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Capital City/Lake Murray Country

Executive Director

Capital City/Lake Murray Country, Columbia, South Carolina, us, 29228

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Overview Under general guidance from the Board of Directors, the President/CEO will spearhead tourism promotion and development across Richland, Lexington, Newberry, and Saluda counties. This role involves strategic planning, program coordination, grant writing, public fund procurement, stakeholder engagement, and execution of initiatives to elevate the region’s tourism profile.

Ideal Candidate Profile We are seeking an enthusiastic, personable, and results-driven individual with a demonstrated ability to foster connections and surpass goals. Ideal applicants will have experience in tourism promotion, marketing, and public relations—ideally within a Tourism Related organization, like a Convention & Visitors Bureau or a similar organization.

Core Competencies

A deep understanding of the non-profit sector with a passion for budget management, donor relations, community outreach, or program development

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking

Strong leadership, organizational, and analytical capabilities

Proven skills in Human Resources best practices, including employee relations, and performance management. Capable of leading a high-efficiency team while keeping up motivation and engagement.

Proficiency in financial management—budgeting, auditing, and interpreting financial reports

Proven success in grant writing and development of professional reports, presentations, and departmental procedures

Skilled in operating a tourism visitors center and promoting hospitality accommodations

In-depth knowledge of tourism sales, marketing, public relations techniques, and Accommodations and Hospitality tax utilization

Familiarity with modern office operations, equipment, accounting, and recordkeeping

Self-motivated and collaborative—adept at working with boards, staff, industry partners, volunteers, media, and public and elected officials

Knowledge of the competitive fishing industry is a plus.

Minimum Requirements & Responsibilities Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, hospitality, tourism, public relations, or closely related field

Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in tourism, advertising, hospitality, recreation, public relations, public administration, political science, or a related area

Professional Expertise

Proven knowledge of tourism operations, policies, and procedures

Experience collaborating with boards, stakeholder groups, and local/state government officials

Proficiency in special event management, economic development, grant writing, and both print and social media

Work Requirements

Flexibility to work during evenings and weekends, as needed

Willingness to travel and attend meetings, conferences, festivals, and events

Represent the organization at SC Association of Tourism Regions (SCATR), SC Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT), SC Travel and Tourism Coalition and SC Boating and Fishing Alliance meetings/events.

Local Ties & Logistics

Residence within the CapitalCity/LakeMurray Country region required

Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle access

Leadership & Administration

Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision

Demonstrated experience supervising staff—hiring and managing personnel with board approval

Oversee membership recruitment, organizational operations, and staff oversight

Develop and present to the board an annual action plan and operational budget

Manage budget, expenditures, staffing, and generate an annual report summarizing key activities

Lead destination development efforts emphasizing community engagement, strategic planning, and tourism product enhancement/development

Implement performance metrics that reflect resident sentiment, community well-being, environmental sustainability, and inclusivity

Salary: $120,000–$150,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance, 401(k) contributions, paid holidays, mileage reimbursement, lodging and meal expense coverage

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

How to apply Please send your resume and cover letter to Amy Hoffman, Interim President:

amy@lakemurraycountry.com

The application deadline is September 30, 2025

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