Operations Officer

Position Objectives

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Perform administrative, financial, and operational duties required for daily office organization as
well as engaging walk-in visitors to the Visitors Center by providing detailed information on the
area’s attractions, accommodations and points of interests. The manager is responsible for
maintaining all financial records and reports in accordance with McDowell County Government
policies and procedures. The manager is responsible for administrative tasks including board
related duties, website updates and other duties outlined below.

Duties & Responsibilities

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Essential Job Duties
● FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT: Balance and maintain general financial
records by processing/coding invoices when received then submitting to executive
director for approval and to the county finance office for payment. Enter data to
spreadsheet(s) as well as balance this data with the county-generated general ledger
making sure errors, if any, are corrected.
A. Assist in the preparation of the annual budget, create and maintain a record of all
financial transactions, identify and track against budgeted line items.
B. Code invoices and submit for payment through the County finance office. Retain
records according to regulations and policy.
C. Process cash receivables. Create cash receipt deposits, maintaining records of cash
received.
D. Be knowledgeable regarding the accommodations tax collection process and be able
to respond to new lodging owners request for information concerning tax collection.
E. Assist in the annual audit by supplying records and financial information to the
contracted auditors.

● ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT: Balance and maintain advertising contracts and/or
financial records by processing invoices when received, submitting for approval and
payment, then entering data to spreadsheet as well as ensuring invoices are within the
contracted amounts and/or details.

● DEVELOPMENT FUND MANAGEMENT: Balance and maintain capital project-related
financial records including the above with the responsibility of additional record keeping
per project ensuring projects are not over the budgeted amount or outside the contracted
details. Maintain records of TDA event sponsorships and communicate with event
organizers for follow up of required post event evaluation forms.

● BOARD MANAGMENT: Organize and maintain board of directors’ records including
current board members, contact information and term expirations. Record the minutes
from each meeting. Prepare and send board packets to members in advance of
meetings. Notify board members of upcoming meeting dates.

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● WEBSITE UPDATES: Create and/or update county/area event listings online through
collection of information from event sponsors and/or their web sites/social media pages
ensuring this information is published in a timely fashion with the intention to attract
visitors to the event(s). Be the point contact for the TDA and liaison for the Visit NC
website to maintain updated business listings.

● VISITOR INFORMATION SPECIALIST: Greet visitors and answer email and phone
inquiries throughout the day by responding to visitor’s questions regarding area
attractions, places to stay, eat and activities. Assist in trip planning, i.e., directions, road
conditions and closures, recommendations.  Also prepare and gather materials for
information request by creating labels, making copies, etc., specific to each request. 
Also maintain statistical visitor information for inquiries, i.e., source – phone, internet,
email, number of visitors to the Visitor Center.

● VISITOR CENTER OPERATIONS: Track, order and maintain stock of area brochures,
maps and other publications displayed in the lobby, as well as additional stock for
mailing to visitor centers, individuals, etc. determining if stock is current and plentiful. 
Fulfill/ship/track visitor guide requests received from state visitor centers, regional visitor
centers and other tourism venues displaying our collateral and other printed promotional
materials.

● OFFICE SUPPLIES: Maintain and/or order office supplies, postage as needed for the
office staff. Be familiar with the alarm system and utility accounts and troubleshoot as
needed.

● COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Maintain positive relations with local residents, businesses
and stakeholders to ensure the TDA is well represented.

● TOURISM INDUSTRY RELATIONS: Under the guidance of the Executive Director, meet
with tourism-related organizations as needed and appropriate to successfully develop a
strong operational plan for the TDA.

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Minimum Requirements

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Education, Experience and Required Skills
● Associate degree from a two-year college or 2-3 years of relevant experience. Preferred
degree in Business Administration, Communications, Hospitality and Tourism
Management or other related field
● Excellent written and oral communication skills.
● Ability to keep neat and accurate records and reports with great attention to detail.
● Excellent time management skills and the ability to work successfully in an office setting.
● The ability to sit for long periods of time. Stand and bend. Lift up to 30 pounds.

● Ability to communicate effectively with many different community partners, i.e.,
government entities, tourism-related businesses and nonprofits, business organizations,
and community organizations.
● Computer proficiency including email communication, knowledge of Microsoft Word &
Excel, office equipment, database management, and ability and willingness to learn
other software as needed.
● Passion for western North Carolina, McDowell County and its communities, outdoor
recreational tourism, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is a plus.

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Travel not required except locally.

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Benefits

Benefited after 30 days

Medical, dental, and life insurance

Sick, vacation, and holiday pay

Membership in the Local Government Retirement System

Supplemental retirement 401k/457

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