Explore Boone (WCTDA)
Position Description:
This position will oversee the tourism development authority’s sports tourism initiatives including selling Boone & Watauga County as a host site for various sporting events, tournaments, training, exhibitions, etc.
Sports Tourism:
• This role is responsible for recruiting, supporting, and retaining sporting events that drive overnight visitation, generate economic impact, and enhance the overall visitor experience.
• Through strategic sales efforts, community collaboration, and relationship-building with sports rights holder and event organizers, this position plays a key role in advancing Boone & Watauga County’s tourism goals and competitive standing.
• Identify and inventory all existing sports facilities, fields, etc. that are available for public use.
• Develop and execute sports tourism strategies to market Boone & Watauga County as a sports tourism destination and to service sports events that select our destination for their events.
• Identify opportunities to attract state, regional, national, and international sports events.
• Engage with all levels of sports organizations, businesses, and community groups including Appalachian State University Athletics, Watauga County Parks & Recreation, Watauga County Schools.
• Advocate the benefits of sports tourism to community leaders and stakeholders.
• Develop a volunteer pool to help support major sporting events in the Boone area.
• Engage and collaborate with state and national sports tourism organizations.
• Analyze data platforms to document economic impact of events hosted in Boone and
the Boone area.
Required skills:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management/Marketing, Tourism Management, Hospitality, Business, or related fields
• Previous experience in sports and/or event sales & coordination, community engagement, or tourism development
• Strong project management, relationship building, and data analysis skills.
• Ability to lead and coordinate with diverse community stakeholders
• Ability to market and sell a destination
• Ability to recruit, organize and lead volunteers
• Excellent public speaking and negotiation skills
Reports to: Watauga County TDA’s Executive Director
Salary & Benefits: This is a full-time salaried in-person position located in downtown Boone, NC. Benefits include employee health and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave time, retirement plan, and paid holidays.
How to Apply: Please submit a current resume and cover letter via email to tda@exploreboone.com
Position Description:
This position will oversee the tourism development authority’s destination development projects as outlined in the Imagine Watauga Plan and oversee the TDA’s tourism infrastructure initiatives/projects.
Destination Development:
• The Destination Development Director is responsible for improving and managing tourism infrastructure to attract visitors and benefit the local community.
• Responsible for overseeing destination development projects in Boone and Watauga County including, but not limited to projects outlines in the “Imagine Watauga Plan.”
• Responsible for reviewing the condition of TDA funded tourism infrastructure projects and making recommendations for repairs, upgrades, or expansion of facilities, trails, signage, etc.
• Responsible for strategic growth plans and responsible tourism strategies to help ensure our destination is competitive and sustainable.
• Oversee and monitor destination wayfinding signage.
• Act as a liaison between the TDA, tourism partners, and entities like the Blue Ridge Conservancy and Boone Area Cyclists.
• Oversee and monitor third-party contractors and consultants as needed.
• Seek and apply for grant funding, which includes grant writing and grant management.
• Sustainability Focused – Balancing economic tourism benefits with environmental and community needs.
Required skills:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management, Hospitality, Business, or related fields
• Previous experience in destination development, community engagement, or tourism development.
• Strong project management, relationship building, and data analysis skills.
• Ability to lead and coordinate with diverse community stakeholders
• Ability to market and promote a project.
• Excellent public speaking and negotiation skills
Reports to: Watauga County TDA’s Executive Director
Salary & Benefits: This is a full-time salaried in-person position located in downtown Boone, NC. Benefits include employee health and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave time, retirement plan, and paid holidays.
How to Apply: Please submit a current resume and cover letter via email to tda@exploreboone.com