng directly to the Board of Directors of each business. He/she will also be the primary contact with both Boards. DUTIES
• The CEO will formulate plans, organize human & financial resources, create a structure to carry out the goals and long-term strategies of the organiza�on.
• Develop, lead, train and supervise a professional staff to represent the community locally and in the appropriate markets.
• Create a culture and working environment that make the Chamber a sought- a�er place of employment. • He/she will be the primary contact to work with city, county and state governments in furthering the mission of
the Chamber. • The CEO will be an advocate and spokesperson for the business community and the travel industry. • The CEO will develop an annual program of work and marke�ng plan in coordina�on with the directors of each
en�ty. Included in this program will be a Chamber member development and reten�on plan as well as a small business training track.
• The CEO will be able to address and be well versed in economic development and business growth and reten�on. • The CEO will be the primary producer in overseeing several major events that take place in the market. • Develop and maintain a posi�ve rela�onship with community leaders and stakeholders. Build consensus on
programs and promo�ons.
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FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES • Formulate and implement an organiza�onal structure that adheres to budget and is deployed to accomplish the
objec�ves set forth in the annual plan approved by the boards. • Develop an annual budget, manage all fiduciary and legal maters related to opera�on of the budget including
payroll and cash flow. • Manage the budget to address the needs of the chamber and the promo�onal efforts of the tourism office. • Coordinate sponsor programs to offset event expenditures and for revenue development.
MARKETING RESPONSIBILITIES
• The posi�on will require the development of a sophis�cated marke�ng, adver�sing and sales program for con�nued growth in the tourism area.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field • Excellent presenta�on skills • Outstanding writen and oral communica�on skills • Event management experience • Good organiza�onal and as required skills • Ability to work in an environment that requires a diverse skill set • An understanding of the hospitality industry including the short- term rental segment is mandatory.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS Proactive Humble and Open Fiscally Responsible Delegator Tech Savvy
Excellent Communicator Social and Outgoing Positive Confident Politically Savvy
Likeable and Relatable Relationship Builder Well Organized
TOP PRIORITIES
1. Analyze the organization's current and future strategic, marketing and event plans and make recommendations as needed.
2. Build relationships with hotel partners, community stakeholders and city officials. 3. Evaluate the current events and make recommendations to create off-season and shoulder season demand.
If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please send your resume to the SearchWide Global Executive listed below.
Nicole Newman, Vice President | SearchWide Global
www.searchwideglobal.com | [email protected]
480-264-7675 (direct) | 951-640-3745 (mobile)
About SearchWide Global
SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism and convention, and hotel and lodging industries. We specialize in C-Level, Director and Management level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies.
