Career Opportunities

 

Job Title: President & CEO
Reports to: Board Chair
Hours: Full Time
Location: Lafourche Parish, LA
FLSA Classification: Exempt

Position Summary:

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism (LCBT) is the official Destination Marketing Organization for Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. Also known as the Lafourche Parish Tourist Commission, the organization exists to position Lafourche Parish as a regional, national, and international travel destination. This mission is accomplished through strategic destination marketing, sales initiatives, public relations, advocacy, branding, and community engagement efforts.

Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism is a public entity and is subject to all applicable rules and regulations of Lafourche Parish and the State of Louisiana.

The President and CEO serves as the chief executive officer of the organization and is responsible for the overall growth and sustainability of the Lafourche Parish tourism economy. This role provides leadership and oversight of marketing, branding, sales, community engagement, budgeting, strategic planning, capital projects, and staff development.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, clear and effective communication abilities, experience developing and supervising teams, and a working knowledge of destination marketing and tourism trends. This position requires diplomacy, professionalism, and the ability to represent the organization positively at the local, regional, state, national, and international levels.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Lead, develop, and manage an innovative and effective destination marketing organization

-Direct and oversee the daily operations of the organization

-Recruit, develop, retain, and evaluate staff

-Serve as the chief advocate for Lafourche Parish, the Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou brand, and tourism as a key economic driver

-Grow and leverage the destination through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and long-term planning

-Champion the development, enhancement, and utilization of existing and emerging tourism products

-Foster a culture of innovation by identifying opportunities, introducing new ideas, and leading efforts to turn ideas into measurable outcomes

-Prepare and manage the annual operating budget for review and approval by the Board of Directors

-Provide strong fiscal leadership by ensuring responsible use of financial resources and compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations

-Build and maintain strong relationships with hospitality businesses, tourism partners, community organizations, and stakeholders throughout Lafourche Parish

-Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization with the media, as appropriate

-Maintain consistent and effective communication with tourism partners, government officials, meeting planners, sports organizers, hospitality businesses, and other stakeholders

-Consistently exemplify the organization’s mission, values, and professionalism in all interactions

-Plan, direct, and manage major initiatives, special projects, and capital expenditures

-Develop and execute an annual Destination Promotion Plan outlining organizational goals and objectives

-Lead the development and execution of a long-term strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors, staff, and the Lafourche Parish tourism industry

-Champion the preservation and promotion of authentic Cajun culture as a vital component of the destination’s tourism identity

-Work closely with the Board of Directors and oversee board meetings, committees, records, and official documentation

-Perform other duties as assigned

 

Essential Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

-Leadership experience within a Destination Marketing Organization, Chamber of Commerce, tourism organization, or comparable entity

-Bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, business communications, tourism or hospitality management, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience

-Must be a resident of Lafourche Parish or willing to relocate to Lafourche Parish

-Demonstrated leadership skills, including vision, adaptability, diplomacy, collaboration, and engagement

-Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and navigate diverse personalities and situations

-Experience in sales, marketing, destination promotion, and community engagement

-Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills

-Proven commitment to exceptional customer service

-Ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage complex initiatives with attention to detail

-Comfort working in a high-profile role with elected officials, media, industry leaders, vendors, and community partners

-Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, task management software, and general business technology

 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds. This position requires approximately 10 to 20 percent travel, including overnight travel.
 

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week. The position is eligible for Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism’s benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid time off (PTO), and retirement match. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications.
 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. In person applications will not be accepted.