Indigenous Tourism Specialist Job Posting – Thompson Okanagan
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Indigenous Tourism BC are seeking a full-time, permanent Indigenous Tourism Specialist, to be based in Kelowna, BC with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association team.
Those interested can apply by sending a resume and cover letter directly to [email protected].
About the Indigenous Tourism Regional Specialists
There are more than 200 Indigenous communities across British Columbia, each with unique opportunities and resources to participate in the growing Indigenous tourism industry.
Through the Indigenous Tourism Specialist positions, in partnership with regional Destination Marketing Organizations, Indigenous Tourism BC connects these diverse communities to tourism development opportunities based on current regional strategies. Our goal is to support the advancement of Indigenous tourism by providing responsive and respectful region-specific support, engagement and information.
The role of the Indigenous Tourism Specialist is to connect emerging entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and interested communities to development and planning opportunities, programming, and resources that will support Indigenous tourism business to the next level.
We are grateful for funding from Destination BC and Western Economic Diversification to support this work.
About the Position
The Thompson Okanagan Indigenous Tourism Specialist reports directly to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Vice President of Destination & Industry Development, and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association President & CEO.
Purpose
Working as part of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association team and in partnership with Indigenous Tourism British Columbia to assist Indigenous communities in the Thompson Okanagan region to develop and support indigenous tourism development and to promote the indigenous experiences and products of the region.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
- Represent Indigenous Tourism BC and Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association within the Thompson Okanagan Region as the Indigenous Tourism Specialist
- Work towards the continued development and strengthening of key relationships to foster Indigenous tourism.
- Promote awareness and connectivity to tourism Stakeholders, policy makers and organizations to understand the value of Indigenous culture tourism and subsequently create new market demand for collaborative Indigenous tourism experiences.
- Promote awareness and connectivity to Indigenous tourism Stakeholders, policy makers, leaders and organizations to understand the value of non-Indigenous tourism and subsequently create new market demand for collaborative tourism experiences.
- Update and implement the Thompson Okanagan Regional Tourism Strategy, and as directed, the Indigenous Tourism 5-year plan Pulling Together and ITBC Annual Tourism Action Plan ensuring alignment with national, provincial, and regional strategic plans.
- Implement on the priority projects as outlined in the Regional Destination Development Strategies.
- Assist Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Indigenous Tourism BC in the acquisition of Indigenous tourism content for marketing, communication and social media activities.
- Support the development of Statement of Cooperation agreements as first step to building prosperous and respectful relationships that supports the development of Indigenous authentic experiences and products.
- Provide assistance to Thompson Okanagan Indigenous Stakeholders to become market-ready through accessing various Training and Product Development programs.
- Create ways to build the relationship and partnerships with existing market-ready and export-ready Indigenous businesses with the Thompson Okanagan region to Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Indigenous Tourism BC teams to develop and grow the tourism destination.
- Oversee and assume the role as project management lead of the IArT Artisan pilot project on behalf of Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.
- Following protocol, strengthening relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities and businesses in the region, representing Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Indigenous Tourism BC at community meetings and events with Indigenous leadership, community members and businesses.
- Participate as a Program Advisor in the Tourism Resiliency and Recovery Initiative and other projects as assigned.
Relationships & Supervision
- Represents the standards and work ethic established by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and communicates directly with immediate supervisor for direction, methodology and reporting as part of a team.
Key Performance Indicators
- Adheres to standards and successfully meets targets and deadlines
- Timely and professional communications with employees and Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association team members
- Accurate time management tracking and reporting
- Flexibility with work tasks
Job Requirements
Must have experience with Indigenous communities in the Okanagan area
- In depth knowledge and experience with Indigenous protocols and cultural practices
- Knowledge of the Thompson Okanagan region and it’s tourism experiences
- Previous experience as community liaison
- Previous Retail experience
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Background and knowledge of POS systems
- Strong leadership and customer management abilities
- Experience and willingness to learn video as a tool for marketing and communication
- Proficient in using the Google and Microsoft Office Suites
- Highly organized and motivated
