Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Arlington, TX

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www.searchwideglobal.com © 2021 SearchWide Global ABOUT THE ARLINGTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Arlington, .

Mission Statement: The Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau markets and develops the city as a premier sports, business and leisure entertainment destination to achieve new tourism spending benefits for the visitor industry, community and its residents.

FACTS ABOUT ARLINGTON

• 6,000+ total hotel rooms and growing! • 14.5 million+ annual visitors • 4,651 acres of parks and recreational space • Population: 365,438 • 11,000+ people employed by Arlington tourism • Arlington is the 46th largest city in the United States

THINGS TO DO IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Arts & Culture – Uncover an art scene and rich history unique to Arlington in the city’s museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues. Art ins�tu�ons include the Arlington Museum of Art (AMA) and The Gallery at UT Arlington, and music venues like Arlington Music Hall and Symphony Arlington.

Free Things to Do – Free concerts under the stars at the Levitt Pavilion Arlington, the Entertainment District Art Trail and two beautiful parks, River Legacy Parks and Crystal Canyon Natural Area, nestled in the heart of the city.

Outdoor Recreation - Arlington has plenty to offer if you want to relax and commune with nature. Outdoor activities include everything from stunning parks and playgrounds to golf and ample hiking and biking.

For many families, the first stop is the heart-pounding roller coasters at Six Flags Over Texas. From adrenaline-filled loops to easy-going rides and live shows, you’re guaranteed a true Texas experience. Pay a visit to The University of Texas at Arlington’s Planetarium or bring out your competitive side at K1 Speed race course or cool off by splashing around one of the city’s refreshing water parks.

Locals love to get out to River Legacy Parks, with miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a hands-on science center; or Crystal Canyon Natural Area, offering trails in a beautiful forest and rock terrain. A must-see is the world’s only -branded golf course, the Golf Club.

Places to Stay – Convenience, hospitality and close to popular venues for conferences, too you’ll find cozy bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and RV Parks, and Hotels. Several par�cipa�ng hotels in Arlington’s entertainment district, offer a no-fare trolley ride from the hotel to many great des�na�ons!

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MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS

Arlington is home to dozens of dazzling event venues perfect for any type of event, large or small. From art museums to restaurants and everything in between, we partner with the very best event venues in Arlington, TX.

MAJOR EVENT VENUES

• Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center – This popular convention, trade show and meeting venue offers flexible exhibit space. • AT&T Stadium – Located in the heart of the Entertainment District with flexible exhibit space for conventions, trade shows and meetings. • Globe Life Field – A brand-new, state-of-the-art facility designed to host sporting events, major concerts, and events of all sizes. • Globe Life Park – Flexible indoor and outdoor spaces and renowned cuisine, this extraordinary venue is a stunning backdrop for any event. • Texas Live! – Arlington’s premier dining and entertainment district, attracting millions of visitors every year. • Arlington Convention Center & Hotel – $550 million addition to the city’s booming Entertainment District, opening in 2024.

OTHER MAJOR VENUES

• – 218,000 square foot state-of-the-art venue is perfect for athletic, entertainment, and corporate functions. • Six Flags Over Texas –Two private and covered pavilions and indoor show venues that can serve as meeting sites. • Arlington ISD Center for Visual & Performing Arts – All new venue is a comprehensive fine arts facility that is designed to functional and beautiful with high-tech venue and event spaces.

SPORTS COMMISSION

• Arlington is the proud home of not one, but two championship teams: the Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. For football, you need to head over to AT&T Stadium. The country’s largest domed structure, this stadium deserves to be experienced in person. • Baseball fans will love the Texas Rangers’ brand-new home, Globe Life Field. Built to beat the Texas heat, you can now enjoy a live game in the unbeatable comfort of air condi�oning. • All of your hoop dreams can be found at College Park Center on the University of Texas at Arlington campus, home to both WNBA’s and the Division 1 UT Arlington Mavericks.

Click here for the Official Visitors Guide.

Click here if you would like to learn more about the Arlington Conven�on & Visitors Bureau.

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POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for the leadership and management of all daily opera�ons of the organiza�on in its mission to brand, market, and to sell Arlington, TX as a must-experience des�na�on for mee�ngs, events, sports and leisure travelers.

This posi�on reports directly to the Execu�ve Board of Directors and is accountable to the Board. Responsible for carrying out the long-range strategic plan and direc�on set forth by the Board of Directors and ensuring that the organiza�on meets or exceeds established goals. The CVB is a 501c6 quasi-government organiza�on and has a direct repor�ng rela�onship to the Arlington City Manager and the Arlington City Council.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: compliance with employee handbook also required. Other du�es may be assigned.

ORGANIZATION LEADERSHIP • Manage the business func�ons of the organiza�on to include group sales, marke�ng and communica�ons, partnership, and administra�ve func�ons. • Develop and implement a work program and annual strategic plan aimed at maximizing the organiza�on’s effec�veness through goals, including room nights and other industry benchmark measures. • Provide mo�va�onal leadership for the Arlington CVB team • Provide vision, direc�on, coaching, counseling, and development opportuni�es. • Ensure strategic investment in research and analy�cal tools to assist the organiza�on with iden�fying trends, new and developing markets, measuring success, and developing strategies that evaluate return on investment. • Assure a workplace culture that is innova�ve, suppor�ve, and rewarding, and where performance is regularly evaluated, feedback and development opportuni�es provided, improvement measures iden�fied, and achievement is recognized. • Create and integrate with the subcommitees to drive greater accountability for legal compliance, ACVB goal se�ng, Conven�on Center Management services and administra�ve efficiencies. • Collaborate with the Conven�on Center Management team on sales and booking parameters for poten�al groups/events u�lizing the Complex, the District and associated facili�es. • Treat people fairly and equally and regularly measure the workplace culture. • Include and promote the vision of equity and diversity in personnel, including leadership. • Follow the organiza�ons core values: we own it (Commitment), we lead (Strategic), we win (Results-Driven), and we celebrate (Passionate).

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT AND DEVELOPMENT • Ensure that the expenditures of hotel occupancy taxes follow state laws and the organization’s obligations as a custodian of public funds. • Ensure required reporting and communication to all funding sources and municipalities. • Responsible for providing overall budget guidance, financial and human resource management and regularly report upon the Bureau’s financial condition to the Board as required. • With the Board, develop the annual operating budget and staffing requirements. • Prepare budget and revenue estimates ensuring the financial integrity of the Bureau • Ensure sound internal controls, segregation of duties, and development of policies and procedures to ensure prudent and transparent management of organization resources, including occupancy tax funding. • Participate in annual audit and ensure all regulatory filings are reviewed and completed in a timely manner. • Work with the Executive Committee to properly craft team and individual incentives that align with the established quotas to meet the overall needs of the destination. • Ensure all organization activities are implemented and in compliance within established policies and procedures, bylaws, guidelines, laws, and ethical standards. Ensure enforcement of policies and corrective measures as required.

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ADVOCACY AND COMMUNICATION

• Maintain active involvement in the community and with key stakeholders to enhance visibility and reputation of the Arlington CVB. • Implement advocacy programs and educate and enlist the support of community leaders in the promotion of convention and tourism initiatives in the region. • Serve as primary spokesperson for the organization. • Develop and nurture media relationships; provide interviews and media appearances as required. • Strengthen working relationship with the City of Arlington leadership and the Arlington CVB Board of Directors. • Establish effective communication networks throughout the Arlington community and within the industry. • Develop relationships with state and local government officials and political representatives to advance the mission of the Arlington CVB and advocate for the tourism industry. • Regularly attend advocacy events at the state, local and federal level. • Stay current on state and federal policy issues that impact travel and tourism; advocate and lobby on issues as directed by the Board. • Guide the Bureau personnel in the creation/maintaining of a marketing and sales programs. • Maintain cooperative relationships with other agencies having common interest in promoting Arlington. • Foster ongoing and open communications and encourage innovation and creativity. • Promote a high quality of customer service, employee empowerment and principles. • Present locally and within the industry. • Serve as an active member in all relevant industry organizations, including US Travel, Destinations International (DI), Texas Travel Alliance, a position on the Greater Arlington Chamber Board, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation Board, the Arlington Entertainment Area Management District (Trolley Board), the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (TACVB) and others as required. • Participate in stakeholder Board and Committees as requested or appointed.

BOARD AND CITY EFFECTIVENESS

• Working with the Board Chair, ensure recruitment and development of a diverse Arlington CVB Board of Directors that is representative of the tourism industry and key community stakeholders. • Ensure the Board of Directors are oriented to the mission of the Arlington CVB. • The President is a catalyst for interagency cooperation with the Arlington City Government including the Economic Development Department, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations. Take a lead role in representing practices, annual goals and objectives and long-range plans to the Board of Directors. • Work with the Board of Directors to develop the long-range strategic plan for the organization. • Work with the Board Chair to develop Board and committee agendas. • Ensure sound governance, business ethics and fiduciary oversight of the Board of Directors and organization by working with the Board to develop bylaws, policies, and procedures in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements and non-profit best practices, as well as compliance with applicable federal and state laws. • Ensure transparency to the Board of Directors, partners, and community. • Serve in an advisory capacity as an ex-officio non-voting member of the Arlington CVB Board of Directors. • Ex-oficio member of the Tourism Public Improvement District (TPID) Board, with responsibility to review the quarterly reports to the City of Arlington TX and attends the TPID Incentive Committee meetings. • The Arlington Tourism Public Improvement District is a 501c6 quasi-government, nonprofit entity and public improvement district designed to promote the Arlington TX hotels via a 2% assessment paid by the hotels with 75 rooms or more. • This role supports the Travel and Sports Legacy Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit foundation, managed by the Arlington CVB.

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QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• 7-10 years of senior management experience within a convention hotel or destination marketing organization. • Convention sales leadership experience is preferred. • Relevant industry certifications a plus (CAE, CDME, CMP, etc.) • Prior experience within complex jurisdictional and political settings is essential. • Extensive experience with public information, advertising and public funding mechanisms is needed. • A Bachelor’s degree is preferred. • Current experience managing a large budget and having financial responsibilities. • A background leading a board and dealing in community relations, contract management, capital and strategic business planning must be demonstrated. • Arlington residency is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES AND LICENSES

Direct reports: Sales, Sports & Events, Marketing & Communications, Community Relations, Research, and Finance & Administration. Possession of a valid Texas Operator's License, Class C. Travel is required and may require overnight stays.

IDEAL TOP CHARACTERISTICS

• Approachable • Empathetic • Authentic • Outgoing/Motivator • Visionary • Team Builder • High likeability • Great Listener • Inclusive • Political Acumen • Collaborator • Integrity

TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE NEW CEO

1. Begin to develop strong and meaningful relationships with customers, board, city officials, hospitality leaders, partners, and vendors. 2. Focus on the internal team and develop a culture of trust, accountability, credibility, and teamwork. 3. Work with major attractions to figure out what it will take to book another Super Bowl, All Star Game or major citywide event. 4. Develop a cooperative effort to brand the destination toward leisure, group, sports and events by involving, selling and marketing all assets that can drive travelers to the destination. 5. Understand past and future capital developments within the city, the entertainment district, including hotel development and the soon to be National Medal of Honor Museum; understand the future vision. 6. Ensure that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is woven into the fabric of the organization and strategic plan.

If interested in learning more about this great opportunity, please send your resume to the SearchWide Global Executive listed below.

Mark Gnatovic, Executive Vice President | SearchWide Global

www.searchwideglobal.com | [email protected]

817-789-9879 (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.

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