Employment Opportunity
AGENCY
River Parishes Convention, Tourist, and Visitors Commission
POSITION
Executive Director
AGENCY OVERVIEW
The River Parishes Convention, Tourist, and Visitors Commission is established under La. R.S. 33:4574.12. As the governing authority for the River Parishes Convention, Tourist, and Visitors District, it exercises jurisdiction within the Parishes of St. John the Baptist, St. Charles and St. James. The Commission has as its purpose “promotional efforts directed at attracting conventions, tourists, and visitors to the parishes.” The Commission is comprised of nine (9) members, with three (3) members appointed from each parish. The Commission is funded through the levy of a hotel/motel tax that is collected throughout the River Parishes.
POSITION SUMMARY
The River Parishes Convention, Tourist, and Visitors Commission is seeking an Executive Director who shall be responsible for carrying out the policies adopted by the Commission and for the administration, direction, management, and supervision of all staff, initiatives, projects, and programs for the Commission.
This position requires organizational leadership, knowledge of tourism, marketing, and general accounting and contracting practices. In addition, strong communication skills and a willingness to work a flexible schedule which will include evenings, weekends and travel when required.
This is a contract position with an initial term of one year with (2) one year renewal options.
Compensation package includes:
- Annual salary of $ 100,000
- Dental, Health, and Vision insurance coverages
- Vacation and Sick Leave
DIRECT REPORT: This position reports directly to the Commission Chairperson
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Working knowledge and understanding of Louisiana Open Meetings Law, Robert’s Rules of Orderand La. R.S. 33:4574.12 – River Parishes Convention, Tourist, and Visitors District; commission.
- Possess effective oral and written communication skills.
- Lead, facilitate, and collaborate on key industry and organizational initiatives (product development opportunities, key partnerships and business relationships, multicultural developments, regional/destination branding and campaign development, etc.).
- Establishes and maintains ongoing effective communication and relationships with state and local government leaders, business leaders, travel trade professionals, and with state, regional, national and international industry leaders.
- Guides strategic plan development and updates with staff, key stakeholders, and Commissioners
- Hire and directly manage, coach, and develop the Commission staff.
- Develop and maintain effective organizational policies and ensure all Tourist Commission activities are implemented in full compliance relevant state laws, applicable ethics rules, and the established policies and guidelines adopted by the Commission.
- Advise the Commission Chairperson, Commissioners and/or committees as designated.
- Must possess computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks accounting software or similar, database management.
- Must possess a knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and knowledge regarding financial reporting formats, including annual audit.
- Prepare annual budget that supports these activities and present to the Commissioners for approval.
- Must be physically able to withstand the demands of travel, including the movement of equipment, supplies, and materials in association with conferences, exhibits, trade shows, tours and special events.
IDEAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or equivalent work-related experience.
- At least five years of experience in marketing, tourism, organizational leadership/management, public relations or other closely related fields, inclusive of internship/fellowship.
- Board governance and management experience highly desirable.
- Experience with strategic destination development.
- Experience working with boards and developing strong, meaningful relationships with multiple stakeholder groups including, Parish and City Councils, parish and city administration, hoteliers and others.
- Experience in developing and implementing successful regional partnership programs and initiatives.
- Strong business insight – demonstrated success growing an organization.
- Understanding of economic development and the impact on communities.
- Able and willing to make tough decisions.
- Ability to demonstrate successful development and execution of strategic sales and marketing plans.
- Demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills.
- Maintain a commitment to professionalism, excellence and integrity.
- Demonstrate ability to supervise, recruit, train and develop staff.
IDEAL CHARACTERISTICS
Strong Communicator
Collaborative
Visionary
Politically savvy
Motivational
Culturally sensitive
Relationship builder
Charismatic and Likeable
Diplomatic
Creative
Consensus builder
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) from an accredited four-year college or university.
Five (5) years of experience in marketing, tourism, organizational leadership/management, public relations and/or other closely related fields or job types.
KEY PRIORITIES FOR THE FIRST 6 – 12 MONTHS
- Listening and introduction tour – Begin to develop strong and meaningful relationships with all
stakeholders/constituents and maintain effective on-going communication. Constituents include but are not limited to customers, staff, board, industry leaders, business leaders, city, county and state elected officials, other partners and vendors.
- Assess the current budget and explore opportunities for alternative long-term funding.
- With the board, begin to create a new strategic plan (both short and long term) and implement a strategy complete with metrics and accountability.
- Assess the operation of the organization including but not limited to current programs, fiscal health, staffing levels and identified goals, objectives, and/or priorities.
HOW TO APPLY
Cover letter and resume must be received no later than 5:00 pm (CST) Friday, July 31, 2026, via e-mail to Garrett@lariverparishes.com; kgreen@stjohnda.com; and kschmill@stjohnda.com
The subject line of the e-mail should read, “2026 Executive Director Candidate”
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Discover Exciting Ways to Explore
Make planning your next vacation to Louisiana's River Parishes easy. Use one of our trip itineraries to get started.
START BOOKING. FIND THE RESOURCES YOU NEED.

New Orleans PLANTATIONS Country
Explore the 10 historic estates in the River Parishes of Louisiana and discover the stories rooted in their past.

New Orleans SWAMP Country
Create memories learning the folklore of our swamps and viewing gators in their natural habitat.

ANDOUILLE Trail
Andouille was created here, so get out and try the local smokehouses that each have their own version of the "best".

OUTDOOR RECREATION
The region out here is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and find adventure.

Lac Des Allemands
Famous for catfish, Lac Des Allemands is a haven for outdoor sportsmen.

PERIQUE
Enjoyed around the world, Perique can only be grown and processed out here.

CAJUN & CREOLE CUISINE
Cajun and Creole cuisine are as necessary to our culture as the people who make it.

TRANSPORTATION
Tour buses, shuttles and local airports are all transportation options for the River Parishes.

STAY OUT HERE
Louisiana's River Parishes offers a wide range of lodging options from rustic and quaint to upscale and luxurious.
