The Tourism & Events Coordinator promotes Fort Scott as a premier destination for tourism, recreation, entertainment, and community events. This role plans, coordinates, markets, and evaluates City-sponsored events while collaborating with local organizations to increase visitation and economic impact. The coordinator also serves as the primary marketing contact for the Bourbon County Rodeo Arena, developing marketing plans and recruiting western events. Additionally, the position manages sponsorships, budgets, and community engagement efforts.

Responsibilities

Promote Fort Scott as a destination for heritage tourism, outdoor recreation, entertainment, and special events.
Develop and implement tourism marketing strategies.
Coordinate with the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Bourbon County organizations, regional, and state tourism agencies.
Assist with visitor information and tourism inquiries.
Maintain current tourism materials, brochures, maps, and promotional information.
Represent the City at tourism conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
Travel is a requirement of the position.
Plan, organize, and manage City-sponsored events including:
Independence Day Celebration
Summer Jam
Luau
Community celebrations
Entertainment
Vendors
Food trucks
Sponsors
Volunteers
Public safety
Street closures
Equipment rentals
Develop event timelines and operational plans.
Ensure events are safe, organized, and financially responsible.
Manage event advertising through:
Social media
Website
Print materials
Radio
Television
Digital marketing
Coordinate photography and videography for promotional purposes.
Prepare press releases and media communications.
Maintain City event calendars.
Develop and implement an annual marketing plan to attract regional, state, and national rodeos, livestock shows, equestrian competitions, agricultural expos, and western lifestyle events.
Work closely with the Fort Scott Community College Rodeo Team, Bourbon County Fair Board, Kansas Pro Rodeo Association, PRCA, IPRA, NHSRA, and other rodeo organizations to recruit events to Fort Scott.
Promote Fort Scott as a premier rodeo and western heritage destination through print, digital, social media, tourism publications, and targeted advertising campaigns.
Coordinate sponsorships and advertising opportunities for rodeo events and arena facilities.
Assist in securing concerts, trade shows, livestock exhibitions, agricultural clinics, barrel racing, team roping, bull riding, and other arena-related events.
Develop visitor packages with local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and attractions to encourage overnight stays and increase visitor spending.
Coordinate with regional tourism organizations to market Fort Scott as a destination for western sports tourism.
Collect and analyze attendance, hotel occupancy, sales tax, and economic impact data associated with rodeo and arena events.
Assist with scheduling, vendor coordination, volunteer recruitment, media relations, and event logistics for rodeo productions.
Build relationships with sponsors, stock contractors, event promoters, agricultural organizations, and western industry partners to expand year-round programming.
Maintain the arena's event calendar and coordinate promotional efforts to maximize facility utilization and community economic benefit.
Recruit and manage event sponsors.
Develop sponsorship packages and recognition opportunities.
Build relationships with:
Local businesses
Civic organizations
Non-profits
Schools
Fort Scott Community College
Tourism organizations
Seek grants and funding opportunities to support tourism initiatives and community events.
Develop and monitor event budgets.
Process invoices and event-related expenditures.
Track sponsorship revenue and event expenses.
Prepare reports measuring attendance, visitor spending, hotel occupancy, and economic impact.
Maintain event records and post-event evaluations.
Attend community meetings and represent the City.
Encourage citizen involvement in community events.
Assist with beautification and placemaking initiatives that enhance visitor experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Tourism, Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Recreation, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Two to five years of experience in tourism, event management, marketing, or community development preferred.
Valid Kansas Driver's License.

Nice to have

Tourism promotion
Festival and concert planning
Sponsorship development
Grant writing
Social media marketing
Public relations
Community engagement
Economic development initiatives